From March 23–26, 2026, we were in Bulgaria to share our experience through a training session on bat research methodologies and monitoring schemes. Training was organised as part of the Natura 2000 project Defining Specific Objectives and Measures for Protected Areas in the NATURA 2000 Network to support local research teams and strengthen their capacity for effective bat monitoring. The training was focused on defining site-specific conservation objectives and measures for areas within the Natura 2000 network.
The training took place in the Sinite Kamani Nature Park, near the city of Sliven, where we worked together with local research teams in a mountainous setting at over 1000 m above sea level.
Our visit focused on the exchange of experience and best practices, with our team contributing as external experts to support the upcoming field implementation.
Through lectures and on-site field training, we presented our approach to bat monitoring, focusing on the importance of standardised surveys, modern technologies, and the use of specialised equipment, alongside practical demonstrations of mist-net setup and site selection.
This collaboration contributes to a broader effort of defining species specific conservation objectives and measures within the Natura 2000 sites.
We are glad to support strengthening the research capacities of Bulgarian experts.
A challenging and exciting project lies ahead, and we wish our Bulgarian colleagues good luck in collecting new valuable data on bat populations.