Brief info
model species
Project PI
Collaborators
Background and Knowledge gap
The sensory basis of migratory navigation and orientation is best studied for passerine birds, thanks to the existence of a behavioural paradigm – Emlen funnels, that allow researchers to set up experiments on birds’ migratory behaviour under controlled conditions. Such a method existed for decades for birds; similar techniques were invented for butterflies and sea turtles.
In contrast to migratory birds and butterflies, our knowledge of the orientation and navigation abilities of nocturnal bats has been very limited. This was largely due to the lack of a suitable behavioural paradigm and method for studying them. However, the invention of the Circular Release Box (CRBox) for bats has provided a powerful tool to explore the sensory basis of bat orientation and navigation during migration. In our experiments, we use a modified version of the Circular Release Box (CRBox), combined with video recording and thermal imaging (see .gif below).
Our plans
The project is currently paused because of limited time and human resources. However, we plan to continue our slow but steady exploration of this largely unknown scientific area.
For more information about the orientation and navigation of bats, visit the website of Oliver Lindecke’s group.
Our discoveries
Our experimental setups
Modified version of CRBox installed inside the magnetic coils
Funding:
- Research Grant for Young Investigators, Russian Science Foundation, 2021 – 2023
Project: Alexander Pakhomov, Gleb Uyvenko, Fyodor Cellarius. Magnetoreception in mammals: the magnetic compass of migratory bats and its position in a hierarchy of compass systems.
Total fund: 48000 €/2 years
magbbb.com 