Time-expansion and zero-crossing period meter systems present significantly different views of echolocation calls of bats

Abstract

We compared 2 bat detecting systems that use condenser microphones, 1 that performed computer analysis (Anabat6) of the output of a zero-crossing period meter (Anabat system) and the other that performed computer analysis (Canary 1.2) of the output of slowed-down (= time-expanded) recordings (Racal system). The 2 systems provided significantly different pictures of both numbers and characteristics (highest frequency, lowest frequency, and duration) of echolocation calls, whether recorded from free-flying bats in the field or from a stationary bat in the laboratory. Although the AnabatII detector was slightly more sensitive than the QMC S200 detector, the Racal system detected more echolocation calls than the Anabat system; the 19-dB difference in sensitivity was associated with a zero-crossing period meter in the Anabat system. Results suggest 2 recommendations. First, that analysis using zero-crossing period meters should not be used to describe echolocation behavior or calls of bats. Second, that studies of activity and use of habitat based on analysis using zero-crossing period meters should involve calibration against more sensitive bat-detecting systems.