Inside the Bat Cave: How CCTV Is Supporting Liverpool Hope University Wildlife Research
They Found What?
When Liverpool Hope University discovered some guests living on the university grounds, they recognised that the opportunity to observe and study these little critters couldn’t be missed. In the UK, over 18 species of bats are now protected, sadly due to declining numbers from habitat loss, reduced insects as a food source, and roost destruction.
Crucial for Biodiversity
Bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Notoriously slow to reproduce, female bats on average give birth to one pup per year, which makes it even more important that the species is protected to slow the decline in numbers. What else do we know about our furry friends? They are crucial to maintaining a biodiverse environment and work whilst we sleep, using clever echolocation techniques. Bats help local agriculture by keeping pest numbers down, assisting with pollination, and seed dispersal.
The Challenge
Bats are incredibly sensitive to any changes in environmental conditions, sound, and lighting. In order to observe and study the newly discovered bat colony, the correct measures had to be followed so as not to interrupt or disturb the roost.
The Solution
Green Monkey AV, chose to install the Hikvision Pro Series camera. The camera has 4MP high-resolution imaging, 32x optical zoom, and infrared illumination up to distances of 200 meters away. It is IP-rated and weatherproof, which was perfect for the damp conditions.
Using this product made it possible to capture detailed footage even in complete darkness. The product benefits from AcuSense Technology, which helps researchers focus on genuine movements from the bats and filters out environmental disturbances or false notifications. The research team can monitor the bats in complete darkness, zoom in for close observation, and review footage remotely without disturbing this sensitive habitat.
“It’s not who we are underneath, but what we install that defines us.” — with apologies to Batman.
Here at Green Monkey, we can tailor each project to your individual needs and recommend and install high-quality equipment. Give us a call today to get your free quotation.