In this episode Richard interviews Jim Mullholland and talks about veteran trees, bats, training, virtual Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA's), research into veterinisation of trees and can we do better in looking for bats, plus so much more!

Jim observes that since the commencement of the Bat Tree Habitat Key project, our knowledge of tree roosting bats has increased dramatically. Despite this, standard tree surveys yield poor results (the probability of finding bats on a single visit may be as low as 5%). What can be done to improve prospects for bat surveyor and bats alike?

Jim shares findings from his ongoing research which aims to improve how we survey for bats in trees. Can off-the-shelf trail cameras give us the advantage we need? What information can these cameras give us? And who would win in a fight between a noctule and a grey squirrel?

Bio

Jim is an ecologist and arboriculturist, with special interest in veteran trees and bats. He runs Bats Research & Training, which was set up to help professionals to achieve a bat survey licence.

Alongside training, he is also researching how to improve tree surveys for bats and whether out is possible to create artificial bat roosts in trees.

When he is not running the business, he works for the Vincent Wildlife Trust as a senior bat conservation officer.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BatsRTS/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BatsRTS/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/batsrts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@batsintrees 

Website: https://www.batlicence.co.uk/