Description: The project aimed to describe new bat species, with a specific focus on the acoustic types Chiroptera sp1 and Chiroptera sp2. Significant progress was made in achieving several results. Acoustic surveys conducted across various sites on La Réunion Island led to an improved understanding of the distribution of Chiroptera sp1 acoustic type, with a total of 328 confirmed contacts detected across 24 locations. Despite targeted captures in areas with Chiroptera sp1 acoustic detection, capturing bats emitting Chiroptera sp1 or sp2 acoustics remained unachieved due to challenges in detection and safety concerns in certain locations. However, a significant comparative analysis of acoustic emissions provided valuable insights into the acoustic differentiation of various bat taxa on the island. Awareness-raising activities were successfully carried out, reaching a detailed number of individuals, although the specific objective of describing new bat species was not met. Stakeholders such as GCOI, Parc National de La Réunion, Office National des Forêts, Université de La Réunion, SFEPM, hotels, UICN, and ARBRE played crucial roles in facilitating project activities and dissemination of information. Lessons learned emphasised the importance of rigorous selection and close supervision of interns, adaptability to weather and sanitary constraints, effective communication with stakeholders, improvement of project management processes, and streamlining reporting procedures to ensure efficient project implementation.
Duration: 14 months
