Bats of Missouri is the third publication in Indiana State University’s series on the bats of the United States. Written by Dr. Lynn Robbins, a professor of biology at Missouri State, in conjunction with two former graduate students, Justin Boyles and John Timpone, Bats of Missouri is, according to Dr. Robbins, a “biological look at the habits and distribution of bats in Missouri.”
The book functions as a guide for the general public to identify all 16 species of bats native to Missouri. The book also contains sections on the culture and folklore of bats, as well as addressing misconceptions of bats. Biology of bats, their relationship with humans and what humans can do to help conserve bats from the myriad of threats that bats face are other issues addressed in the Bats of Missouri.
Robbins’ current research focuses on the ecology and conservation of bats, especially endangered species, like the Indiana Bat. His work studies the effects of human activities and ecological management on bat populations. Two current projects, with which he works with MSU graduate students, are forest management in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway and working with energy corporations in Northern Missouri to minimize the effects of wind turbine farms on bat populations.