2024-Feb-24
Help Identify Important Bat Roosting Habitats in Georgian Bay
Bat
s are exceptional creatures. These nocturnal creatures pollinate our crops, spread seeds, and prey on pests like mosquitos. They also possess a superpower that’s unique among mammals: flight.
The power of flight requires a highly specialized physiology and demands an enormous amount of energy so bats need to eat an enormous quantity of food and drink plenty of water. They hunt at night and can eat up to 600 insects an hour!
When bats aren’t looking for food, they’re likely resting in their roost. Roosts provide bats with a safe space where they can rest during the day away from adverse weather conditions, predators and other disturbances. It’s also where bats can socialize and raise their young. Bats can roost in a variety of places, but common roosting sites include caves, rock crevices, trees, and building structures like barns, bridges, attics. Bat boxes also make great roosting habitats for bats and can help support bat populations in areas where natural roosting sites are limited. Protecting and conserving bat roosts is essential for maintaining healthy bat populations.
Bats of Georgian Bay Community Survey
Bat ecology in Ontario is still under-researched and poorly understood. One important knowledge gap along eastern Georgian Bay is the location of roosting sites. The Shawanaga First Nation Species at Risk team is looking for help to identify important bat roosting sites around Eastern Georgian Bay. If you have you caves or have seen bats exiting structures around your home or cottage, please participate in their short survey and help with the research.
Check out the flyer here. To participate in the survey, scan the QR code on the flyer or click here. Each completed survey will be entered for a chance to win 1 of 3 prize packs and multiple submissions are encouraged.
You can read more about Ontario’s bats here.