We are an ecological consultancy specialising in bat monitoring and advice. We balance scientific knowledge with technical skills – contributing to infrastructure that’s good for people, good for the environment, and future-proof.
With over a decade in the field of bat ecology, we have in-depth experience in acoustic surveying, radio-tracking, and training consultants and community groups.
Whether you are looking for support with large infrastructure projects, small community projects, or looking to advance your bat ecology skills, we can help!
Consultancy
We provide ecological support and advice for Assessment of Effects and Consenting requirements, and on-the-ground support for ecological works. With a suite of technical skills and experience in the use of technical equipment, we have the knowledge required to get your project moving.
Acoustic survey planning, collection, data analysis and interpretation of bat activity for presence/absence, tree felling, and impact assessment surveys using a range of acoustic devices.
Delivery and/or support for risk rating of vegetation for potential bat habitat assessment surveys.
Delivery, guidance and/or oversight for complete radio-tracking surveys for all roost identification, habitat utilisation and population monitoring requirements.
Ground-based support for arborist/tree climber pre-felling tree inspections and pre-works habitat de-risking.
Conservation
With extensive experience in catching and radio-tracking bats as well as instructing trainees in bat ecology, we can provide invaluable expertise and support for public and community conservation projects, working towards positive outcomes in bat habitat research and population conservation.
Guidance, support, oversight and/or delivery of radio-tracking surveys for long-term population monitoring mark/remark studies.
Training
We offer accredited courses for people wanting to upskill in bat ecology, helping you gain confidence, knowledge and skills, and become more autonomous.
With courses ranging from 2-day 'High Risk' activities to immersive capture, handling and radio-tracking courses, we can provide training for whatever your needs may be.
Training in all ‘High Risk’ activities under the Department of Conservation’s Bat Handling Competencies Authorisation scheme, including:
- Assessing roost tree use using Acoustic Bat Monitors (Competency 3.1) and assessing site-specific bat presence/absence using Acoustic Bat Monitors.
- Undertake roost watches/emergence counts (Competency 3.2)
- Vegetation risk assessment for potential bat habitat (Competency 3.3)
- Background to bat ecology and desktop methods and data management to support work related to the above competencies.
Suitable for those looking to start their journey in the bat world and anyone likely to carry out work that requires acoustic bat surveys and/or tree felling.
Note: DOC Bat Competencies 3.1 and 3.2 require 10+ real-world examples to achieve competency.
Training in mark/remark radio-tracking surveys for roost identification, habitat use assessment and population monitoring for both conservation techniques and Assessment of Effects and Consenting requirements. Work towards DOC Bat Competencies:
- Use of free standing harp traps (Competency 1.2, inclusive)
- Use of roost entrance harp traps (Competency 1.3, inclusive)
- Processing of captured bats (Competency 2.1, inclusive)
- Banding of captured bats (Competency 2.2, inclusive)
- Attaching radio transmitters to bats (Competency 2.4, inclusive)
- Some opportunity towards prerequisite 10+ real-world examples for 3.1 Acoustic surveys, 3.2 Roost watches and 3.3 Habitat assessment.
This training is a collaboration with the Department of Conservation Geraldine and happens once a year. It funds long-term population monitoring of the Kakahu and nearby bat populations and development of conservation monitoring techniques.
Suitable for those looking to expand their bat knowledge, get hands-on experience with bats, and learn about techniques and technology for monitoring bats.
Note: Many of these competencies require extensive experience and may not be achieved in one single attendance.
• Contact us to discuss your unique project.