Bats use echolocation, a series of high-pitched calls, to socialise, navigate their habitat and hunt for their prey. Most of these vocalisations are above the range of human hearing, so we require a bat detector to hear them. These devices allow us to monitor bat species by listening to their calls, observe their behaviours and feeding, and to identify species in a given area. Here we look at a selection of our bat detectors, highlighting the key points to consider when expanding your kit.
A popular, cost-effective option. This lightweight, full-spectrum recorder can be attached to your mobile device to listen to, view and record sounds while identifying the species encountered on the free app. For device compatibility, see the Wildlife Acoustics page.
- Recording format: Full spectrum
- Listening mode: Heterodyne
- Max frequency: 128kHz
- Sample rate: 256 samples per second at 16 bits
This entry-level detector has a very simple design catering to complete beginners. It allows users to listen in real time, with extended low frequency coverage which can also pick up insects and birds.
- Recording format: Heterodyne
- Max frequency: 130kHz
- Long battery life
- Manual tuning
An auto-scanning, heterodyne bat detector, the Elekon Batscanner allows for simple listening in real time. This detector features excellent audio performance with a digitally driven heterodyne converter.
- Recording format: Heterodyne
- Frequency range: 15–120kHz
- Up to 25 hours operating time
A cost-effective, frequency division detector, the Batbox Baton is simple and easy to use thanks to its auto-scanning, one-button operation. This detector also comes with BatScan software to analyse your recordings.
- Recording format: Heterodyne
- Frequency range: 20–120kHz
- Up to 30-hour battery life
Designed for transect surveys, this full-spectrum detector features a built-in GPS and a simple press-and-go design suitable for any level of experience. The Scout ensures excellent quality audio and recording, which can be analysed using the free Anabat Insight software.
- Recording format: Full spectrum
- Frequency range: 10–160 kHz
- Sampling rate: 320 ksps, 16 bit
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
For more information on how to choose the right product, see our Buyers Guides.
Recommended reading:
The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection
September 2021 | Paperback
An in-depth handbook on how to gather and analyse bat calls.
Acoustic Ecology of European Bats
June 2020 | Hardback
This unique, richly illustrated book offers an extensive reference on the acoustic identification of European bats.
