MuMa VR · SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION
MuMa VR: science and conservation through immersive experiences
MuMa VR connects field knowledge, cave digitisation and immersive development to communicate bat biology and conservation. Here we present the origins, content and development of MuMa Bat Cave Experience and MuMa Bats 360, two experiences with different forms of interaction and project backgrounds.
Stock photograph: Yurii Hetsko / Unsplash.
The project: document, recreate and share
MuMa Bat Cave Experience · explore and discover
An interactive exploration of digitised real caves. Users move with the controllers and consult a virtual tablet to discover eleven observation points covering five bat species, geology, rock art and other underground fauna.
Developed within ST3ER, the experience supports more sustainable tourism in caves with bat populations. The project included research and activities in tourist caves, alongside work in Spain, Slovenia and Portugal involving Antonio Moret and Laura Smit. Virtual reality communicates the importance of conserving these animals and good practice when visiting their habitats.
Indirect funding from the European Union’s COSME–SMP programme through ST3ER (grant agreement No. 101121592; MuMa subgrant 101121592ST3ERI005).
Explore ST3ER project results, studies and international collaboration →
From fieldwork to immersive experience
01 · Document and recreate
3D scanning provides a spatial base for the cave. Modelling and development turn it into a virtual environment that visitors can explore.
02 · Interpret what we see
Environmental storytelling connects the underground landscape with bat ecology and the conservation needs of their habitat.
03 · Develop the experience
Digital environments combine content with a narrative that guides exploration. The design helps visitors observe the setting and understand its relationship with bats.
04 · Share knowledge
Educational activities connect technological development with the public. Interpretation accompanies the virtual experience to explain the ecosystems represented and their conservation.
MuMa Bats 360 and the Microclimas programme
From innovation to outreach
An experience designed to make virtual reality easier to use at public events. After choosing Spanish or English and starting the experience, the content unfolds around the user, with no need to move through a virtual cave.
It grew from MuMa’s experience at events and the need for more accessible interaction. It was developed within Microclimas, with support from Diputación de Málaga and Fundación Unicaja, as part of Málaga Viva. The programme also included bat box installation and monitoring and Bat Nights in Guaro, Almargen and Pizarra.
Bring the project to your organisation or event
Visit Services to explore the available experiences, commissioning options and requirements for organising an activity or incorporating MuMa VR into your programme. We prepare proposals for wildlife parks, educational centres, museums, tourism venues and events.
Voluntary educational evaluation
Both experiences include an optional final questionnaire in Spanish and English. Results are recorded anonymously, providing participation and correct-answer indicators to evaluate the educational activity.
Tell us about your project and we will assess the most suitable experience and format for your organisation.
