New way of monitoring bats trialed

Credit: ITV Channel

A new way of monitoring bats is being piloted in Jersey.

Traditionally, expensive equipment has been driven around at night, listening to their calls.

But now cheaper and smaller boxes are being placed across the island to give a more accurate picture on bat population.

The box is placed around different locations across the island Credit: ITV Channel

The waterproof box houses a small microphone that detects the soundwaves of bats.

The aim for the surveys is to give the authorities a better understanding of how bats are using habitats across Jersey.

The boxes can be placed almost anywhere Credit: ITV Channel

24 volunteers are now collecting bat recordings from 60 different sites.

The shape, size and species of bats can be told just from their calls.

If the pilot is successful, it is hoped this new method will give a clearer picture of the bat population in Jersey.