Parks and conservation areas provide a glimpse into the natural habitats of the Earth’s coolest critters. But can a proposed park actually pose a threat to those same creatures?

Dr. Lynn Robbins, Missouri State University professor of biology, aims to find out just that through two grant-funded research projects focusing on bat species in the region.

“Bats are an important component of our natural resources,” said Robbins. “Because of the large amount of insects they eat, the loss of numbers or species could have a major impact on the ecosystem. Without the proper knowledge of their requirements for reproduction and feeding, we could inadvertently have a negative impact on their populations.”

Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with SCI Engineering, Inc., Robbins will determine the presence of endangered bats, as well as their abundance and habitat.

Robbins has secured an additional grant from SCI Engineering, Inc. which will focus on a proposed site for a state park and determine whether or not site renovations, such as landscape modifications, required to turn the site into one will negatively affect the area’s bat population.

“In both projects, we will be capturing bats using special nets and recording their voice prints using ultrasound detectors,” said Robbins. “If we capture these bats, we will be placing small radio transmitters on them and tracking them to their day roosts in order to determine if these sites might be affected by human activities.”

The grant money for these projects will be used for field expenses, student stipends and supplies such as transmitters and nets, as well as travel expenses.

For more information, contact Robbins at (417) 836-5366 or LynnRobbins@MissouriState.edu.