August 29, 2012.
I became interested in bats last fall when my ecology class assignment required me to prepare a two page fact sheet. While researching for suitable topics, I came across an article about White-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungus that was decimating millions of bats in the Eastern United States. Having little knowledge about the disease or bats in particular, I devoted a substantial amount of time locating research material and organizations that protect and advocate.
Like spiders and snakes, bats are often feared and misunderstood. Myths about bats getting tangled in hair, being blood suckers, etc. sensationalize and demonize this animal that plays a vital role in crop pollination and insect management.
Bats can be found throughout the world with the exception of the polar and extreme desert regions. There are more than 1,200 bat species with the large majority of them insect feeders. Some bats eat fruit and nectar and others, small mammals. The infamous vampire bat feeds on blood and is found only in South America.
2011-2012 was designated the Year of the Bat by the United Nations in recognition of the important role bats play in the environment along with the threats and risks impacting bat populations. For more information, check out the Year of the Bat website at http://www.yearofthebat.org/
There are numerous bat conservation organizations in the United States and one group, the Organization for Bat Conservation is located at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills. The Organization will be hosting the 2012 Great Lakes Bat Festival in Southfield on September 29th. Admission is free. http://www.batconservation.org/drupal/.
Another group, Bat Conservation International, Inc. (http://www.batcon.org/) is located in Austin Texas. This group manages the famous Bracken Cave, the world’s largest bat colony. http://www.batcon.org/index.php/get-involved/visit-a-bat-location/bracken-bat-cave/subcategory.html?layout=subcategory .
Defenders of Wildlife also has an excellent fact sheet page on its website about bats if you are looking for brief description about the bat’s natural history. http://www.defenders.org/bats/basic-facts
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