Bat Surveys
Bat Survey Services
As white-nose syndrome continues to impact bat populations, an increasing number of species are facing federal designation as threatened or endangered. BioSurvey Group’s team of biologists is well-equipped to address your project’s bat conservation requirements, offering comprehensive bat surveys and habitat assessments.
Comprehensive Survey Methods
Our bat survey expertise spans various methods including:
- Mist-net and harp trap captures
- Radio-transmitter tracking
- Acoustic detection and analysis
- Manual vetting for the echolocation calls of threatened and endangered species
Specialized Habitat Assessments
We conduct thorough evaluations including:
- Karst topography surveys
- Roost tree assessments
- Bridge surveys
- Emergence surveys
Extensive Geographic Experience
Our federally permitted bat biologists have extensive experience across diverse habitats east of the Mississippi River ranging from rugged mountains to agricultural plains. Equipped with knowledge, experience, and skills, we can assess bat species’ land use on linear or non-linear projects.
Regulatory Compliance
Our team is dedicated to providing efficient and accurate Endangered Species Act compliance, as well as addressing general species inventory requirements. We work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure your project meets all necessary environmental standards.
What We Provide:
Mist-Netting Surveys
Our bat biologists have over a decade of capture experience with bat species across the eastern and central US. From choosing the best net sites to releasing radio-transmitter threatened and endangered species unharmed, we are thoroughly proficient at the entire mist-netting process.
Comprehensive Capture Expertise
- Strategic Site Selection – Expert identification of high-activity flight corridors and foraging areas
- Safe Handling Protocols – Specialized techniques to minimize stress during capture and examination
- Radio-Transmitter Application – Precise attachment methods for threatened and endangered species
- Efficient Data Collection – Rapid species identification, morphometric measurements, and documentation
Trusted Field Performance
Our field teams regularly achieve high capture rates while maintaining strict adherence to permit conditions and animal welfare standards. We understand the critical timing windows for different species and regions to maximize survey effectiveness.
Professional Qualifications
All capture work is conducted by biologists holding appropriate federal and state permits for handling protected bat species. Our team maintains current knowledge of evolving protocols and best practices in bat research methodologies.
Acoustic Bat Surveys and Analysis
BioSurvey Group biologists have the equipment and expertise to collect, analyze, and manually verify acoustic bat call data for threatened and endangered bat presence/absence surveys across the eastern US. Our biologists have worked with multiple detector types and analysis software over the years as USFWS protocols have evolved.
Comprehensive Acoustic Services
- State-of-the-Art Equipment – Utilizing the latest approved bat detection technology
- Protocol-Compliant Deployment – Strategic placement following federal and state guidelines
- Expert Manual Verification – Skilled identification of species-specific echolocation signatures
- Thorough Data Analysis – Detailed reporting of detection frequencies and habitat usage patterns
Adaptable Methodology
Our experience with various detector systems and software platforms allows us to tailor our approach to your specific project requirements while maintaining full compliance with current USFWS protocols.
Quality Assurance
All acoustic data undergoes rigorous quality control procedures, including manual verification by biologists with specialized training in bat call identification for species of conservation concern.
Bat Roost Tracking & Assessment
Often when threatened and endangered species are captured, they need to be tracked via VHF transmitter to their day roost trees. Our biologists have experience applying, tracking, and assessing found roost trees in rugged mountains, bogs, and every environment in-between.
Comprehensive Tracking Expertise
- Skilled Transmitter Application – Gentle, stress-minimizing attachment techniques for protected species
- Effective Signal Detection – Advanced equipment and methodology to locate dispersed individuals
- Terrain Navigation – Proven tracking success across challenging landscapes
- Detailed Roost Documentation – Thorough assessment of tree characteristics and habitat conditions
Diverse Habitat Experience
From steep Appalachian slopes to lowland wetlands, our tracking teams have successfully followed bat movements through virtually every ecosystem type in the eastern United States.
Roost Assessment Services
Once roost sites are identified, we provide detailed documentation including:
- Tree species identification
- Structural characteristics evaluation
- Emergence counts
- Surrounding habitat assessment
- GPS coordinates and mapping
Bridge and Culvert Bat Assessments
BioSurvey Group has conducted multiple bridge and culvert assessments for evidence of bat habitation under the new USFWS guidelines. These are often conducted for bridge repair or replacement projects that also require surveys from our aquatics and wetland departments.
Comprehensive Assessment Services
- Protocol-Compliant Inspections – Thorough evaluations following current USFWS guidelines
- Detailed Documentation – Precise recording of structure characteristics and bat evidence
- Non-Destructive Techniques – Careful examination methods to minimize disturbance
- Emergence Monitoring – Strategic evening observations to confirm active roosting
Integrated Environmental Services
Our ability to combine bridge bat assessments with aquatic and wetland surveys provides efficient, cost-effective environmental compliance for transportation infrastructure projects.
Regulatory Coordination
We work directly with state and federal agencies to ensure all assessment methods meet current requirements and that findings are properly reported for timely project approvals.
Expert Recommendations
Following assessment, we provide practical guidance for:
- Timing windows for construction activities
- Exclusion methods when appropriate
- Mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts
- Alternative roosting opportunities
Hibernaculum Assessment Services
A variety of methods can be used to determine bat habitation in a potential hibernaculum including thermal exit counts, winter internal cave surveys, and spring or fall emergence surveys using harp trapping. BioSurvey biologists have experience with all these methods and determining when best to use each technique.
Comprehensive Assessment Approaches
- Thermal Exit Monitoring – Advanced equipment to detect and count bats during evening emergence
- Winter Internal Surveys – Careful hibernating bat identification with minimal disturbance
- Harp Trap Emergence Surveys – Strategic placement during spring and fall migration periods
- Population Estimation – Accurate counting methodologies for conservation planning
Strategic Methodology Selection
Our experts carefully evaluate each site’s unique characteristics to determine the most appropriate and effective survey technique while prioritizing bat conservation and minimizing potential disturbance.
White-Nose Syndrome Protocols
All hibernaculum assessments strictly follow decontamination protocols to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome pathogens between survey locations.
Regulatory Compliance
Our hibernaculum surveys meet all federal and state requirements for environmental assessments involving potential bat winter habitat, ensuring your project maintains full compliance.
Bat Habitat Assessments
BioSurvey Group bat biologists can assess project areas for features that are indicative of good bat habitat including potential summer roost trees, karst features or mines, and manmade structures.
Comprehensive Habitat Features Analysis
- Summer Roost Identification – Expert recognition of tree species, size classes, and characteristics preferred by various bat species
- Karst Feature Evaluation – Thorough assessment of caves, sinkholes, and other limestone formations that may provide hibernation habitat
- Mine Entrance Documentation – Careful inspection of abandoned mine openings for bat usage evidence
- Structural Assessment – Detailed evaluation of bridges, buildings, and other human-made features for roosting potential
Pre-Project Planning Value
Our habitat assessments provide crucial early information to help guide project design, potentially reducing the need for extensive surveys or minimizing costly project modifications later in development.
GIS Mapping Services
We provide detailed mapping of identified habitat features to support your project planning and regulatory compliance documentation.
Conservation Recommendations
Based on our findings, we offer practical guidance for:
- Avoidance of high-value habitat areas
- Timing restrictions to minimize impacts
- Appropriate mitigation measures when impacts are unavoidable
- Habitat enhancement opportunities
Contact Us
BioSurvey Group
Physical Address
3 East Maple St.
Liberty, IN 47353
(888) 712-0566
Mailing Address
PO Box 593
Morgantown, WV 26507
(304)-810-8099
Questions? We Have Answers!
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