STAR Protocols (Sep 2023)
Protocol for simulating foraging behavior strategy and dual-choice predatory sensory cue experiments in aerial-hawking bats
Abstract
Summary: The nocturnal and cryptic nature of bats makes it difficult to determine their foraging behavior and predatory sensory cues. Here, we present a protocol for determining the behavioral strategies and sensory cues of bat predation on airborne prey. We describe steps for indoor foraging behavior simulation, dual-choice acoustic playback, and visual presentation experiments. This protocol was used to study the avivorous bat, Ia io, but it can be adapted for studying other aerial-hawking bats and even other taxa.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Gong et al. (2022).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.