Yuval Arzi

I am studying a new method of incorporating insectivorous bats into a Conservation Biological Control of agricultural pests. I build small water bodies around date plantations in the Arava valley, a hotspot of both bats diversity and crop damage done by insect pests. I record the ultrasonic calls of the bats and monitor one of the major date’s pest- the lesser date moth Batrachedra amydraula. My goal is to test the effectiveness of the water bodies in promoting bats activity and decreasing pest levels, as well as their effect on the bats community composition. I hope that my findings will contribute to a more eco-friendly pest management and highlight the importance of insectivorous bats conservation.