News and research highlights from the group "Acoustic and Functional Ecology"

Species-specific escape strategies of moths make hunting difficult for bats more

In order to recognize spatial structures, bat echolocation uses similar cues as our sense of sight more

Bats do not only use the information of their echolocation calls for foraging but may also simultaneously analyse acoustic signals from their potential prey. Researchers of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen found that Greater Horseshoe bats use such combined acoustic stimuli to considerably extend the limited reach of their echolocation calls. more

In the evolutionary arms race between bats and their insect prey, some moths have developed ears to detect echolocating bats and avoid being caught. Conversely, barbastelle bats are known to counter moth hearing by using quiet, 'stealthy' calls to search for prey in the dark. Recording the hunting behaviour of this intriguing species, researchers have now found that barbastelle bats sneak up on unsuspecting moths by gradually emitting even fainter calls as they come closer. more

Bats adapt their echolocation calls to noise more

Friendly information signs reduce vandalism on scientific equipment more