Monitoring trends in bat populations of the United States and territories: status of the science and recommendations for the future

摘要: Populations of bats (Order Chiroptera) are difficult to monitor. However, current recognition the importance biodiversity, their ecological and economic value as ecosystem components, vulnerabilityto declines makes monitoring trends in populations a much-needed cornerstone for future management. We report findings recommendations recent expert workshop on bat United States territories. summarize selected case reports presented by others at workshop, including reviews methods ongoing efforts monitor wide range species diverse array situations. Most involve use indices that uncalibrated relation population size, do not incorporate measures variation or detectability, discontinuous time space, sometimes lack standard protocols. This is part because complex variable natural history poses many challenges monitoring. also review principal made participants. Recommendations centered improving bats, defining objectives priorities monitoring, gaining mandates enhancing information exchange.