Donna Hensley is a wildlife biologist and has studied and worked with bats for more than 18 years.  Most of the work she has done has been in the field of conservation for these amazing nocturnal creatures. She has worked with several conservation organizations as well as state, federal, and international governments on designing and implementing conservation plans for bats and their habitat.

She has had the privilege of working with some of the foremost authorities on bats such as Dr. Tom Kunz, Dr. Gary McCracken, Dr. Yens Rydall, Dr. Bob Curry  and Dr. Gary Graham.  Recently she was on staff at Bat Conservation International for five years and worked closely with Dr. Merlin Tuttle on various projects including his upcoming book, Bats of North America.  Together Dr. Tuttle and Donna have done extensive research on the roosting ecology of insectivorous bats in buildings, under bridges, and in bat houses.  As a result of this research they have written a bestseller, The Bat House Builder's Handbook, that includes plans for several house designs and important information on the proper placement of a bat house according to a specific geographic location.

Donna Hensley and Swoop (a male African fruit bat)!

Donna and Swoop are available to give public programs (slide-illustrated presentation about bat ecology and conservation) for a small stipend.  If you or your organization would like to arrange a presentation, please use this e-mail link to contact Donna and make a request.  Additionally, The Bat House Builder's Handbook can be purchased for $6 (plus postage) by contacting Donna through this same e-mail address.

Her husband, Dr. John P. Buchanan, is a professor of geology at Eastern Washington University.  He shares Donna's passion for bat conservation.