Advanced Bat Survey Techniques Training course

Transcription

1 Training course Jersey Woodland Bat Research Project Following the success of the advanced bat survey techniques training course in West Sussex in and Nottinghamshire in 2014 BatCRU will be running this course in Jersey. It will cover all aspects of advanced bat survey techniques and will be run in partnership with a research project investigating the woodland ecology of local bats run by the Jersey Bat Group. Very little is known about bat populations in Jersey as very little research has been carried out on the island. However, the Jersey Bat Group is undertaking a large multifaceted study which aims to answer some of the fundamental questions about woodland bats. 13 species of bat have been confirmed present in Jersey, but only 7 are currently known to breed in the Island; one of the most important of these being the grey long-eared bat of which Jersey is home to a significant proportion of the total UK population. The Jersey Woodland Bat Project started at the end of 2014 with the erection of bat boxes in 5 local woodlands. In 2016 the project is expanding into static acoustic monitoring, the identification and survey of potential tree roost features. Trapping, use of sonic lures and radio tracking will also be used to gather detailed information about Jersey s woodland bat populations. This course will assist the Jersey bat group with trapping and radio tracking enabling accurate species identification and roost location as well as giving participants the opportunity to gain practical experience in these and other areas. The aims of the project are to identify species of bats using woodlands, to identify whether tree roosts are being used by bats in the island, ascertain whether any of these are used as maternity roosts, and to assess the general use of woodland habitats by different species. This course is aimed at a wide range of participants, from experienced licensed bat workers and enthusiastic amateurs through to professional ecological consultants. Participants will be looking to expand their knowledge, experience and understanding of advanced bat survey techniques and how these techniques can be used to gather greater information on species autecology, species presence and knowledge of how species are using the local landscape. The course will cover a seven day and six night period from Monday 18 th July through to Sunday 24 th July 2016, with both residential and non-residential options available. The residential option includes accommodation in the Crabbe Outdoor Centre base camp in the north west of the island and all meals and packed lunches are included. The aim of the course is to train and to provide hands on experience for all participants in advanced survey techniques in addition to discussions about sourcing funding for, planning and conducting research projects whilst assisting on a landscape level bat research and radio tracking

2 project in Jersey. This information is being used to build local knowledge on the use of woodlands by bats in Jersey and to enhance the local Biodiversity Action Plan for bats. Course Content The course will be run by some of the most experienced bat workers in the UK including some of the first researchers using sonic lures for trapping bats, and who have worked on some of our rarest species. Daytime sessions Bat ecology and conservation. Advanced bat identification Identifying when advanced survey techniques are necessary. Pros and cons of different survey techniques. Selecting optimum trap locations Erecting and using mist nets Erecting and using harp traps Use of a sonic lure Radio-tagging bats and locating tree roosts. Assessing trees for bats Planning projects and licensing. Night time surveys Mist netting Harp trapping Use of sonic lures Handling and bat identification Use of night vision cameras Radio tracking tagged bats. All inclusive residential course Non-residential including lunches and evening meals (part participation may be possible) To book this course or for further details please contact: admin@batcru.org BatCRU is a registered charity No

3 Accommodation and Facilities Location The island of Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, measuring square kilometres, including reclaimed land and intertidal zone. It is situated in the English Channel about 12 nautical miles from France and 87 nautical miles south of Great Britain. It can be reached by plane from a number of locations across Great Britain and Europe, or by ferry from Weymouth, Guernsey or St Malo. Flights are operated by a selection of airlines using different airports; British Airways: Blue Islands: Aurigny: Easy Jet: Flybe: Ferries are operated by Condor Ferries: Base Camp The Queen s Silver Jubilee Activities Centre (Crabbé) is Jersey Youth Service s outdoor activity base in the heart of the St Mary countryside in the north west of Jersey. After a total revamp the camp reopened in March 2015, and provides a purpose built facility which includes a new classroom, social area and kitchen as well as improved access for disabled users. 3

4 Sleeping 6 dormitories each containing 3 bunk beds. Plus 6 additional beds in the leader s corridor. Shower and Toilet Facilities The residential block has a male and female toilet block which has three shower cubicles and two toilets. There are two urinals in the male toilets. In the staff area there are two unisex toilets and shower facilities. Kitchen Facilities Full equipped kitchen/dining area with gas cooker, 2 fridges, 1 freezer, utensils, crockery and cutlery Classroom Facilities The classroom is fitted with a touch active board and a hard of hearing loop device. There is also a PC in which you can plug in a memory stick. Parking on Site Parking for a small number of cars and minibuses is available at the top field and there is a disability unloading area alongside the residential block. Additional parking is available at the car park opposite the shooting ranges. Conditions QSJAC is part of the smoke free policy of the Youth Service and this has to be applied. No smoking is permitted in any of the buildings/tents and should be well away from all structures with no smoke drifting into any buildings. Smoking is permitted on the perimeters of the site, but all cigarette butts must be removed and disposed of. 4

5 Directions The Queen s Silver Jubilee Activities Centre (Crabbé), Le Chemin du Catel, St Mary, JE3 3 Entrance is on the left just before Jersey Pistol Club. Public Transport Liberty Bus Route 9 to Greve de Lecq from Liberation Station, St Helier or from Jersey Airport Unfortunately there is no bus which stops at the site. The closest is stop is at Greve de Lecq Barracks, just over a kilometer away at the bottom of the hill. There is a lane up the hill, however it is very steep! 5

6 Driving from the Airport: At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto L'Avenue de la Reine Elizabeth II At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto La Route de Beaumont/A12 Turn right onto Grande Route des Augerez. At the end of the road turn right onto Les Chenolles Continue onto Route de Ste Marie Turn left onto unnamed road At the end of the road turn left onto La Verte Rue Follow the road to the right onto Rue du Rondin Where the road splits take the right fork to stay on Rue du Rondin. Follow Rue du Rondin to the end of the road Turn left onto Rue de Crabbe, and then follow the road round to the left, the entrance to the Centre is on the left just after the junction of Rue de Crabbe and Chemin du Catel. Driving from the Harbour: Follow All Routes toward La Route du Port Elizabeth. Go straight over the first roundabout. At the second roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the Esplanade/A1 ramp to Airport/Ring Road Take Victoria Ave/A2 heading West. Turn right onto La Rue du Galet then left onto St Aubin's Rd/A1 which becomes La Vallée de Saint- Pierre (St Peter's Valley). At the top of the hill take a left onto Rte de la Vallée go straight across at the cross roads between the Church and pub. Turn left on to La Verte Rue and continue past the School Follow the road to the right on to Rue du Rondin, Where the road splits take the right fork to stay on Rue du Rondin. Follow Rue du Rondin to the end of the road Turn left onto Rue de Crabbe, and then follow the road round to the left, the entrance to the Centre is on the left just after the junction of Rue de Crabbe and Chemin du Catel. Where possible we will arrange transport to and from the airport, harbour, basecamp and surveys. However, this is dependent upon the time of arrival/departure and the number of participants with their own transport. Should you require more information regarding travel and transport, or to arrange collection from the airport or harbour please contact the local coordinators; Ani Binet: ani@jerseybatgirl.co.uk and Henry Glynn w.h.glynn@gmail.com 6

7 Equipment list All delegates will need: Sleeping bag Pillow These can be purchased for you locally upon request Towel Washing kit Field clothes for all weathers Footwear boots or wellies Head torch Hand torch Bat handling gloves Daypack/rucksack Alarm clock Notepad and pens Ruler/calipers Camera Bat detectors if you have one Bring any of your own equipment if you wish to use it Treats for the organisers Topics for discussion, project plans etc. 7

8 Course Tutor Profiles Daniel Whitby Daniel is the director of AEWC Ltd and founder of the Bat Conservation and Reseach Unit, a professional ecologist for over 10 years and was instrumental in the development and field trials of the Sussex autobat. Daniel has radio tagged all 17 UK species and has expert knowledge of a wide range of species notably barbastelle, Bechstein s, grey long-eared and Alcathoe. Daniel provides training and advice to many organisations including Natural England and the Bat Conservation Trust. . daniel@aewc.co.uk Tel Steve and Fiona Parker Steve and Fee are very active voluntary bat workers. They help lead the South Lancashire Bat Group and have vast experience in training, leading and organising bat surveys, walks, talks and bat care. They have worked on projects oversees including Trinidad, Thailand and Poland. Steve is a BCT Trustee where he represents bat groups. 8

9 Annika Binet Local Coordinators Ani is chair of the Jersey Bat Group, senior ecologist for Sangan Island Conservation Limited and research ecologist for Annyctalus Ecology. She has over 20 years of conservation experience working with bats, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals; including organising and leading walks, talks and surveys, reintroduction, relocation radio tracking, rescue and rehabilitation. Tel: Henry Glynn Henry is a Warden within the Natural Environment team of the States of Jersey Department of the Environment. He has been a member of the Jersey Bat Group since 2010 and is chair of the research committee. He has experience in leading and organising bat research, surveys and walks. w.h.glynn@gmail.com Tel:

10 Programme Monday 18 th July 12-1pm- arrive at site, settle in and introductions. 2pm Overview of the week, project plan 3pm Project introduction and outline, trapping methods and guideline Evening- split into teams, emergence surveys, trapping and radio-tagging and tracking Tuesday 19 th July Daytime find all bats with radio tags attached 3pm bat identification, using keys and highlighting important features of each UK species Evening split into teams, emergence surveys, trapping and radio-tagging and tracking Wednesday 20 th July Daytime find all bats with radio tags attached 3pm Infra-red camera systems emergence surveys and equipment see what you could be missing and what needs to be recorded. Evening split into teams, radio tracking, emergence surveys and trapping. Thursday 21 st July Daytime find all bats with radio tags attached 3pm Radio tagging and marking techniques Evening split into teams, radio tracking, emergence surveys and trapping. Friday 22 nd July Daytime find all bats with radio tags attached 3pm effective use of acoustic lures Evening - split into teams, radio tracking, emergence surveys and trapping. Saturday 23 rd July Daytime find all bats with radio tags attached 3pm Project planning and licensing. Evening split into teams, radio tracking, emergence surveys and trapping. Sunday 24 th July Daytime find all bats with radio tags attached 3pm final session and project summary. Group discussion on topics of your choice. 5pm BBQ Evening swarming sites Monday 25 th July vacate site by 11am. Find bats with tags on. Programmes and events may change at any time depending on weather, our radio tracking success, number of bats tagged and the species we have radio tagged. 10

11 Radio Tracking The continuous monitoring of the position and range of an individual bat 1) Radio Tracking Methods: VHF Radio (Most commonly used for bats) Satellite GPS (the future?) 2) Equipment required: Tag (transmitter) size, pulse rate, frequency, antenna VHF Receiver makes, models, use Aerials shape, size 3) Tag attachment and ethics Purpose and time of year Species, weight, size Preparation Follow up 4) Field techniques: Locating roosts Following and mapping foraging and commuting areas - on foot, by car and by plane? 5) Records and interpreting data: What to record? How to present the information Sharing information 6) Case studies: Nathusius pipistrelle Serotine bats Bechstein s 11

12 Trapping methods and acoustic lures How to catch bats and increase your capture rate 1) Equipment Harp traps design, sizes, number of banks, Mist netting sizes, designs, triple highs, canopy Hand nets poles, shapes sizes 2) Ethics, welfare and purpose Why? When? Bat welfare 3) Methods, location and choice of trap Site and study consideration Harp trap; set up and location Mist net; set up and location Combinations 4) Acoustic lures History and theory Equipment Call types and volume Ethics and welfare Harp traps and mist nets 5) Other methods Hand nets Pole traps Triple high Canopy nets Flick nets 12

13 Night vision cameras The ability to see and record bat behaviour in complete darkness 1) Technology Scopes binoculars, hunting scopes Cameras makes, models, Infra-red lights 2) Practical set up Situation roost type, distance, field of view Zoom, focus Tripods, batteries and spares 3) Advantages and disadvantages Unaltered behaviour Accurate observer tiredness/concentration, swarming, etc Non echolocating bats 4) Filming and editing Purpose survey, story, behaviour Scene Editing software 5) Case studies Lesser horseshoe counts Alcathoe tree roost Pipistrelle roost counts 13

14 1 Advanced Bat Survey Techniques Bat Identification and ecology The identification of individual species and their life histories 1) Identification keys and guides How keys work field keys and museum keys Standard measurements 2) Jersey species list 1. Pipistrellus pipistrellus common resident 2. Plectus austriacus relatively common resident 3. Pipistrellus nathusii relatively common resident 4. Pipistrellus pygmaeus relatively common resident 5. Eptesicus serotinus resident 6. Pipistrellus kuhlii resident 7. Myotis nattereri resident, no known roosts;juveniles caught in harp trap in Plecotus auritus resident 9. Nyctalus leisleri juvenile found in 2002, no known roosts 10. Myotis emarginatus roost discovered in Myotis mystacinus roost discovered in Hypsugo savii believed to be vagrant species 13. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum vagrant species, recorded twice in last 50 years Brown and grey long-eared bats (Frank Greenaway) Natterer s bat (Miranda Collett)

15 1 Advanced Bat Survey Techniques Bats and trees All UK species use trees for roosting, foraging and commuting 1) Why trees Roosting Foraging Commuting 2) Tree roost features Bat Tree Habitat Key Roost features 3) Species ecology and tree roosts Barbastellus barbastellus Nycatlus noctula Myotis bechsteinii Mytois alcathoe Others. 4) Assessment of trees From the ground binoculars, torches, features, timing Climbing Endoscopes Difficulty 5) Case studies Natterer s tree roost Noctule tree roost Daubenton s tree roost Barbastelle dawn swarming

16 1 Advanced Bat Survey Techniques Planning projects and licensing Bringing it all together and starting your project 1) Planning your project What do you need to know? How and when? Why? Collaboration 2) Licenses Proposal Training and experience References 3) Funding and equipment Funding sources Equipment buy, borrow, make 4) Recording Keeping records Reports Confidentiality Access social media, website, conference, talks etc.