Microbats
Microbats are tiny insect-eating bats vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Each night, a single microbat can consume its body weight in insects including moths, beetles, and other common agricultural pests. Despite their importance, microbats are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and environmental changes that disrupt their ability to forage.
Microbats rely on echolocation – emitting high-frequency sound pulses and interpreting the echoes to “see” in the dark.
This natural sonar helps them fly, hunt, and avoid obstacles. However, large open agricultural areas with few natural features can confuse or limit their movement, making it harder for them to locate prey efficiently.
We are pioneering a world-first project to support microbat populations through targeted navigation support. Working in collaboration with University Researchers and bat experts, we’re developing “BatNavs” – smart acoustic beacons designed to guide microbats across vineyards. These devices mimic natural landscape cues and subtly steer microbats into pest-rich zones, increasing their feeding efficiency.
This project has the potential to transform vineyard pest control. By enhancing microbat activity, growers can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides leading to improved soil health, safer produce, and lower chemical runoff into waterways.
Critically, estimates suggest this approach could help save the Australian wine industry up to $50 million annually by reducing crop damage and lowering input costs. It’s a win-win: natural biodiversity protection aligned with sustainable agriculture.
By proving this technology in vineyards, we aim to scale BatNavs to other agricultural sectors. This initiative not only helps protect native microbat species but also demonstrates how innovation can align conservation and commercial success.
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