Replication Data for: Detecting newly installed bat boxes: Bats’ prior familiarity with artificial roosts may play a bigger role than improved echo-reflective properties

Habitat loss in Europe significantly impacts bats, especially tree-roosting species, due to reduced availability of tree cavities. While artificial roost boxes are commonly installed for conservation, their occupancy can take years, and the mechanisms for successful roost detection by bats are unclear. This study explores enhancing roost box detectability using hollow hemispheres that reflect conspicuos echoes, hypothesizing that modified boxes would attract more bats than unmodified ones. We deployed 30 modified and 30 unmodified boxes across three forest areas in Northern Germany and monitored bat activity via light beam interruptions. Results indicated that bat activity was more influenced by prior experience with artificial roosts than by increased detectability from the hemispheres. Additionally, light beam interruptions proved more effective for monitoring bat presence than visual inspections. These findings, supported by the dataset in the repository, suggest that fostering bats' familiarity with artificial roosts may be crucial for effective conservation.