Bats are often misunderstood and underappreciated creatures, but they play crucial roles in ecosystems worldwide. As nocturnal beings, they navigate the darkness with impressive precision; relying heavily on echolocation to hunt for insects and navigate their surroundings.
For conservationists striving to protect these essential creatures, understanding their habits and habitats is very important. This is why infrared lights are so widely used alongside night vision cameras; to covertly record the habits of bats in a non-intrusive way.
Infrared Technology for Bat Surveying
Infrared (IR) lights emit light in the infrared spectrum, which is invisible to the human eye but detectable by night vision cameras. Conservationists use IR lights in bat surveying to illuminate nocturnal habitats without disturbing the bats. This method allows researchers to observe bat activity in real-time and capture high-quality footage for analysis.
We have been supplying the Night Master NM1 CL IR illuminator for bat surveying, as well thermal imaging equipment, with the Pixfra Arc being the model of choice for Bat Surveying and Bird Watching.
How the NM1 CL IR Light Aids Bat Surveying:
- Non-invasive Monitoring: The NM1 CL with IR LED enables researchers to observe bats without causing disruption to their natural behaviours or habitats, which minimises stress and bias in data collection. The rotary dial of the CL’s tail switch provides quick brightness control, from 5% to 100%. This allows you to select the correct amount of light for any environment. Add to that the focusable beam, which can be adjusted from a long-range spotlight to a flood light, and you have a very versatile IR illuminator.
- Enhanced Visibility: By illuminating nocturnal environments, the NM1 CL with the 850NM LED, enhances visibility for night vision cameras, capturing detailed footage of bat activity even in low-light and complete darkness. The 850NM LED works best with the frequency of digital cameras to provide clarity without interference.
- Long-range Observation: The NM1 CL infrared light is fully adjustable, this means it can illuminate large areas either at close range or far away, thanks to its focusable beam and brightness control. The beam angle can easily be adjusted by twisting the rear section of the light, enabling you to illuminate the desired area – a tighter beam will provide long-range illumination.
- Cost-effective Solution: Compared to other survey methods, such as traditional spotlighting or manual observations, IR lights such as the NM1 CL offer a cost-effective and efficient means of bat surveying, reducing the need for extensive fieldwork. The NM1 CL IR is priced at only £129.95, which includes a battery, charger and 3-year warranty, supported within the UK.
- Versatility: The NM1 CL IR light is a compact unit that can be deployed in various settings, including caves, forests, and urban areas, making it very adaptable for studying different bat species and habitats. The NM1 CL features a rear warning light (which can be deactivated if required) that reminds you that the infrared light is active, because with infrared beams being invisible it’s easy to forget the light is switched on. Plus, the 18650 battery is removable and rechargeable.
Why Bat Surveying Matters
Bats are vital components of ecosystems, providing valuable services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. However, they face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease. Effective conservation efforts require accurate data on bat populations, distribution, and behaviour. Traditional survey methods, such as visual observations and acoustic monitoring, have limitations, particularly in low-light conditions or dense vegetation.
Have a question?
Contact us on info@nightmaster.co.uk or call 01535 611688 to speak with a member of our helpful team based in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.