Alberta Bats: Recent discoveries and future prospects 

  • Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 12:00 pm â?? 1:00 pm

Presented By

  • Robert Barclay, Biological Sciences, University of Calgary

Location

  • Husky Building Conference Room A on the +30 level, 707 8th Ave SW

Background

Robert Barclay has been studying the ecology, behaviour, and conservation biology of bats (and other animals) for the past 30 years. Although he and his students have worked in study sites in Yukon, BC, Manitoba, and various other more exotic places, most of their research has been conducted in Alberta. The most recent studies have focused on habitat-selection, roosting behaviour, migration biology, and the influence of wind-energy and urbanization on bats. Robert is a professor and the Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary.

Abstract

Nine species of bats are found in Alberta. All of these are insectivorous and collectively they are the most significant consumers of nocturnally-active flying insects. Of the 9 Alberta species of bats, 3 migrate out of the province for the winter, and 6 stay and hibernate. Some of our recent research has investigated the causes and consequences of fatalities of the migratory bats at some wind-energy facilities in Alberta. The migratory behaviour of bats is poorly understood, but our results indicate that in Alberta, many individuals migrate close to the foothills, thus increasing fatality rates at turbines in that area compared to those further East. Bat fatalities far outnumber those of birds, partly because of the influence of turbine height, and partly because bats are not only struck by moving turbine blades, but also suffer barotraumas when they venture close to the blades. There are several ways to minimize fatalities of bats, and changes in operation of turbines have significantly reduced fatalities. I will also discuss the likelihood that white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease killing millions of hibernating bats in eastern North America, will reach Alberta, and what the potential consequences are.

Mark your Calendars for this Free Talk

Members and Non-Members Welcomeâ?? Bring Your Lunch!

Reminder to ASPB members attending brown bag lunches is just one of the ways you can accumulate credits for the CCP!

If you have any questions please contact Susan Patey LeDrew at mailto:Susan.PateyLeDrew@Cenovus.com.