Discover microbats near you!
It’s not too late to join the excitement of the 2023-2024 Bats in Backyards project! Following a fantastic pilot last year, citizen scientists are being called upon to help survey insect-eating bats by recording their calls over 3 to 5 days.
This collaborative effort, led by the NSW Government Saving our Species program in partnership with NSW Department of Primary Industries and Western Sydney University, aims to map the presence of threatened bat species across New South Wales.
Volunteers from Western Sydney and regional NSW are needed, whether you’re a farmer, a city dweller, or simply have a patch of outdoor space. Equipped with bat detectors, participants will uncover the high-frequency echolocation calls of bats soaring overhead.
With 34 bat species in New South Wales, including 18 threatened ones, there’s much to discover about these incredible creatures! Did you know bats can devour their own body weight in insects every night, making them invaluable allies for agriculture? Plus, participating citizen scientists will receive personalized reports detailing bat species detected, their habitats, and food sources, along with conservation recommendations.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this fascinating project from October 2023 to March 2024! Dr. Joanna Haddock, Saving our Species Senior Threatened Species Officer, expresses high hopes for the latest project after the incredible success of the pilot, where 95,000 bat calls were recorded from 100 participants.
Let’s debunk myths about bats and embrace them as vital insect controllers and conservation partners. Register your interest in the Bats in Backyards project today for an adventure in discovery and conservation!