Rare Discovery Endangered Bats: MOBILE, Ala. A remarkable find has unfolded along the Gulf Coast, as endangered bats were unearthed in June at the Perdido River Wildlife Management Area in Roberstdale, Baldwin County.
While bats are commonly found in caves nationwide, the discovery of endangered bats in a coastal area far from their typical North Alabama habitat marks a significant event.
Marianne Gauldin, Conservation Outreach Coordinator for the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, highlighted the discovery during a ‘bat blitz.
“Every year, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division participates in a ‘bat blitz.’ Bat blitzes aim to determine bat activity and identify bat species present in a specific landscape,” explained Gauldin.
The discovery included three long-eared bats, two of which were lactating females, indicating recent births nearby. Unlike their counterparts, these bats in Baldwin County remain active throughout the year, reducing the risk of exposure to White Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease devastating bat populations in North America.
“This find not only indicates a lack of disease but also signals successful breeding and thriving resources for the bat population,” Gauldin noted, bringing hope for their conservation.
Bats, often misunderstood, play a vital role in the ecosystem as insectivores. Gauldin emphasized their importance in controlling insects, preventing agricultural damage, and acting as natural pesticides.
The news of bats thriving in Baldwin County serves as a positive update for both the species and the community. Gauldin advises against touching bats if encountered and recommends gently shooing them out of homes with minimal contact.
Biologists continue to monitor and study the thriving bat population in Baldwin County, contributing to the broader understanding of these essential creatures in Alabama’s ecosystem.
READ MORE: Endangered Bats Discovery: in Coastal Alabama
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the rarest bat on earth?
The Sheath-tailed bat Coleura seychellensis is one of just two mammals that are only found in the Seychelles, which means they can’t be found anywhere else in the world. It’s considered to be the rarest bat in the world, with only 30-100 of them left in the Seychelles.
What is a rare fact about bats?
Male Dyak’s fruit bats, Dyacopterus spadiceus, can actually produce and provide milk for their offspring from their own mammary glands. This unique ability makes them one of the few species where paternal lactation naturally occurs.
What is the new species of bat discovered?
Researchers have christened the recently discovered species as Miniopterus srinii, commonly known as Srini’s bent-winged bat. This tiny mammal boasts lustrous golden brown fur and impressive wings.
Where did researchers find stronghold of endangered bats on remote island?
A newly found cave on Vanua Balavu, part of the distant Lau archipelago in Fiji, is home to a large population of endangered Pacific Sheath-tailed bats.