Social network analysis and the study of sociality in bats

摘要: Many bat species are known for being gregarious, forming mixed- or single-sex social groups commonly referred to as colonies. The number of studies investigating sociality in bats is rapidly increasing, with ranging from basic descriptions the males and females within using network analysis. Studies taking increasingly diverse approaches data collection, analysis interpretation, leaving researchers an array perspectives on how conduct future research. These difficult synthesize, but integrated understanding pioneering works this field should help build upon what already about formulate new hypotheses. Herein we provide a review methodologies used measure interactions, relationships, structure bats. We assumptions, sources bias, strengths, limitations these methods. emphasize that while all reviewed methods well suited assessing interactions each method will impact analyses be considered carefully. encourage further use framework conceptualizing, designing, analyzing sociality. do not advocate any single methodology, continually evolving no one technique research questions. Instead, recommend several specific measures believe appropriate different types questions datasets discuss strengths popular analyses.