Lynn Robbins, professor of biology at Missouri State University, received a $43,829 grant from the National Park Service for his project, “Determine Summer Habitat Use by Indiana Bats to Inform Adaptive Management Actions at Ozark National Scenic Riverways,” a university news release said.

Robbins has been studying free flying bats using specialized ultrasonic detection equipment, called Anabat II, since 1995. This study is part of a National Park Service initiative to manage conservation areas in ways that do not harm endangered species such as the Indiana bat.

“We will attempt to capture and/or record voice prints of this species throughout the park, but more specifically in areas that they would like to use fire as a forest management tool,” Robbins said in the news release. “This research will be coupled with public education on the park so that the public is informed about the bats and the park management.”

December 2, 2008