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CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Citizen Science in Action: Preliminary Observations on Bat Box Use in the Perth and Peel Regions, Western Australia
Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, Vol.108
2025
Abstract
Artificial roost structures such as bat boxes are increasingly used to support bats in urban environments, particularly where natural hollows are scarce due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Despite widespread installation across the Perth and Peel regions of Western Australia, coordinated monitoring to assess their effectiveness remains limited. This research note presents preliminary findings from an ongoing citizen science initiative aimed at understanding bat box occupancy and informing conservation efforts. Monthly monitoring at three sites, Canning River Regional Park, Paganoni Swamp, and Samphire Cove, involved visual inspections, guano recording, and acoustic surveys. Consistent occupancy was only observed at Canning River Regional Park, likely influenced by factors such as freshwater proximity, habitat connectivity, box design and age. Non-target fauna including wasps, moths, skinks, and geckos was also recorded. Notably, two deceased bats were found in one box, and a live bat showing signs consistent with metabolic bone disease was observed, raising concerns about bat health in urban environments. As climate change leads to more frequent and intense heat waves, further investigation is needed into how environmental conditions, urbanisation and bat box design together influence roost temperatures and other aspects of bat welfare. These early insights highlight the value of community-led monitoring in guiding future conservation planning.
Details
- Title
- Citizen Science in Action: Preliminary Observations on Bat Box Use in the Perth and Peel Regions, Western Australia
- Authors/Creators
- Kelly SheldrickKelly Duckworth
- Publication Details
- Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, Vol.108
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Western Australia Inc.
- Identifiers
- 991005867293107891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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