Detection, Tracking, and Censusing
Censusing natural populations of bats is important for understanding the ecological and economic impact of these animals on terrestrial ecosystems. Colonies of Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) are of particular interest because they represent some of the largest aggregations of mammals known to mankind. It is challenging to census these bats accurately, since they emerge in large numbers at night from their day-time roosting sites. We have used infrared thermal cameras to record Brazilian free-tailed bats in California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Texas. We have developed an automated image analysis system that detects, tracks, and counts the emerging bats.
Research Team
Faculty
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Margrit Betke | Cutler Cleveland | Thomas Kunz | Stan Sclaroff |
- Thomas G. Hallam, University of Tennessee
- Nicholas C. Makris, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Gary F. McCracken, University of Tennessee
- John K. Westbrook, US Department of Agriculture
Students and Postdocs
