Most bats echolocate at a frequency unheard by the human ear, however, some desert species emit echolocation calls within the range of human hearing.
Spotted bats (Euderma maculatum) are an elusive and widely-distributed species throughout the semi-arid deserts of North America. Pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus) are another of Oregon's high desert bat species. These species produce unique, audible vocalizations.
Serendipitously, both the spotted bat and pallid bat are found in similar arid cliffs and canyons habitats such that both species can be effectively surveyed simultaneously.
We will be sending volunteers out to search for both the spotted and pallid bat this summer. Surveys take place just after dark in a variety of locations, from city parks to the remote desert. This is a family-friendly research project and an excellent opportunity to get to know the night sky!
Surveys take place from June 1st through September 30. There are three ways to get involved. We will have group survey events, where we meet at a campground, do a quick training, and then complete post-sunset surveys in small groups. Independent surveys are more of a choose-your-own adventure style, and volunteers can choose form hundreds of locations across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Finally, for those who spend a lot of time outside in the summer, but can't dedicate a whole night to a survey, we have opportunistic reporting. For these, you just learn how to identify bats by ear and if you happen to hear one, you fill out a quick form.
To get on our mailing list, please email sara.rose@osucascades.edu and we'll make sure you receive project announcements.
