Bats have a sophisticated audio-vocal system that allows them t
o orientate in the dark, acoustically
discriminate prey and surface structures, and identify conspeci
fics. To date, research into this area has
largely focused on bat echoloca
tion. However, their highly soci
al nature and complex communication calls
make them a well-suited animal model for studying vocal communi
cation: several bat species have been
found to have extensive call repertoires and to exhibit a rich
palette of acoustic social interactions.
Sophisticated song and syllable formation, the ability for voca
l learning, and complex social interactions
such as turn-taking (antiphonal vocalizations) have all been ob
served. Given the importance of vocal
learning in humans for spoken language and turn-taking for ling
uistic interactions, we are investigating
these abilities in the lesser spear-nosed bat
Phyllostomus discolor.
To assess turn-taking behavior we are
evaluating vocal interactions between groups of animals in audi
o/video recordings. To verify vocal
learning, and specifically production learning, we have develop
ed a multistage training plan, in which adult
San Antonio, Texas
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bats will be trained via an ultrasonic intercom to adjust their
calls according to electronically transmitted
calls of conspecifics. Adult bats will be trained with food rew
ard to adjust the spectral and/or temporal
parameters of their calls to match playbacks of modified conspe
cific calls (assessed via spectro-temporal
analyses before and after the training period). These studies w
ill demonstrate fundamental aspects of vocal
communicative behaviour in
Phyllostomus discolor
, including behaviors that may ultimately be relevant
for our understanding of the evol
ution of spoken language in hu
mans.