'Batman' wins student scholarship

New research into the echolocation, monitoring and conservation of Hamilton’s long-tailed bat species has earned Darren Le Roux the Environment Waikato and Department of Conservation jointly-sponsored Dr Stella Frances scholarship.

Mr Le Roux’s research into long-tailed bat ecology aims to use bat detectors to monitor seasonal and habitat-specific bat activity in urban areas around Hamilton. It also investigates the effects of aircraft noise on the foraging behaviour of the bats. Both purposes have implications for the conservation of bats in Hamilton and in urban areas elsewhere.

The judges noted Mr Le Roux’s work will help understand and effectively manage the Hamilton bat population.

The $5000 award was presented at the council's environment committee meeting on Wednesday 10 February. The award was established in 2005 by the two agencies as a tribute to Dr Stella Frances, a former Waikato regional councillor and DOC Conservator, who died in 2003.

Committee chair, councillor Jane Hennebry, congratulated Darren on his award. “Darren’s project has demonstrated an excellent knowledge about the critical environmental and conservation issues in New Zealand and particularly the Waikato”.

Waikato Conservation Board chairman Arthur Hinds said it was great to see a young person coming through with such enthusiasm and passion.

Speaking on behalf of the Frances family, Bill Brownell, partner of the late Dr Frances, encouraged young scientists to continue to keep questioning and exploring nature’s magic.

Mr Le Roux said it was a privilege to accept the award. He said "I hope to be a representative and steward of the environment and that my work can be a positive contribution to conservation”.