Bat survey

Frank Lockhart, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Conservation Manager, and Tech. Sgt. Andrew McAnally, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Construction Management, uses an acoustical receiver to conduct a bat survey May 4, 2017, at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. Five acoustical receivers were placed around the base and will record the bat high frequency sound waves for three months after which the recordings will be analyzed and each bat will be identified. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sharon Ybarra)

Bat survey

Published May 19, 2017
By Frank Lockhart
14th Civil Engineer Squadron

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- In 2015, an endangered species of Indiana bat was found in Northeast Mississippi. The range of the bat would include an area extending to Hwy. 82 and includes Columbus Air Force Base.

During the 2015 annual review of the Columbus AFB Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, the US Fish and Wildlife Ecological Services Division said the base is within the range of the bat that a survey will be necessary to show its presence or absence.

There are two survey methods. One places mist nets to capture and identify the bat. The method records bat sounds and analyzes the high frequency bat sounds which are specific for each species.

The survey is being conducted by the University of Montana utilizing acoustical survey technology. The high frequency sounds emitted by bats is identifiable for each bat species.

Five acoustical receivers were placed around the base May 2, 2017, and will record the bat high frequency sound waves for three months after which the recordings will be analyzed and each bat will be identified.

Contact Frank Lockhart at 434-7958 if any damage is noted with the sensor equipment or if you have any questions.