In this project we evaluated the distribution, diversity, and activity patterns of bat communities on San Salvador Island in The Bahamas. This study is important because bat populations on the island were last studied 30 years ago. The goal of this study was to get updated information on different species previously encountered on the island, including: Erophylla sezikorni (buffy flower bat), Natalus tumidifrons (Bahamian funnel eared bat), Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat), Tadarida brasiliensis (Brazilian free-tailed bat), and Macrotus waterhousii (big eared bat). Four Audiomoth sensors were deployed in various locations around the island over a period of seven days in January 2025. Each sensor recorded data for 12 hours each day, from dusk to dawn. From these recordings, we obtained data on the presence/absence of bat species, as well as the timing of their activity. Due to the variability in bat populations from day to day, our focus was on identifying species rather than counting the exact number of individuals in any specific area. Additionally, the team collected observational data in two caves where bats were visibly present. We also evaluated the correlation between bat activity patterns and the locations of the deployed sensors.
