Fort Blanchard
Why do bat’s need bat boxes?
A. For vacation
B. Habitat loss
C. They don't like trees
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Answer: The answer is B.
Habitat loss:
Florida is a state that a lot of people are moving into because of the climate and various travel destinations. As more and more people move here, new buildings are built to not only provide homes, but add businesses, roads, and more. In turn, plots of land which have not been built on are now being turned into construction sites, destroying habitat not just for local bats, but many other native species as well. With less habitat, there is less of, well, everything. From food, to shelter, to everything in between, an increase of human presence in an area means a loss of resources for bats and other animals. This not only results in a reduced population of vital native species, but drives animals into human settlements as well.
In the case of bats, we can help make up for the loss of habitat through bat boxes, which gives them a place to roost and provides an alternative option to the habitat they have lost.
Image 1: Florida Everglades
Habitat loss is one of many reasons why bats need bat boxes, here are a few more:
Roosting in Buildings:
Native Floridian bats typically roost in natural areas, like tree crevices, palm frond boots, and tree hollows. When they don’t have that option, they often end up roosting in man-made structures like eaves*, bridges, and culverts. While this might not seem like a big deal, this is actually really dangerous for both them and us.
As you are probably aware, a lot of people are scared of or apprehensive about bats. There are a lot of myths and falsehoods that people hear which color their perception of these animals. As such, when they find bats on their property, they often have them removed and exterminated. Not only is this bad in the short term, but it has negative effects on the bat population and the Florida ecosystem as a whole.
Beyond that, bats can cause damage to the structures they inhabit. For example, their guano** can damage paint on houses and other structures. There is also the possibility of them carrying diseases (See Bat House 7 ), or coming into contact with pets. All of these are not only dangerous for us, but them as well.
By erecting bat boxes, we help to keep the divide between humans and wild bats, which keeps both them and us safe.
Directions:
Now, head back down to the main path and into the trees around Cabin 8. Bat House 2 is on the Southwest corner of the area around Cabin 8. From the direction of Fort Blanchard, it is Southeast just on the other side of the main path. You'll find it in a small stand of slash pines.