Did you know...
Bats are the only native mammals to New Zealand, and are capable of flying at speeds of over 60 km/h, making them one of the fastest animals in the sky!
Dr. Bat was founded by Titia Schamhart in 2022 while she was in the final stages of completing her PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Waikato, where she has focused on the behaviour and ecology of long-tailed bats (Chalinolobus tuberculatus). With a background in endangered species conservation and welfare, cultivated through experiences in the Netherlands and Spain she has worked as an independent consultant in New Zealand. Titia recently contributed to the NZ Journal of Zoology with a study on the impact of artificial light at night on urban bat behaviour.
Her research journey reflects a commitment to scientific rigor and a dedication to advancing knowledge in her field. Notably, Titia conducted a thorough bat survey in Taranaki, successfully identifying previously undiscovered long-tailed bat populations in peri-urban areas surrounding Mt. Taranaki. During her PhD research, her investigations have extended to various lighting impact studies on long-tailed bats across the central North Island of New Zealand. From peri-urban habitats in Hamilton City to rural landscapes in the Waitomo district and Pureora Forest, Titia's work provides valuable insights into the complexities of bat ecology amidst anthropogenic influences.
Titia is acknowledged by the DOC Bat Recovery Group as a skilled bat specialist, having been certified in various trapping and handling techniques for long-tailed bats. Her recent focus has been on radio tracking studies to help provide insight on the landscape usage of local bat populations and identifying roost locations.