About

Reporting Bat Survey Data extends the data science chapter in the 4th Edition of BCT’s Bat Survey Guidelines. Unlike the guidelines it has the R code making the analysis; which can be copied and used.

These web pages are authored by Steve Markham, Director and Data Scientist at Marquis & Lord Ltd. Throughout my 40-year career, I have specialized in developing and utilizing software applications for water management. In the last 15 years, my focus has shifted towards applying data science techniques, particularly within the R software environment, across a diverse range of projects. I have held a Natural England Roost Visitors Licence since 1997, and Survey and Research Licence Level 2; undertaking numerous commercial bat projects and voluntary bat work. Notably, I served as a Trustee of the Bat Conservation Trust from 2012 to 2021.

As a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, I emphasize the pivotal role of statistics and data in our work. Additionally, my role on the editorial board of all editions of the Bat Survey Guidelines reflects my commitment to encouraging ecologists to maximize the utility of their bat survey data. These web pages are designed to facilitate this process, making it more accessible and rewarding - its also good for bats!

This web site also introduces the iBats package1. iBats is a package with a range of functions that hopefully enhances and smooths the data science of bat data collected from bat detectors post sound identification.

Finally a special thanks to the bat workers who have put up with my incessant data talk, especially: Amanda, Anna, Kevin, Liat, Phil, Richard and Suzy. Plus Lisa who introduced me to GTD and better time management.

  1. the iBats package is held on GitHub: https://github.com/Nattereri/iBats↩︎