This August, we had the pleasure of hosting colleagues from Waardenburg Ecology here in Croatia, together with our partner Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology.
Through workshops, we discussed the history and future of bat research in Croatia, presented methods applied in current projects, and shared approaches to data analysis with a focus on renewable energy. In the field, we worked together on acoustic monitoring, mist-netting, cave surveys, and habitat reconnaissance – exploring different parts of Croatia and its diverse bat fauna. We are also grateful to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Zagreb for hosting us and supporting our growing collaboration.
This visit followed our own exchange in May, when Amalia and Stipe from Supernatural and Marta from Oikon spent four days in the Netherlands. Hosted by Waardenburg Ecology, we engaged in joint fieldwork and deepened our expertise in bat call analysis, mortality estimates at wind farms, and innovative monitoring methods such as environmental DNA (eDNA).
Both exchanges have strengthened our expertise, expanded perspectives, and laid the foundation for exciting joint projects ahead! As part of the European Renewable Energy & Wildlife Consortium (ERWC), this collaboration will continue to grow, driving forward renewable energy development while ensuring the protection of wildlife across Europe.