Native Bats of Anza Borrego Desert: Don Endicott

In the serene backdrop of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Don Endicott's insightful presentation unveils the secretive lives of bats, drawing viewers into a world where these nocturnal creatures navigate the darkness with astonishing precision. Through an engaging narrative, Endicott introduces the audience to the fundamental aspects of bat physiology and their unparalleled echolocation abilities, often described as "seeing with sound."

The lecture begins with an overview of bats' distinguishing features, highlighting their unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in the park's diverse ecosystems. Endicott's explanation of echolocation is particularly fascinating, revealing how bats emit sound waves to navigate and hunt in complete darkness, a skill that sets them apart in the animal kingdom.

A significant portion of the presentation is dedicated to Endicott's research in Borrego Palm Canyon, where a human-caused fire in January 2020 raised concerns about the native bat populations, particularly the Western yellow bats. Using acoustic monitoring techniques, Endicott embarked on a mission to assess the post-fire status and recovery trends of these bats, providing valuable insights into their resilience and adaptability.

Endicott's methodology for the acoustic survey is thoroughly explained, demonstrating how ultrasonic bat recorders capture the high-frequency calls of bats, allowing for species identification and activity level quantification. The findings from almost two years of data collection offer a hopeful narrative of recovery and adaptation, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and conservation efforts.

The lecture serves as a compelling reminder of the critical role bats play in the ecosystem and the ongoing need to protect their habitats from threats such as urbanization, climate change, and human activities. Endicott's passion for bat conservation shines through, inspiring viewers to appreciate the intricate balance of nature within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

For those intrigued by the mysterious world of bats and the innovative research techniques used to study them, Endicott's presentation is an enlightening journey into the night, uncovering the resilience of nature's remarkable navigators.

• Bat Walk with Don Endicott

About Don Endicott

• Professional Background: Don transitioned from a career as a civilian research engineer and executive specializing in Navy Communications and Network Technologies in San Diego to a passionate volunteer naturalist.
• Certifications and Training: He is a Certified Interpretive Guide, accredited by the National Association of Interpretation, with his foundational training conducted in the diverse landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

• Volunteer Roles and Contributions:
• Serves as a Volunteer Naturalist, Archaeology Technician, and Archaeology Site Steward within the Colorado Desert District under California State Parks.
• Acts as a Trail Guide at Mission Trails Regional Park and engages in public education initiatives at the San Diego Natural History Museum and with the San Diego Humane Society as part of the Project Wildlife’s “Bat Team”.

• Educational Outreach: Don is known for his engaging multi-media talks on various subjects including Bats, Mountain Lions, and Peregrine Falcons, shared across regional platforms.

• Research and Conservation Efforts:
• Contributes to the understanding of bat echolocation through his recordings, supporting both the San Diego Natural History Museum and Wildlife Acoustics.
• Participates in herpetofauna surveys at Cabrillo National Monument and is involved in monitoring nesting Peregrine Falcons for national conservation agencies.

• Publications and Recognitions:
• Co-authored "50 Best Short Hikes San Diego" with Jerry Schad, published by Wilderness Press in 2018.
• Honored as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s Volunteer Naturalist of the Year in 2018 and recipient of the Anza-Borrego Foundation’s ABF Achievement Award in 2015.

Don Endicott’s journey from a communications expert to a dedicated advocate for natural history underscores his deep commitment to environmental education and conservation.

Don Endicott on Youtube

For those captivated by Don Endicott's insightful work on bats and natural history, following his YouTube channel is a great way to stay updated with his latest research, talks, and naturalist adventures. His channel provides a wealth of information and engaging content that further explores the fascinating world of bats among other topics. You can subscribe and watch his videos at Don Endicott's YouTube Channel.