Reflections on the evolution of bat research

Elery Hamilton-Smith

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Doi:

https://doi.org/10.7882/FS.2011.004

Published:

2011

This paper combines personal experience with a more objective overview of bat research in Australia from 1954 to the present day and then into probable futures. It starts with a handful of virtually self-taught researchers who developed a significant ecological and behavioral understanding through systematic observation. Simple technologies such as bat banding, and Constantine traps were a great leap forward.

Today research faces a potential problem in the immense blossoming of electronic technologies that enable us to measure and record almost anything, but it may fail to genuinely increase our understanding. It may also overlook issues of respect and care for the animals who share in our research. Finally, in an era of environmental change, bats may yet provide valuable early-warning systems.

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Contents

Data & Figures

References

Other RZS NSW Publications

The Biology and Conservation of Australasian Bats

Edited by

Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7882/9780980327243

ISBN electronic:

978-0-9803272-4-3

Publication date:

2011