ChiroRivers

Bat monitoring protocol of the species in aquatic habitats, used as indicators of water and riparian forest quality.

Monitoring protocol of bats in aquatic ecosystems. It was launched experimentally in 2007, and its definitive protocol was established in 2008. It is a simple monitoring protocol, adapted from the British Waterway Survey, led by Bat Conservation Trust (UK, a long-term survey that started in mid 1990s. Through the monitoring of bat populations along the rivers, we can detect changes in the ecological quality of water and riparian forests.

Any non-expert person can do it. Nevertheless, we organise training sessions to explain the protocol. Additionally, we offer the possibility to new volunteers to join more experienced observers in the field, from whom you can get personal advices. Only one sampling per year is performed (approximately 2 hours) during June, July or August.