Main Trail by Maiyami-Conservation
1. Why are bats important?
A. They are really good at pest control
B. They are a keystone species
C. They impact our everyday lives
D. All of the above
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Answer: All of the above!
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The biggest reason bats are so important is their position as a keystone species, or a species on which all other species in an ecosystem depend. In essence, they hold everything together, and make it so that the ecosystem is healthy. In Florida forests and scrublands, bats play the important role of controlling the insect population. They make sure that there aren’t so many that it hurts the other animals/plants in the ecosystem, including us! Bloodsucking insects like mosquitos often carry diseases and parasites. With bats helping to keep insect populations down, fewer animals get sick, and fewer people get sick too! That’s why it is so important to conserve bats, they actually help us in more ways than one. Even though you can’t see them, they still help you in your everyday life by helping to keep you safe. Isn’t that awesome?
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2. True or False?- You can help
A. True
B. False
Answer: True! There are a lot of things you can do! Scroll down to find out!
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There are so many things that you can do from home to help bats. The most important ones are below. Generally though, the most important information comes from thoroughly researching before taking action. Make sure you look at sites that are accredited (sites ending with .org, .gov or .edu are good places to start!), and if you find a site that looks accurate, cross check it with other sources, or look for a bibliography on the page. (Including this one! Find my sources under Resources!)
Conservation Methods:
Pruning habits- leave the boots!:
Floridians, listen up! You can help stop habitat destruction by not taking the ‘boots’ (the part of the palm frond that attaches to the the tree directly) off your palm trees when pruning. Many of our native bats will roost under them during the day, and leaving them gives them a much preferred alternative to your attics and eaves!
And to highlight a bat, you’d really be helping out the Northern Yellow Bat, who is suffering from habitat loss due to pruning practices.
Putting up your own bat boxes:
Yep, if you have the ability, putting a bat box up is one of the best things you can do to help! There are 2 free plans in the Plans tab, one for a two Chamber and one for a four chamber.
Responsible visits to nature
Whether you are touring a national park, sunbathing on a beach, or running through your local park, always be mindful of the space you are visiting. Don’t contribute to habitat destruction. A great motto to remember is “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”
And this goes for any wild animal, plant, insect, bird, or otherwise. We are visitors, and just like how you wouldn’t leave your grandparents’ house filled with trash, you shouldn’t leave trash in natural spaces. Be respectful, and have fun!
Directions:
Once you finish Bat House 10, return to the Welcome Pavilion and fill out the end survey.