{"id":19011,"date":"2013-10-21T21:48:47","date_gmt":"2013-10-21T21:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/162.217.168.59\/?p=19011"},"modified":"2023-03-22T14:17:36","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T18:17:36","slug":"more-than-a-spooky-symbol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forests.org\/fr\/more-than-a-spooky-symbol\/","title":{"rendered":"More than a Spooky Symbol of Halloween \u2013 Special Project Underway to Save BC\u2019s At\u2010Risk Bat Population"},"content":{"rendered":"

VANCOUVER, BC and WASHINGTON, D.C.<\/strong> \u2013 Considered by experts to be one of the world\u2019s most misunderstood mammals, a major move is afoot to protect southern British Columbia\u2019s seriously at-\u00ad\u2010risk bat population. BC is home to 16 species of bats, half of which are currently listed as at-\u00ad\u2010risk due to one or more conservation concerns, including disease introduced by humans.<\/p>\n

With the assistance of a Sustainable Forestry Initiative\u00ae (SFI\u00ae) conservation grant, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is currently working to educate the public on the importance of bats, as well as document the locations and health of bat habitat, which will in turn provide better knowledge to conservationists tasked with protecting this sensitive species.<\/p>\n

\u201cBats are portrayed as dangerous pests, especially at this time of year,\u201d says Cori Lausen, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada\u2019s Bat Biologist. Lausen is working closely with the Nature Conservancy of Canada on this critical bat conservation effort. \u201cThe reality is that bats are some of our most important species. The public would be surprised to know that bats are incredibly helpful to humans. They eat large quantities of insects that are harmful to our agriculture and forestry industries and in some areas of the world they play a key role in pollination, as well as help in seed dispersal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that healthy forests need bats. They\u2019re key indicators of ecosystem health,\u201d says Andrew de Vries, SFI Vice-\u00ad\u2010President, Conservation and Indigenous Relations. \u201cThis project was an obvious choice for an SFI conversation grant as it meets our important conservation and research requirements, which are aimed at promoting biological diversity, protecting wildlife habitat and helping SFI participants manage special forest sites.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the biggest issues facing bats is White Nose Syndrome, a fungus that is causing mass bat die-\u00ad\u2010offs across North America. Human access to bat hibernation sites may spread this pathogen. Additionally, preventing human disturbance to bats during hibernation is critical. When bats are disturbed during hibernation they may abandon their sites, using important energy reserves they need to survive the winter.<\/p>\n

White Nose Syndrome was discovered in 2006. While yet to be found in BC, it\u2019s quickly spreading across North American and has virtually wiped out bat populations \u2013 more than six million bat deaths \u2013 in some areas of Eastern North America including Canada\u2019s Maritimes.<\/p>\n

The project will receive a total of $50,000 through the SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program over two years. In addition to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, partners include Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Columbia Basin, the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, and BC Timber Sales, and SFI-\u00ad\u2010certified International Forest Products Ltd.<\/p>\n

Bats are also known to take up residence in both residential and commercial buildings. Lausen says, \u201cIf you come across a colony of bats in your home or business, it\u2019s best to contact wildlife officials with this information, as we are trying to determine significant locations of roosting bats. If you\u2019d like to get involved in bat protection there are volunteer bat programs emerging in many BC communities that can use your help educating the public and advancing tolerance of these unique creatures.\u201d<\/p>\n

Get Involved with Bat Conservation<\/strong>
Learn more about bats, how to build your very own bat house, where you can get involved in community bat programs, and what to do if you ever come across bats on your property at http:\/\/www.kootenaybats.com\/.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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