There are 13 native species of bats in Florida, and at least seven of them can be found here in Southwest Florida, including the federally endangered Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus). Other SWFL species include the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), northern yellow bat (Lasiurus intermedius), Seminole bat (Lasiurus seminolus), and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus).
SCCF recently completed a bat acoustic monitoring project using equipment on loan from Bat Conservation International and Zoo Miami, and we’re looking to purchase our own recording equipment to continue bat monitoring into the future!
How We Help
Acoustic Monitoring
SCCF biologists set up ultrasonic recording boxes to detect and record the unique ultrasonic vocalizations each bat species emits. These recordings are analyzed to determine what bat species are present.
Bat Houses
Bats lost their natural tree roosts due to recent hurricanes on the islands. SCCF constructs bat houses to restore bat roosting habitat. We also advocate for local citizens to acquire their own bat houses and assist with installation.
Education
Bats have been the victim of misinformation for years. SCCF offers educational talks to local schools and communities informing them on how bats are a vital part of our ecosystem.
Benefits of Bats
-
Insectivorous bats (which feed primarily on insects) can eat enough insects to save the U.S. agricultural industry over $1 billion per year from crop damage and pesticide costs. They also are a great natural control for mosquitos here in Florida.
-
Nectarivorous bat species (which feed primarily on nectar) are the sole pollinators for over 500 species of plants including agave, the plant that is used to make tequila.
-
Frugivorous bats (which feed primarily on fruit) are essential in spreading the seeds of many fruit plants including mangos, figs, and papayas. They also are essential in reforesting areas that have been wiped out from natural causes like fire, or from overdevelopment.
Threats to Bats
-
Habitat Loss: Rapid development that destroys bat habitat is the number one threat to bat populations around the world.
-
White Nose Syndrome (WNS): WNS is a fungal disease that disturbs hibernating bats, causing them to use up all their energy store before winter is over. Although no cases have been documented in Florida, WNS has devastated bat populations across North America, with deaths ranging in the millions and leaving local populations extinct.
- Climate Change: Weather pattern disruptions caused by climate change can disturb hibernating bats in a similar way that WNS does. Climate change also increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes that lead to more habitat loss.
Ways You Can Help Bats
Planting Native Gardens
Having a garden that features native plants will attract native insects that bats love to eat, such as the Io Moth (Automeris io). This in turn will attract bats that feed on these insects and any mosquitos in the area.
Make sure not to use pesticides that will deter these insects!
Maintaining Palm Fronds
Even if a hanging palm frond on your palm tree looks dead, it still acts as a perfect spot for a bat to roost. Limiting or ceasing palm frond trimming can provide natural roosting habitat for many bat species.
Installing a Bat House
Bats are rapidly losing natural tree roosts due to overdevelopment and natural disasters such as hurricanes. Installing your own bat house around is a great way to help bats in your community!
Interested in installing a bat house on Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, Pine Island, or Cayo Costa? Contact SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills at mmills@sccf.org.
