Perspectives and Challenges for Future Research in Bat Hearing

Abstract

This chapter is intended to identify some of the major challenges that only now emerge as technically feasible when studying hearing in bats. These technical advances include all aspects of biological research, from novel genetic tools to novel recording techniques of ultrasonic audio, high-speed video, and global positioning data. Most recently, on-board and telemetric recording techniques for both ultrasound and electrode signals allow for unprecedented insight into the neuroethology of bat hearing and echolocation from awake and behaving animals engaged in a clearly defined perceptual task. Only with these new techniques will we be able to address specializations in the bat vocalization and auditory systems, from its genetic foundations to its behavioral dynamics. We hope that the current chapter is received as an ‘appetizer’ for young biologists across disciplines to focus their scientific efforts onto the fascinating topic of how it is to be a bat that has made the nocturnal air space its home.