Thesis
Building support for ‘non-charismatic’ species conservation through citizen science: bats and bioacoustics
Murdoch University
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60867/00000086
Abstract
Citizen science is increasingly recognised as a valuable approach in biodiversity monitoring, offering dual benefits of generating ecological data and engaging the public in scientific research. While citizen science has been widely adopted in the study of taxa like birds and insects, its application to bats remains comparatively limited, particularly in evaluating its social impacts. This thesis explores the role of citizen science in bat research and conservation, combining a global literature review with an applied case study in Perth, Western Australia. A systematic review of 51 peer-reviewed studies on bat citizen science published between 2014 and 2025 addressed three core questions: (1) who is conducting citizen science for bat research and where? (2) what methods are being used? and, (3) what impacts have been reported on participant engagement and scientific outcomes? Findings indicated that most studies were geographically skewed toward Europe (n=35) and North America (n=10). Acoustic monitoring was the predominant method (32 studies). Despite growing academic interest, challenges remain, including methodological inconsistencies, limited adoption in biodiversity-rich regions, and weak linkages between public engagement and conservation outcomes. This literature review was followed by an applied study assessing the social and educational impacts of citizen science bat surveys in Perth. Using active acoustic transects and a series of participant questionnaires in a Before-After survey design, the results indicated significant improvements in participants’ knowledge, connection to nature, and attitudes toward bats. Notably, the largest shifts were among those with initially neutral or negative views. Sensory experiences (i.e. hearing and seeing bats) were common reasons for engagement and learning. Together, these findings highlight the potential of bat citizen science to contribute to global and local ecological and societal goals, offering valuable insights for designing impactful programs that support conservation and public awareness of ecologically vital yet often overlooked species, such as bats.
Details
- Title
- Building support for ‘non-charismatic’ species conservation through citizen science: bats and bioacoustics
- Authors/Creators
- Kelly Sheldrick
- Contributors
- Trish Fleming (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityRochelle Steven (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Publisher
- Murdoch University
- Identifiers
- 991005872938907891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Note
- Research Master with Training (RMT) of Murdoch University
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Metrics
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