Draft #1 Bats in Peabody Hall

This topic submitted by Nicole Boyer, Nicole Brown, Megan Gilligan, Michael Hadgis, Christina Synowiec, Tara Wallach (boyernc@muohio.edu) at 10:35 AM on 10/17/02. Additions were last made on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Section: Nicholson

Natural Systems 1 Fall, 2002 -Western Program-Miami University

Nicole Boyer, Nicole Brown, Tara Wallach, Megan Gilligan, Christina Synowiec, Mike Hadgis

Introduction

The purpose of our lab is to find bats in Peabody Hall. We want to find out how many live there and observe and record their activities. Our plan is discover exactly how many bats live in Peabody and pinpoint the species that they are. In order to differentiate between each bat we intend on naming each one based on identity. We predict that there are three bats in Peabody all of the same species.
We will set up a video camera and record the activities of the bats for a twenty-four hour period. Through this observational period we hope to discover when they sleep and therefore if this specific species is nocturnal. We also hope to determine the number of bats living in Peabody as well as the species using the video footage to identify each. We will also record where they live and are most active, in relation to a map of Peabody Hall.
This research interests our group because its has an impact on our everyday life and environment. Since the bats live in the same hall as many of us we are naturally curious. It is also very intriguing that creatures such as bats, that are seldom seen because most of them are nocturnal, live in our own environment.

Relevance:

We are going to base our research tables on data that was compiled by researchers in Sao Paulo, for they observed bats that were in the surrounding areas and recorded the times of sightings and species.

Our research relates to the general well being of all residents living in and around Peabody Hall, for bats have been known to carry disease, as we found in research regarding the transmission of rabies through animals. They are also living in an environment that is not within its natural, or expected, habitat. By posting our results we hope to inform residents about the dangers of bats, and discourage them from allowing the bats to enter Peabody Hall.

Material and methods:

In order to observe the bats in Peabody, we plan to use a digital video camera for 24-hour surveillance. We plan to set up the video camera in a high location in order to observe where the bats sleep and eat and function throughout the days. By using the video camera, results will be a clear, recorded visual. By recording, looking back on the data will be very helpful in the research process and indrawing conclusions. Also, the ability to record for 24 hours is very important because it is reliable, where as the human view is not as trustworthy. It is also easier for one to record because the information is not relied upon one staying awake for long surveillance hours. This will also require the equipment needed to operate the camera and position it correctly; for example, extension cords, batteries, outlets, stands, and recording memory or tapes. We will also need flashlights in order to help recognize the bats and find our way in the dark, if the dark is necessary. Without the flashlights, it would be extremely difficult to place the camera in a perfect position and to see their surrounding habitat. Recording our observations will require pens and journals. Even though the majority of observations will be taken from the camera, it is still important to make one on one visual observation without using digital observations. Finally, the study will also require research on bats, including pictures and an understanding of bats in order to determine the species(s).
The students outside our group will not be directly involved in the study. However, most of the students live in the Peabody dorm rooms and therefore will benefit, or be frightened, by the results. Our research and results should impact the students and question how the bats influence their livelihood in Peabody dorm rooms.

Results and Data:

The main data we will be collecting during our observations of the bats will be:

1) Type of Bat Species
2) Time of Sighting
3) # Of Bats Found

Time of Sighting Number of Bats Type of Species Place of Sighting

With these three main data fields we will be able to analyze our data using tables, graphs, and charts etc.

Some main data analysis will be:

1) Line graph plotting each time a bat sighting occurs per each night of observations and for each species found.
2) Histogram of the total amount of Bats sightings broke down into different type of species
3) Table of our data analysis for each field
4) Charts that display the diversity of the Bats species found in Peabody Hall.
5) Histogram of the hours of the night, recording at which time was the most popular sighting time.

By analyzing our data with tables, charts, and graphs we will be able to come up with the best conclusion of our data. These are just some of our ideas on how to analyze our data and they are subject to change during the experiment.

Experimental Design:

Our experimental design is centered on the discovery of bats in Peabody Hall. To accomplish this study, we will set up 24-hour video cameras. The camera will aid us during the hours that neither of the group members can be present to observe. They will also benefit by showing evidence of bat activity, if any is present. Whether, physically observing the fourth floor of Peabody, or just watching the video footage, data will be recorded into a journal. We are looking for the number of bats, the type of bats, and the hours of bat activity.

This is an example of the sign we will hang in Peabody Hall for the residents to fill out when they sight bats. We will place this sign around the hall, near entrances, in the elevator, and beside the doorways to the stairwell. This way we can utilize the observations of the rest of the class, as well as other Western students and faculty.
Name & Phone Number Time of Sighting Location of Sighting

Along with the tables, a map of Peabody and the immediate area will assist us in recording where the sightings have taken place.

Results:

From interviews and observations of outside sources, we have compiled some data thust far in our lab. The first sighting was by Amy Heeter on the front porch of Peabody Hall. The bat was seen by one of the lights, around ten o'clock at night. One resident, Alex, from third floor oftens sees the bats swarming around the smoke stacks behind Peabody Hall. Jeff and Zane, also residents from the third floor, had an encounter with a bat by the front handicap door. The bat flew into Peabody while the door was opened, so they propped it open to allow the bat to leave. Three other people have sighted bats surrounding the lights outside of Peabody Hall. Rob Macgorien, from Mary Lion Hall, spotted a bat outside the chapel area.

Resources:

The Nature Conservancy made a deal with forest-products companies to save the habitats of endangered bats.
Pistorius, Alan. ÒForever ProtectedÓ. Harriowsmith County Life. March/ April 1994: Pages 28-35. October 1, 2002 .

Biologist Bruce Miller has been using an Anabat detector to identify species of bats in certain locations through their echolocation noises.
Guynup, Sharon. ÒThe Bat DetectivesÓ. Wildlife Conservation. March/ April 2000: Pages 28-35. October 1, 2002 .

Due to false tales and improper information bats are being killed off and run out of their habitats by the human population.
Toops, Connie. ÒDenizens of the DarkÓ. National Parks. March/ April 1995: Pages 32-37. October 1, 2002 .

Bats hibernate for three to four months out of the year, which makes it considered as a ÒtrueÓ hibernator.
Dahl, Christie. ÒSleeping InÓ. Wyoming Wildlife. January 1995: Pages 38-43. October 1, 2002 .

Merlin Tuttle has changed the public perception of bats from negative to positive.
Gannon, Robert. ÒBatman!Ó. Popluar Science. November 1996: Pages 52-58. October 1, 2002 .

At The Ohio State University, research has shown that computer technology can help estimate the number of bats that reside in an area by recording their calls.
Wagner, Holly. ÒResearchers Use ÔVoice RecognitionÕ Program to Count BatsÓ. The Ohio State University. October 29, 1999. The Ohio State University. October 1, 2002 .

The Ozark big-eared bat, one of the most endangered species of bats in the country, is beneficial to humans. However, humans are the biggest threat to this mammalÕs existence.
Talley, Jennel. ÒThis Bat is all EarsÓ. National Parks Volume 76. Issue 7/8 (September/ October 2002): Page 42. October 1, 2002 < http://web19.epnet.com/citation.asp?tb=1&_ug=dbs+1+ln+en%2Dus+sid+545A5EC8%2D30C7%2D40E3%2DA1EF%2DD2A6C2640F8B%40sessionmgr5+11C7&_us=bs+bats+db+1+ds+bats+dstb+ES+fh+0+hd+0+hs+0+or+Date+ri+KAAACB2B00052282+sm+ES+ss+SO+1C04&cf=1&fn=1&rn=6>.

Underground mines and caves are being renovated to accommodate the bat populations that are being forced to leave their other habitats.
Efron, Sarah. ÒBAT HOTELSÓ. Canadian Geographic Volume 122. Issue 5 (September/ October 2002): Page 31. October 1, 2002 .

Doppler radars are allowing scientists to observe the feeding habits of bats, and the locations of the feedings without having to intrude on the process.
McCraken, Gary F., Westbrook, John K. ÒBat PatrolÓ. National Geographic Volume 201. Issue 4 (April 2002): Page 114. October 1, 2002 .

On March 31, 2002, a California man died from a rabies virus transferred from a Mexican free-tailed bat.
ÒHuman Rabies-California, 2002Ó. MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report Volume 51. Issue 31 (August 2002): Page 686. October 1, 2002 < http://web19.epnet.com/citation.asp?tb=1&_ug=dbs+1+ln+en%2Dus+sid+545A5EC8%2D30C7%2D40E3%2DA1EF%2DD2A6C2640F8B%40sessionmgr5+11C7&_us=bs+Human++Rabies+db+1+ds+Human++Rabies+dstb+ES+fh+0+hd+0+hs+0+or+Date+ri+KAAACB2B00055638+sm+ES+ss+SO+62C8&fn=1&rn=1>.

Bats in the metropolitan region of S‹o Paulo have been identified with having rabies, transmitting other types of diseases, and causing overall problems for the human population.
Silva, Miriam M. S. ÒBats from the Metropolitan Region of S‹o Paulo, Southeastern BrazilÓ. Chiroptera Neotropical Volume 2. Issue 1:Pages 39-41. October 1, 2002 .

Research at the University of Arizona shows that people need to be educated about bats, otherwise they will be killed off.
Education Needs to Protect Bats. August 3, 2002. Unversity of Arizona. October 1, 2002 < http://www.newswise.com/articles/2002/8/BATS.UAZ.html>.

A general description is given of the physical characteristics, habitats, and major types of bats in North America.
Myers, Philip. Order Chiroptera. July 23, 1997. University of Michigan. October 1, 2002 .

General information is provided on the Brown Bat, eptesicus fuscus, including distinguishing physical characteristics, distribution within the U.S., habitats, reproduction, diet, and human interaction.
Sandru, Alexis. Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus). October 1, 2002 .

Details the physical characteristics of bats and their uses, as well as their reproductive and grooming behaviors
Gogolin, Katie. Chitoptera. October 1, 2002 .

ÒBat ReproductionÓ. 17 September 2002 .

Crawford, Stanton C. ÒPrisioners of DarknessÓ. Scientific Monthly Volume 42. Issue 6 (June 1936): Page 555. 18 September 2002 .

Bats, Jaguar Paw Resort. August 5, 2000. Jaguar Paw. 18 September 2002 .

More general information on bats including their range and habitats, physical descriptions, behaviors, reproduction and growth, as well as status today.
Gordon, David George. "Bat". Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. CD-ROM.
6 sects. Redmond: Microsoft, 2001.

Next Article
Previous Article
Return to the Topic Menu or the Course Syllabus.