Eighth International Bat Research Conference Held

Every three or four years, bat biologists from around the world gather to share information and learn firsthand what topics are foremost in the minds of researchers. Conservation was one of the most discussed subjects during the recent conference hosted by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, July 9-15, 1989. Bat Conservation International chaired the conservation session, which began with a keynote address on bat conservation in Australia by Dr. Les Hall of our Scientific Advisory Board. Paul Robertson and Gary Graham reported on BCI progress and goals. Gary, who is BCI’s Associate Science Director, reported on his work comparing bat and bird distributions in the Peruvian Andes.

Activities at this conference represented a significant shift toward an increased awareness of the need for bat conservation. Several important meetings on bat conservation were held and well attended in the evenings after formal conference sessions. BCI’s Scientific Advisory Board also met to discuss plans for the future. Developing countries were well represented at the conference, offering encouragement for the future of bats in those countries where the greatest bat diversity is found.