Bat Echolocation Interfering with Ultrasonic Sensors

Abstract

The collection of field data is essential to monitoring in river basins to prevent flooding in areas with intense rainfall. A network of stations equipped with ultrasonic sensors was installed in a wet basin in Northwest Spain to monitor the water surface elevation of the rivers in the area. At one of these stations during the summer months, interference and anomalies were detected, presenting a regular pattern. After ruling out other hypotheses, the frequency and intensity of the echolocation calls emitted by bats at specific time intervals was investigated. It was concluded that bat echolocation was the cause of the interference detected.