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SCCF Takes Part in First Florida Bat Bioblitz
SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills participated in the first-ever bat bioblitz organized by the Florida Bat Working Group (FLBWG) at the Orange Hammock Wildlife Management Area (WMA) this month.
The FLBWG is a collaboration of educators, biologists, citizens, and professionals who all share the goal of conserving Florida’s bats through collaborative research, management, and education.
The bat bioblitz included the use of mist netting — a common technique used in wildlife research that allows for the capture of bats and birds.
“Mist nets are tall, wide nets that are set up in areas where high bat traffic may occur — like along waterways,” said Mills.
Composed of a soft nylon or polyester material, bats will fly into the netting, allowing for researchers to safely remove them. Data such as the age, sex, and size of the bat is collected, informing biologists about the health of a bat population and what next steps to take for conservation.
This bioblitz allowed for the opportunity for individuals apart of the FLBWG to be trained in the technique of mist netting and to identify what bat diversity occurs at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s newly designated Orange Hammock WMA.
“The bioblitz was an overall success, with data gathered on 42 individual bats, representing four different species — ones that we know exist on Sanibel,” said Mills.
In total, data on 34 Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis), 3 evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis), 3 tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus), and 2 Seminole bats (Lasiurus seminolus) was collected.
In November 2023, SCCF began bat monitoring on Sanibel in partnership with the Miami Bat Lab. Ultrasonic recording boxes placed around the island have identified all four of those species through vocalizations the bats emit.
“It was a great opportunity to learn more about these species and will help us with our conservation efforts here,” Mills added.
The 5,000-acre Orange Hammock WMA is located in North Port and features nine miles of trails, including the seven-mile Tarflower Trail and the two-mile Slough Point Trail. The bioblitz was conducted under FWC permits.