Our story
“I believe that collaboration between individuals and organisations in the bat management and conservation field represents a synergistic approach capable of driving meaningful change. The purpose behind The Bat Co. Lab is fostering an engaged community of bat enthusiasts, directing focus to the most relevant topics and advancements in the field, and increasing accessibility to sources of knowledge and experience for the betterment of our collaborators and bats.”
- Mark Roper | Founding Director, Ecologist
Mark’s journey
“After 20 years specialising in freshwater and fish ecology, driven by my focus on continuous learning, I sought a new challenge and found it in bat ecology. My passion for bats comes from their rarity, and their often-overlooked but vital role in healthy ecosystems. I want to use my skills as an ecologist to make a real difference in bat conservation. I believe that true progress isn’t going to be achieved alone. It will be the result of the collective strength of a dedicated community.
That’s why The Bat Co. Lab exists. To connect, inspire and elevate those passionate about bats worldwide. Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive, accessible and resource-rich community dedicated to bat conservation and management. Through professional services, educational content and continuous learning opportunities, we bridge knowledge gaps, spark innovation, and amplify conservation efforts on a global scale.
But this is about more than protecting bat populations. It’s about igniting a movement of informed individuals working together to create lasting change. The Bat Co. Lab is where curiosity meets action. We’re here to help others discover the same fascination that led me to this field, equipping them with the tools, expertise, and connections to make a meaningful impact. In doing so, we aim to leave a lasting legacy. One that inspires future generations and continues to propel bat conservation forward for years to come.”
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Recent projects
Acoustic Bat Surveys, New Zealand & Sweden
At The Bat Co. Lab, we offer comprehensive acoustic bat surveys designed specifically for Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA). Our expert field team uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and proven data analysis techniques to identify bat species and interpret their activity patterns. We then deliver actionable insights that help you meet regulatory requirements, safeguard local biodiversity, and ensure your development project progresses responsibly.
Expert Acoustic Species Identification, New Zealand and Europe
We specialise in identifying bat species from both New Zealand and Europe using full-spectrum recordings. By combining advanced acoustic software with our deep understanding of New Zealand and European bat echolocation calls, we provide precise species identification and activity pattern analysis. Our detailed reports help ecologists, conservation groups, and industry professionals make informed decisions and contribute to effective bat management strategies.
National Bat Monitoring, Sweden
In partnership with BatLife Sweden, we work to support a nationwide network of acoustic recording stations that collect year-round data on bat activity. By tracking bat populations at fixed locations across all seasons, we help uncover how different species respond to weather and other environmental factors over time. This long-term monitoring strengthens efforts in environmental protection and helps identify important population trends for bats throughout the country.
Enhancing Bat Survey Methods in Krka National Park, Croatia
In 2025 The Bat Co. Lab is working with the Czech Academy of Sciences, Operation Wallacea and Apodemus to refine bat survey techniques in Krka National Park, Croatia - and to publish a list of the park’s resident species - currently at 24 and including the globally important Schreiber’s bent-wing bat. We’re also testing the effectiveness of acoustic lures in mist-netting, assessing their impact on capture rates, species biases, and long-term monitoring data.
Tracking Bat Migration in Kvarken Archipeligo, Finland
Since 2023, The Bat Co. Lab has been contributing to KvarkenBats, a project focussed on understanding Nathusius’ pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) migration to and from its wintering grounds. Using advanced acoustic monitoring methods and radio telemetry, we track how these bats cross between Finland and Sweden. Based at the Valsörarna Biological Station, this project is significant, with over 800 bats ringed at the site since 2013—making it Finland’s largest bat-ringing site.
Testimonials
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Sarah Wills | Department of Conservation
Mark spent a full season with our Department of Conservation team on long-tailed bats in Whirinaki Forest, near Murupara, North Island, New Zealand. He placed harp traps where they were needed at roost entrances - ran disciplined roost watches, banded under permit, and used telemetry to pinpoint day roosts efficiently. A competent, hard-working field worker, he kept clear notes and maps and was a dependable team-mate through long nights in a tight-knit crew. I fully endorse Mark for bat trapping and tracking projects.
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Dale Eastham | Fulton Hogan Ltd.
Mark helped out Fulton Hogan to provide us with monitoring and methodology relating to bats in proximity to one of our proposed quarrying sites on the East Coast of New Zealand. What I especially valued was that his support was pragmatic and well-considered; all the information we needed and nothing we didn’t – on-time and on-budget. He knows his topic because he’s ‘been there and done it’, and can back it up. Being able to communicate to all the people he interacted with on-site and in formal circumstances was appreciated and valued – I look forward to an opportunity to work with him again in the future.
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Niclas Fritzén | Valsörarna Biological Station | Finland
Mark has routinely joined our field seasons at the Valsörarna Biological Station, working on both the islands and the Vaasa mainland. He participated in planning and running harp trapping and mist netting in bat flyways and at bat roosts, he participated in banding under permit, and then tracked tagged bats—often alone—through remote forest and coastal terrain on long nights, carefully mapping foraging movements in real time and confirming day-roost locations by first light. He has been present for three field seasons in Finland, both during the breeding season and the autumn migration. I warmly recommend him for trapping and radio-tracking assignments.
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Dan Fake | Environmental Advisor | Pan Pac Forest Products Ltd
Mark carried out bat monitoring and freshwater projects for us at Pan Pac. We were impressed by his depth of knowledge, clear communication, and pragmatic, safety-conscious fieldwork. He understands how busy foresters are and tailors a low-cost, easy-to-implement approach that fits our timelines and scales across sites. His advice bridges ecological science and operational realities, delivering on-time, actionable reports and practical mitigation. This has supported better decision-making and contributed to improved biodiversity outcomes. We’re very happy to recommend him.
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Dr Morgan Hughes - Urban Bat Project
I recruited Mark in 2025 to be part of a small bat research team in a remote field site in central Croatia. We had our work cut out for us as we had to deliver a complex and time-sensitive field experiment whilst juggling teaching, field training, and ongoing monitoring at multiple bat roosting sites and commuting routes. It is a rare and surprising experience when you find someone who strikes the perfect balance of teamwork, initiative, creativity, and energy, and Mark brought all of this to the project from day one. Looking back, I don't know how I would have pulled off this project without him. I will take every opportunity to collaborate with him in the future.
Our community
At The Bat Co. Lab, we are dedicated to building and supporting a vibrant community that brings together bat enthusiasts, conservation and community groups, ecologists and consultancy clients. We believe that true change comes from a collective effort. By acting inclusively and sharing knowledge, we amplify the impact of our collaborative work in bat conservation.
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We provide expert-driven, science-based consultancy services designed to implement effective bat conservation strategies. Our collaborative approach ensures innovative, best-practice solutions that drive lasting environmental impact, tailored to your specific needs. To find out how we can support you, get in touch.
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We’re dedicated to supporting new ecologists as you embark on your careers in bat conservation. With access to mentorship, training and a wealth of educational content, we will equip you with the knowledge, skills and connections you need to grow and make a real difference. To stay up to date on our latest projects and how you can get involved, sign up to our newsletter.
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We invite seasoned bat ecologists to join our global network, where you can collaborate with fellow leaders, share insights, and amplify your impact. Together, we will advance the field and inspire the next generation of bat ecologists to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and conservation. If you are interested in finding out more, get in touch.
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Partnering with The Bat Co Lab enables conservation groups to play an active, professional role in bat conservation across Aotearoa. We support research, restoration, and long-term monitoring projects. Our tools, including our bat detectors and Bat Pack, help make survey work more efficient, accurate, and accessible. With a strong emphasis on inclusive ecology and capacity-building, we help bridge gaps between science, practice, and policy to advance the protection of New Zealand’s unique bat species. o find out how we can support you, get in touch.
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We empower community groups, from local enthusiasts, to nature clubs and bat walks, to get involved through fun and meaningful action. Our detectors, Bat Pack and user-friendly resources make it easy to run bat walks, host educational events, or contribute to citizen science. By connecting people with bats in their own backyards, we spark curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and grow a nationwide network of bat champions. To stay up to date with projects and the latest updates, sign up to our newsletter.
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The Bat Co Lab gives children and schools the chance to take part in real-world bat conservation across Aotearoa. With a focus on inclusive ecology and hands-on learning, we empower young people to engage in meaningful, data-driven projects. By connecting classrooms with conservation tools and experts, we make science fun, accessible, and impactful, sparking curiosity and growing a new generation of bat champions. Sign up to our newsletter to find out about our projects and get the latest bat updates.
Ready to take part in the world of bat detecting?
Join our NZ National
Bat Survey project!
Join a community of bat enthusiasts, conservation groups, experts and young explorers, using our high-quality detectors and Bat Pack access to monitor bat activity across New Zealand. Whether you're starting your bat ecology journey from the garden or conducting professional assessments, we provide the tools to spark curiosity and deliver meaningful, regulator-ready insights. It's an accessible, inspiring way to contribute to bat conservation. By joining you agree to sign up to our newsletter.
Our values
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We are committed to transparency, ethical practices and accountability in all aspects of our work, ensuring trust and credibility in bat conservation and management.
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Learning is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to constant growth, both as individuals and as a community, sharing the latest knowledge and approaches in the field.
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We uphold the highest standards of professionalism, providing timely, impartial and expert advice, whilst ensuring that our actions serve the well-being of the species we assess and protect.
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We believe in long-term management and transform passion into meaningful action. We work to not only preserve bats but the ecosystems they inhabit, leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations.
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We believe that true change comes from the collective effort of a community. By connecting people, sharing resources and acting inclusively, we amplify the impact of our collective work in bat conservation and management.
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We embrace flexibility, dedication and results-driven work as core components of our approach, allowing ecologists to explore and thrive in this diverse field.
