New advances in the study of group behavior in bats

Abstract

The collective behavior of organisms results in spectacular displays that have inspired scientific inquiry for centuries. Recently, rich theoretical work has complemented traditional biological observation to offer fresh insights into the function and mechanisms of animal groups. Although these theoretical studies unquestionably have advanced our understanding of the dynamics of animal groups, further progress will depend on the ability to reconcile numerical methods with empirical data from realistic, field-based studies of existing, as well as new, animal models. Fortunately, the technical challenges associated with collecting such data from large, free-ranging groups are becoming less daunting as a new generation of field-portable technologies becomes increasingly available. By combining novel analytical approaches and better integration of different data modalities, it is now possible to produce stunningly informative representations of the behavior of animal groups. Although the group dynamics of bats are as intriguing and potentially informative as those of other animal groups, until now the difficulty of access has inhibited studying how bats structure and maintain their groups. Here we present some of the first data from large colonies of free-ranging bats. Our initial investigations offer vivid glimpses into the group dynamics of these mammals and underscore the value and importance of this focus for further experimental research in the field. Such studies could not only reveal more about functional complexity in nature and further inform our understanding of animal groups but suggest principles by which we organize and might even improve our own society.