Reflections on the evolution of bat research

Elery Hamilton-Smith

doi:10.7882/FS.2011.004

Reflections on the evolution of bat research

Elery Hamilton-Smith

Science and Health

Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paper › Conference paper › peer-review

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Abstract

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.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	The Biology and Conservation of Australasian Bats
Publisher	Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales
Pages	13-19
Number of pages	7
Volume	35
ISBN (Print)	0-9803272-4-5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.7882/FS.2011.004
Publication status	Published - 2011
Event	Forum of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales - Sydney Duration: 31 Dec 2010 → 04 Jan 2011 http://publications.rzsnsw.org.au/series/frzs

Conference

Conference	Forum of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales
City	Sydney
Period	31/12/10 → 04/01/11
Internet address	http://publications.rzsnsw.org.au/series/frzs

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title = "Reflections on the evolution of bat research",

abstract = "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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author = "Elery Hamilton-Smith",

note = "Imported on 12 Apr 2017 - DigiTool details were: Journal title (773t) = Australian Zoologist. ISSNs: 0067-2238; ; Forum of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales ; Conference date: 31-12-2010 Through 04-01-2011",

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isbn = "0-9803272-4-5",

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booktitle = "The Biology and Conservation of Australasian Bats",

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N1 - Imported on 12 Apr 2017 - DigiTool details were: Journal title (773t) = Australian Zoologist. ISSNs: 0067-2238;

PY - 2011

Y1 - 2011

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - population movements

KW - banding

KW - trapping

KW - research methods in ecology

U2 - 10.7882/FS.2011.004

DO - 10.7882/FS.2011.004

M3 - Conference paper

SN - 0-9803272-4-5

VL - 35

SP - 13

EP - 19

BT - The Biology and Conservation of Australasian Bats

PB - Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales

T2 - Forum of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales

Y2 - 31 December 2010 through 4 January 2011

ER -

Reflections on the evolution of bat research

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