ISSUE 2 • 2020 CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL BATCON.ORG

Restoring Mexico's Agaves BCI researchers work with partners to protect the ‘nectar corridor’

INSIDE 6 study: Cryptic myotis 8 Unveiling rainforest mysteries 18 Solutions to White-nose Syndrome Photo: Shawn Thomas Thank you for the support

To all our members, donors, partners, Make a stand volunteers, advocates, and followers, at batcon.org/ THANK YOU FOR STANDING UP FOR donate and supporting our mission to end bat extinctions worldwide. ISSUE 2 • 2020 Inside this Issue 11 FEATURES 08 UNVEILING RAINFOREST MYSTERIES Researchers study how Costa Rican bats adapt to climate change 12 RESTORING MEXICO’S AGAVES BCI researchers work with partners to protect the ‘nectar corridor’ DEPARTMENTS 02 OFF THE BAT Mike Daulton, BCI’s executive director, reflects on the critical need for bat conservation 06 SPECIES STUDY A look at the Cryptic myotis 23 BAT CHAT Former BCI Board Chair Dr. Cullen Geiselman 25 BAT SQUAD Dr. Tina Cheng spends her days studying bats to help save them

Read back issues of Bats Magazine at batcon.org/ batsmag. Photo: Federico Granados Granados Federico Photo:

03 BAT SIGNALS 18 FIELD NOTES BCI news and Research news from conservation updates around the globe > Virtual bat experiences > Solutions to deadly > Celebrating bat disease Pollinator Week > Azmina Kamal's eye- UPDATES Remembering catching illustrations

& > Dr. Tom Kunz > Impacts of White-nose Syndrome catastrophic bushfires > ON THE COVER in Texas bat on Australian bats BCI works to protect bats by restoring agaves.

NEWS 05 Image: iStock.com/camaralenta Photo: Michael and Patricia Fogden / Minden Pictures

batcon.org / bats 1 off the A few words of introduction from Bat Conservation International (BCI) is a 501(c)(3) your friends at BCI organization dedicated to protecting bats and their bat essential habitats around the world. A copy of our current financial statement and registration filed by the organization may be obtained by contacting our office in Austin, below, or by visiting batcon.org.

Main Office Washington, D.C. 500 North Capital 1012 14th Street, NW of Texas Highway, Suite 905 Building 1 Washington, D.C. Recover, restore, protect Austin, TX 78746 20005 By Mike Daulton 512-327-9721 512-327-9721 Managing Editor Chief Editor his past June marked the 20th of pollinating bats in these parts of Kristen Pope Javier Folgar anniversary of Pollinator Week, North America. Just recently, the an international celebration BAND Foundation gifted BCI with a Contributors T Alyson Brokaw / Proofreader of the valuable ecosystem services three-year program of support for our agave restoration initiative. With Lisa Murdock / Proofreader beetles, and, most importantly, bats. this new support in place, we are Publication Management GLC Itprovided also comes by bees, as COVID-19 birds, butterflies, impacts - Bats welcomes queries from writers. Send your article the lives of people worldwide. There- tection for one of the world’s most proposal in a brief outline form and a description of any fore, the anniversary serves as more poisedendangered to significantly , advance the Mexican pro photos, charts or other graphics to the Editor at pubs@ than just a celebration—it also is a long-nosed bat. batcon.org. powerful reminder of the vital role Bats may also hold the key to the Members: We welcome your feedback. Please send that bats serve for the global commu- next breakthrough vaccine or treat- letters to the Editor to [email protected]. Changes of nity and the critical need for bat ment as they have a unique ability to address may be sent to [email protected] or to BCI conservation. tolerate viruses. While bats cannot at our Austin, Texas, address above. Please allow four weeks for the change of address to take effect. While the exact chain of trans- spread COVID-19 to people, research mission that resulted in COVID-19 into bats could help develop vaccines Board of Directors may never be established, one of or treatments for future viruses Dr. Charles C. Chester, Dr. Brock Fenton the lessons of the pandemic is that found in human populations. Chair Timo Hixon Dr. Andrew Sansom, Don Kendall the destruction of natural habitats As you can see, bat conservation Vice Chair Maria Mathis makes it more likely for viruses to has never been more vital. To ensure Danielle Gustafson, Sandy Read spill over into humans. By protect- the survival of these extraordinary Treasurer Dr. Nancy Simmons ing wildlife and wildlife habitat, we mammals, we’re embarking on our Eileen Arbues, Secretary Jenn Stephens can reduce inappropriate contact most ambitious strategic plan to Science Advisory Committee with wild and create a safer date and will soon be unveiling new Dr. Luis Aguirre Dr. Stuart Parsons world for all. branding to inspire and engage more Dr. Sara Bumrungsri Dr. Paul Racey Bat conservation also has sig- supporters worldwide. With your Dr. Liliana Dávalos Dr. Danilo Russo support, we will: Dr. Tigga Kingston Dr. Paul Webala Dr. Gary McCracken comes to food supplies and econ- • Implement endangered species nificantomies; both global of whichimportance are strained when it interventions Senior Staff as a result of the pandemic. Nec- • Protect and restore landscapes Mike Daulton, Executive Director tar-feeding bats, for instance, serve • Conduct high-priority research and Mylea Bayless, Chief of Strategic Partnerships Dr. Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist as primary pollinators for keystone develop scalable solutions Bobbie Jo Kelso, Chief Development & desert plants in Mexico and the • Inspire through experience Communications Officer southwestern United States. These Michael Nakamoto, Chief Operations Officer bats are critical due to their impor- Working together, we will Kevin Pierson, Chief Conservation Officer tance to agriculture, biodiversity Visit BCI’s website at batcon.org and the following conservation, and ecosystem func- conservation. The future needs all of social media sites: tion in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. redefineus—now whatmore is than possible ever. in global Facebook.com/batcon Our international conservation Twitter.com/BatConIntl efforts include restoring agave Mike Daulton Instagram.com/batconservationinternational forage and protecting the habitats BCI Executive Director

2 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 BCI updates and conservation news bat signals

Over 1.5 million bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas.

ONLINE Virtual Bat Experiences Watch bats around the world from home

why not virtually explore some batty spots around the globe? BCI’s website features While traveling to a world-famous bat viewing site may be difficult at the moment, Go Online a global map with links to viewing sites, from Tanzania’s Pemba Island to ’s Check out virtual bat experiences Wat Khao Wongkhot Bat Cave. You can also watch a video about the 1.5 million bats online at batcon.org/viewsites. that live under the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, and explore the wonders of Bracken Cave, all from your own home. Photo: Amanda Stronza Amanda Photo:

batcon.org / bats 3 batsignals

WNS White-nose Syndrome Confirmed in Texas Bat Deadly bat disease now present in 34 states

IN MARCH 2020, Texas Parks and Wild-

Syndromelife Department (WNS) biologists in a bat in confirmed Texas. On Februarythe first-known 23, a cave case myotis of White-nose bat (Myo - tis velifer) was found dead in Gillespie Researchers preparing swabs to test the County in central Texas. The bat tested surface of a Texas cave for signs of the fungus that causes White-nose Syndrome.

positive for Pseudogymnoascus destruc- AlysonPhoto: Brokaw tans (Pd), the fungal pathogen that causes Pd A cluster of three torpid Tricolored bats skin lesions, leading to a diagnosis of the disease. cave myotis in the Texas (Perimyotis subflavus), spotted during a WNS,WNS and is examinationa deadly and offast-spreading skin tissue confirmed disease in the hibernating presence of panhandle, was first in detected 2017, then on February survey of Texas caves. bats, and it is now found in 34 states. The fungal pathogen, in central Texas in 2018, and is currently known to be present in 21 counties The fungus that causes White-nose Syndrome is throughout the state. Pd currently found in 21 Texas counties. has also been detected on several other Texas bat species, including the BCI researcher Dr. Kristen Jonasson swabbing the Mexican free-tailed bat forearm of a hibernating Tricolored bat (Perimyotis (Tadarida brasiliensis). subflavus) to test for evidence of Pd. Until this year, despite testing positive for the fungus, populations of cave myotis appeared healthy without signs of any individuals develop- Photo: AlysonPhoto: Brokaw ing the WNS disease, and there were no previous reports of bats dying from

of WNS in a cave myotis suggests that WNS is an impendingWNS in Texas. threat However, to bats the in Texasrecent and confirmation highlights the need to protect Texas bats.

To Learn more about BCI’s work on White-nose Syndrome, please see page 18. Photo: AlysonPhoto: Brokaw

4 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 IN MEMORIAM Remembering a Bat Conservation Hero Dr. Tom Kunz was a lifelong advocate for bats and conservationists alike

WE WERE SADDENED to hear the news Dr. Tom Kunz in his of Dr. Thomas Henry Kunz passing this element listening to April 13th. Dr. Tom Kunz was one of the the next generation of bat scientists at any bat conference, and yet he had a outside Frio Cave waymost of influential making you and feel sought-after that you were people his in Texas. most important conversation. Everyone he interacted with, from the newest student to the seasoned professional, learned something from Tom in every interaction, and not just about bats, but about how to treat others with kindness, interest, and decency. We are deeply saddened to have lost such a great leader in bat conservation and a lifelong advocate for bats. As an organization that aims to inspire and support the next generation of bat conser- vationists, we thank Dr. Tom Kunz for his stewardship creating a culture of gener-

careers in bat conservation. We thank you, osity that continues to influence many Tom, for everything. Photo: Dr. Winifred Frick

EVENTS Bats, like this Geoffroys Tailless Bat in Costa Rica, are important pollinators. 20 Years of Pollination Celebration Annual event recognizes bats and other vital species

BATS AND OTHER IMPORTANT pollinators were the stars of the show during Pollinator Week, which was held June 22–28, 2020. This year was the event’s 20th anniversary, though celebrations were a bit different than a typical year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn all Some communities held socially distant polli- about pollinators nation celebrations, and many activities were at pollinator.org/ virtual, which means the fun isn’t over. pollinator-week. The Pollinator Week website is up and running, offering fascinating facts about pollinators, fun kids’ activ- ities—from building a bee condo to pollination-themed crossword puzzles—and even recipes like cranberry chocolate tart, which are

Photo: Michael and Patricia Fogden / Minden Pictures based on pollinator-dependent ingredients.

batcon.org / bats 5 studySPECIES There are 1,400+ species of bats in the world. This is one of them. A mission to learn all we can about the mysterious Jamaican flower bat

bat stats Binomial Myotis crypticus

Family

Colony size 10 to 30 (estimated)

Weight 10 grams

Diet Insectivorous and has characteristics that suggest it may be a spider specialist (Arachnophagous)

Status Unknown

Region Widespread throughout most Cryptic of Spain, southern France, Myotis Italy, and the northern Alps The 1,400th species of bat was hiding right under researchers’ noses

by Christie Wilcox Photo: Dr. Manuel Ruedi

6 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 The cryptic myotis originally confused scientists who thought it was a different species. he Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri) is one of Europe’s most widespread bats and is easy to identify. At least, that’s Twhat Dr. Manuel Ruedi, curator of mammals and birds for the Natural History Museum of Geneva, thought when his col- leagues asked him to collect genetic samples from the animals for research on their autumn swarming behaviors. After Dr. Ruedi submitted the samples, his colleague told him

and made a few mistakes, but that wasn’t the case. he’d misidentified the bats. He thought maybe he’dM. nattereribeen tired, I could not believe it,” he says. “I know these bats by heart.” “WhenAnd yet, she the told genetic me that data I misidentified were clear: The all batsthe he’d taken samples from were not Natterer’s bats.

Unbeknownst to Dr. Ruedi, fellow chiropterologists in Photo: Dr. Manuel Ruedi Spain were making the same discovery. Dr. Javier Juste and his colleagues at the Doñana Biological Station were using genetics To this day, Dr. Ruedi can’t tell the two animals apart by to determine whether the Strait of Gibraltar was acting as a looks alone. The only way to know if a bat is a Natterer’s or a barrier of sorts, separating populations of bats in Europe from cryptic myotis is to sequence its DNA, though the researchers their counterparts in Africa. hope further work on the animals will reveal visible features, At the time, the Natterer’s bat was thought to range from which can be used to tell them apart. Morocco all the way to Scandinavia and east into Russia, but The similarities likely extend beyond looks. For example, Dr. Juste and his team thought the ones in Africa might be it’s well-known that Natterer’s bats specialize in eating spiders. distinct from the ones in Europe. As it turned out, they were. But the Natterer’s bats in Spain arachnid right from its web. Along the edge of the bat’s tail are were actually two different species, and neither one was the Theyspecial will stiff fly hairs, low across which grassy are believed areas andto help pluck them an unluckyfeel where real Natterer’s bat. spiders are and wipe off any sticky web material. The cryptic myotis also has these specialized hairs, but it’s still unknown In search of new intel whether the bats actually dine on spiders. “That was a real blow,” Dr. Juste says, because it meant that every- thing they thought they knew about these bats was wrong. Not the first—and unlikely the last Most of the research conducted on Natterer’s bats was per- One way the two species seem to diverge is in their roosting formed in northern parts of Europe, in locations like the United behaviors. Natterer’s bats tend to prefer human-made struc- Kingdom. Almost everything scientists knew about these bats’ tures like churches and attics, while cryptic myotis seem to behavior, from where they roost to what they eat, was garnered prefer to roost in tree cavities. That makes the animals’ roosts by studying true Natterer’s bats. While it’s likely this closely related species is similar, scientists can’t be certain. wasn’t mysterious enough. much It’s harder clear more to find, information Dr. Ruedi isnotes—as needed. Rightif the crypticnow, research myotis- mysterious new bat lives. Then they could determine which ers don’t know much. They don’t know what habitats or prey previousDr. Juste studies knew focused they had on to true figure Natterer’s out exactly bats, where and which this these bats rely on, or how many individuals snuggle together ones may provide valuable intel about the new species. in one roost. They don’t yet know how many exist. He put graduate student Irene Salicini in charge of sorting One question on everyone’s mind is how these Natterer’s out the messy tangle of species. She, in turn, reached out to look-alikes interact with actual Natterer’s bats. Dr. Juste points Dr. Sébastien Puechmaille in France, who had also spotted this out such similar appearances may indicate hybridization, and as-of-yet-unnamed species, previously assumed to be M. nat- indeed, recent studies suggest these species swap genes period- tereri. She also reached out to Dr. Ruedi in Switzerland, in hopes ically—something thought to be rare among mammals. A lot of of comparing the new species with Swiss Natterer’s bats. “fascinating evolutionary scenarios” are possible, says Dr. Juste. “It took some time to coordinate our efforts, but eventu- But perhaps the most fascinating part of this story is that ally, we decided to unite our efforts and samples to write species are found right under our noses. Back in the 1990s, Currently, the only a formal paper describing researchersthis is not the realized first—and one unlikelyof the most to be common the last—time bats in Europe new way to tell a Natterer’s this new species,” Dr. Ruedi was actually two different species. In the past 20 years, six new bat from a cryptic says. They decided to call bats have been discovered on the continent—and that’s in an myotis is to sequence the bat cryptic myotis— area where bats are well-studied, the ’s DNA. Myotis crypticus—for “So imagine,” Dr. Ruedi says, how many species of bats else- obvious reasons. where in the world “are awaiting discovery.”

batcon.org / bats 7 Unveiling

8 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 Feature: Rainforest

Mysteries

Researchers study how Costa Rican bats adapt to climate change

By Lynn Davis

t’s nearly midnight in one of the lushest places on earth, the Neotropical montane forests of southern Costa Rica. Thick clouds deliver a steady Idownpour, obscuring moonlight and stars. Coniferous and broad-leafed trees—some stretching over 300 feet high—along with a dense undergrowth - ing, and screeching sounds of millions of cicadas was loud, powerful, and ofelectric. ferns andNow, grasses, the forest muffle sounds the soundare soft, of quiet.the rain. Earlier, the clicking, buzz It’s February in a region that receives more than 100 inches of rainfall Myotis nigricans each year. Unlike September and October, when it pretty much rains through- is one of 60 known out the day, February in the southern mountains of Costa Rica is considered a bat species near Paula Iturralde's “dry month.” Generally, the rain starts around dusk—as bat researcher Paula research location. Iturralde makes her way into the forest—and dries up in the waning hours of

Tonight, sheltered under a metal canopy, Iturralde trains her headlamp on night,a small after bat sheshe gentlyhas returned holds in to her the gloved comforts hand. of She’sa field been station. in the forest since dusk, when the sounds of the cicadas swell and insectivorous bats begin to feed on the forest’s multitude of moths, mosquitoes, and beetles. Hundreds - ing and devouring their prey. of batsMost continue nights, Iturralde to dart through will be theout trees,until at navigating least 2 a.m., by goingecholocation, through find a pre- cise routine to record important information about how bats currently adapt to increased temperatures in order to help forecast how bats may adapt as

Photo: Jose Gabriel Martinez Fonseca the world warms.

batcon.org / bats 9 Feature: Rainforest Myotis nigricans is one of many bat species that are sensitive to climate change. in Costa Rica, and she knew the Central American nation was paradise for a bat researcher, containing more than double the number of bat species that live in all of North America. More than 15 years ago, Dr. Adams witnessed bats moving from the lowlands to cooler forests at higher elevations. “Bats are sensitive to tem- perature changes,” Dr. Adams says. “So the science of thermal

bats survive cold and heat—is crucialtolerance—figuring to species survival. out how Bats tend to adapt, but if they can’t adapt, they move. Typically, Photo: Jose Gabriel Martinez Fonseca around the world, the hotter it gets, the more likely bats will The perfect research location move to cooler elevations, to higher places on the Costa Rica is one of the best places to study mountain. But here’s the warning, worldwide: The Las Cruces evolutionary adaptation, which is how plants and mountain extends only so high.” Research Station animals adjust in their environment to improve is located in an their chances of survival. Its location, in fact, offers Mist netting and an 'acoustic flight tent' area with 60 a grand-scale history of adaptation that goes back Enter Paula Iturralde, born in Ecuador and cur- known bat species. 3 million to 5 million years when a bridge formed rently a Ph.D. candidate at the Universidad de Costa and connected the North and South American con- Rica. Iturralde proposed to meticulously record the echolocation sounds of diverse bat species in the to mix and adapt. rain-slick montane forests near the Panama border tinents,Today, setting Costa Ricaup conditions has an extraordinary for flora and amount fauna and simulate how predicted increases in climate of biodiversity due in part to its varied terrain. The temperatures might affect bats. country’s two coastlines (the Caribbean Sea to the Iturralde set up her research at the Las Cruces Research Station in an area with at least 2,000 west), grassy lowlands, rugged east and the Pacific Ocean to the Why Do a mountains of tropical rainforests, species, and 113 species, including 60 dry forests, and cloud forests sup- speciesplant species, of bats. 800 The butterfly research species, station, 400 owned bird by Few Degrees port more than 500,000 species, the Organization of Tropical Studies, offered Itur- Matter? including insects and marine life. The region accounts for an esti- conversations Bats live or die by how they mated 4 to 5% of all species in the ralde comfy quarters, flavorful meals,with interestingother visit- adapt to temperature changes. world, and attracts international ing researchers, Bats seek out comfortable tempera- scientists of varied disciplines. and a covered tures with abundant prey, hunkering When Dr. Amanda M. Adams, platform in the down to hibernate during cold weather BCI’s conservation research pro- forest from or migrating to warmer areas. Bats gram manager, read Iturralde’s which to conduct also may enter a state of torpor during proposal to study bats in Costa her research. temperature extremes, when the Rica, she was intrigued and sup- Working at weather is too cold or too hot or their portive. Not only did Iturralde’s an elevation of food supply is reduced. Torpor is a approximately physiological state during which heart BCI’s mission to end bat extinc- 5,000 feet, Itur- and respiratory rates are reduced. It researchtions, Dr. proposalAdams also fit nicelyconnected with ralde hauled in can last a few minutes, hours, or even on a personal level. her equipment Photo: Paula Iturralde Paula Photo: weeks during hibernation. Prior to joining BCI, Most nights, Paula Iturralde will be out in the and set up an rainforest until at least 2 a.m.

Dr. Adams conducted field work “acoustic flight 10 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 “Typically, around the world, the hotter it gets, the more likely bats will move to cooler elevations, to higher places on the mountain. But here’s the warning, worldwide: The mountain extends only so high.” —Dr. Amanda Adams

tent” on the open-sided platform under a metal roof. The generously sized tent (approximately 19 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet tall) was covered in a synthetic fabric to keep air inside the tent from mixing with the ambient air outside. Inside,

ultrasoundthe tent was detector lined with and non-reflective four ultrasound material micro - to prevent acoustic echoes, and outfitted with an All were placed in precise positions within the tent phones,to ensure specifically decipherable designed and comparable for recording recordings. wildlife. An electric heater and temperature-humidity data logger completed the tent set-up. Outside the tent, Iturralde established her

external microphone nearby to record the sounds Bat researcher Paula Iturralde hauls her equipment to an acoustic “desk”of each on night. a sturdy At dusk, plastic she tub, strung and upaffixed ultra-thin an flight tent in the rainforest where she conducts her research. mist nets. Made of barely perceptible, horizontally Granados Federico Photo: strung nylon threads, and commonly used by bat researchers and ornithologists, mist nets safely happen if the climate continues warming. With capture bats and birds by forming a loose baggy each change in humidity or temperature, Itur- pocket when the bat or bird encounters the net. ralde placed the bat back in the tent to record Costa Rica On most nights, Iturralde captured, tested, and every variable. is rich with recorded comprehensive data on an average of “We know bats change the characteristics biodiversity. Over seven bats. It was a time-consuming process. of their calls between rainy and dry seasons, probably as an adaptation to climatic variation, 500,000 Turning up the heat so simulating different weather conditions is species of animals, necessary,” Iturralde says. “Adding data on how plants, and fungi a visual assessment, noting species, sex, and bats respond to environmental conditions is vital live in the country. Withhealth each by the captured light of bat, her Iturralde headlamp. first She conducted then to understanding if increased temperatures affect placed each bat, alone, in the tent for a couple of minutes to establish a baseline recording of echolocation—a seemingly simple process made howarmed bats with navigate a baseline and finddatabase. their prey.” She is currently comparingAfter two her weeks collected in the data field, and Iturralde analyzing was sounds cannot be heard by the human ear. Itur- differences in signal emission from each experi- difficultralde relied by the on anfact ultrasound that most batdetector echolocation and a mental trial. Iturralde is one of 32 recipients over the last three years to receive a BCI Student Schol- research volunteer, stretched out on the floor of arship from a fund dedicated to assisting global hoursthe dark and tent, observe to confirm the bats bat in flight the tent and was sound. never She conservation research. saysa problem. finding willing volunteers to lie quietly for “Paula’s in-depth project is vital to the work of Throughout the night, Iturralde adjusted bat conservation around the world,” Dr. Adams humidity levels and cranked up the heat by says. “Right now, we’re seeing such climate 1.5 degrees and then 3 degrees—modeling extremes, so it’s important we maintain fresh and what many climate scientists predict may insightful data as we look for solutions.”

batcon.org / bats 11 Boosting Bats by Restoring

Agaves are considered chiropterophilic, or “bat-loving,” plants.

12 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 Cover Story: Agaves

BCI researchers work with partners to protect the ‘nectar corridor’

By Kristen Pope and Laurel Neme

he endangered Mexican long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris Tnivalis) hovered beside the 20-foot-tall stalk of an agave and

pollenprobed blanketed the deep flowers its muzzle, with ready its long to snout. Lapping at the nectar, flakes of

nighttimedrop into the blooms, next flower.agaves are spe- ciallyWith adapted light-colored for bat pollination.flowers and However, these agave plants can take seven, eight, or even 10 years to

forage is a waiting game. bloom,Agaves so finding are considered the right chirop flower- to terophilic, or “bat-loving,” plants, and BCI is working with a number of partners to restore agaves and help nectar bats in the U.S. and Mexico. So far, the team, which includes Border- lands Restoration Network, Colectivo Sonora Silvestre, and Especies, Photo: Kristen Lear

batcon.org / bats 13 Cover Story: Agaves

Sociedad y Hábitat A.C. (ESHAC), has planted over to shrink their range 9,500 agaves, begun restoration work on over 200 by 70–95%. hectares, signed eight conservation agreements, Climate and taught environmental awareness workshops Agaves and bats change to hundreds of school children and community under pressure threatens to members. This work is crucial because bats and Climate change, habitat shrink agaves’ agaves depend on one another. transformation, and range by “Many species in this botanical group have human use threaten bats evolved, developing a series of adaptations so that and agaves in the region. 70-95%. bats become their main pollinators. In this way, Flores-Maldonado points agaves offer food and, in return, bats contribute to a study conducted from to the pollination of these plants,” says Dr. José 2009 to 2018 in Cumbres de Monterrey National Juan Flores-Maldonado, executive director of the Park in Mexico which found a considerable amount of habitat loss, including 4.8% of primary forest Over 75% of the 211 known agave species are vegetation and 8.9% of scrub communities. He endemicMexican nonprofitto Mexico, ESHAC. meaning they are found only there. In northeastern Mexico, four different bat agricultural and grazing practices, urban develop- “Protecting species use agaves for food, including the Mexican ment,says these and climateland changes change. are due to forest fires, roosts is always long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis), Lesser long- While agaves perform vital ecosystem func- the number one nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae), Mexican tions like stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion, long-tongued bat (Choeronycteris mexicana), and and providing habitat and food for wildlife, agave conservation occasionally the Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus). is also a very important plant for humans. In action. We’re Mexican long-nosed bats’ 750-mile migration from northeastern Mexico, residents plant agaves on going above central Mexico to the southwestern United States communal farming land allotments called ejidos and beyond is based on the seasonal shifts of agave blooms. that by Bats carry pollen long distances protecting and can cross-pollinate distant BCI Scholarship Recipient and PhD and restoring groups of agaves. This helps the Candidate Kristen genetic diversity of agaves, increas- Lear (center) showing their foraging field assistants ing their resilience to disease, and Daniel Hernández, habitat.” mitigating the detrimental impact of Lynnette Garcı´a Flores, and Katia —Dan Taylor climate change, which is threatening Treviño Cuéllar how to set up infrared cameras to monitor Mexican long-nosed bats foraging among agaves in Coahuila, Growing the littlest agaves Mexico.

Arizona nursery raises plants for restoration efforts Photo: Ana Castañeda Aguilera

Since agaves take five to 10 years to reach maturity—and then a single agave can produce thousands of seeds, which they will the plant dies after it produces its prominent floral stalk—res- propagate and work with partners to plant in the wild. toration efforts are crucial. Francesca Claverie is the native Borderlands Restoration Network will also collect unwanted plant program manager for Borderlands Restoration Network in agaves from people’s properties. When people want to clear fire Patagonia, Arizona. Her organization works to raise a nursery breaks or otherwise landscape their property, they will call the full of agaves that will one day be planted in the wild. organization, which will go retrieve the plants. Claverie’s team collects agave seeds from high-elevation Additionally, the organization works with citizen scientist mountain ranges after the agaves are pollinated. “Our team volunteers to collect data about agaves using the National Phe- goes out in the mountains, lays big tarps down, and shakes nology Network’s Nature’s Notebook app, which has a special the seeds down, then we take them all back to the seed lab,” campaign for the U.S.–Mexico borderlands, where people can she says. track agave flowering. Climate change means agaves may flower Her team records information about where they collected the earlier or later than in the past, which is a problem when bats seeds, including GPS coordinates, elevation, and other informa- time their migratory route by the blooms. Researchers will use tion. Then, they clean out the chaff and dirt so the seeds can be this data to learn more about agave blooming, and how this will stored for years in the climate-controlled facility. Claverie says impact species such as bats and other pollinators.

14 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 “We wanted to get the people in the communities involved in the project. Everyone loves bacanora here, and it is a very cool way to get people engaged with it.” —Lea Ibarra

Agaves' masts can grow over 20 feet tall. Photo: Kristen Lear Kristen Photo:

batcon.org / bats 15 It takes teamwork to collect seeds from agaves. Here, volunteers hold “Many species in this a tarp while one person shakes the botanical group have plant, dropping its seeds below. evolved, developing a series of adaptations so that bats become their main pollinators. In this way, agaves offer food and, in return, bats contribute to the pollination of these plants.” —Dr. José Juan Flores Maldonado

and use these plants to make alcohol, food, fences, and other items. How- ever, agaves are typically harvested by humans before they send up their

nectar for bats. Their sugar content isflowering highest juststalk, before leaving the no stalk flowers goes or up, making the agaves appealing for a variety of uses. Flores-Maldonado says the quiote,

a treat. He says it is cut just before or floral stalk, can also be eaten as

grilled.a flower The is produced—when versatile plant’s leavessugar canconcentrations also be used are as highest—andfeed for livestock during times of drought, when other forage isn’t available. Agaves are also famously used to produce liquors like tequila, mezcal, and bacanora. Bacanora, which is derived from agave, is mezcal made in Sonora, Mexico. It was illegal to produce until 1992, and before its legalization, people would harvest wild agaves to make bootleg liquor. Lea Ibarra is co-director of Colec- tivo Sonora Silvestre, a Sonora-based

agave project. nonprofit“People partnering were making with bacanora BCI on the for so many years illegally, they would go to wild agave populations and harvest them,” she says. “It takes

so populations were very damaged becausethem seven of this to 10 practice, years to and flower, it was illegal here in Sonora.” She says bacanora is an important It can take 10 years for an agave to bloom.

part of the local culture and regional Photo: Dan Taylor

16 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 Cover Story: Agaves

Working together for conservation Mexican Mexican collective works to protect bats and agaves long-nosed bats’ What started as a student conservation effort has “Most people didn’t know about the relationship now blossomed to an even bigger effort to protect agave has with bats, so they were very surprised 750-mile migration from bats and agaves. A group of students from two to know about it,” says collective co-director Lea Mexican universities, the University of Sonora Ibarra. She says people would enthusiastically central Mexico to and the Technological University of Cananea, talk about seeing bats near bacanora ranches and the southwestern originally formed the Colectivo Sonora Silvestre be excited to learn about the connection between United States collective to conserve the Sonoran ecosystem bacanora and bats. is based on the by working on a variety of projects related to bat When it was time to select agave planting sites, seasonal shifts of pollination, agave restoration, wildlife monitor- they chose locations within 50 km of caves where agave blooms. ing, monarch butterfly assessments, and other bats are known to live. They also selected sites projects. These dedicated conservationists— with ranchers who were committed to helping the now university graduates—have expanded their bats. Ranchers who participated signed com- efforts, forming the nonprofit organization Centro mitment letters agreeing to regularly water the de Colaboración para la Ciencia y Cultura S.C. to plants and allow all the agaves in the conservation continue their work. gardens to bloom. In the future, the ranchers will In 2019, the group began working with BCI to let 2% of the agaves bloom (while harvesting the plant 1,000 agaves and establish a nursery for rest), so they can continue to feed the bats. native plants. They also focused on education by Some of the agaves are also planted near town hosting lectures, workshops, and presentations, entrances and main roads to increase awareness. and recruiting community volunteers, including On one hot day, the group went to water the students, groups, and families, to help with the agaves near their homes in Hermosillo, Sonora, planting efforts. They brought 15 students to an and when they arrived at the site, they were all-day workshop held on a bacanora ranch where thrilled to find other community members already they learned all about production, including both there watering the agaves. This type of community the older harvesting practices and the more mod- partnership, with dedicated volunteers, is a good ern, bat-friendly ones. thing for bats, agaves, and humans alike.

identity, and now that it is legal, people are eager endangered Mexican long- to help with agave planting projects to produce nosed bats. To identify sustainable versions of the liquor. potential target areas, BCI “We wanted to get the people in the communi- worked with ESHAC and ties involved in the project,” she says. “Everyone local communities. Together, loves bacanora here, and it is a very cool way to get the team zeroed in on a people engaged with it.” 31-mile buffer zone near two caves, which are two of four Planting agave to save bats known maternity roosts. The symbiotic relationship between bats and Females give birth to one agave prompted BCI to launch its agave planting pup a year and need large initiative in the U.S. southwest and Mexico start- energy reserves to raise ing in 2017. During its initial phase, BCI worked their young, which is why with partners to bolster wild agave populations restoring foraging sources BCI senior restoration specialist Dan Taylor, BCI chief conservation officer in key areas near Lesser long-nosed bat maternity near maternity roosts helps the growth and stabil- Kevin Pierson, and ESHAC executive roosts and migratory pathways. director Dr. Antonio Moreno-Talamantes review a map of priority agave restoration “Protecting roosts is always the number one beyond helping one endangered bat species. sites near a maternity roost for the conservation action,” says Dan Taylor, BCI’s senior ity “Whatof the specieswe found as witha whole. this Yetproject the benefits is much go far endangered Mexican long-nosed bat in Nuevo León, Mexico. This May 2019 restoration specialist. “We’re going above and larger,” says Kevin Pierson, BCI’s chief conser- workshop was sponsored by BCI and it beyond that by protecting and restoring their focused on agave restoration and nectar bat conservation in Monterrey, Mexico. foraging habitat.” holds keys to the resiliency of this ecosystem.” In 2019, BCI expanded the project and turned Andvation a resilient officer. “This ecosystem bat and will agave prove relationship vital for bats, its attention to the “nectar corridor” used by agaves, and their human neighbors.

batcon.org / bats 17 Scientists investigate caves in search of solutions to deadly White-nose Syndrome. field Research news from notes around the globe

Solutions THE ARRIVAL OF WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME in the United States in 2007 spelled disaster to Deadly for communities of insect-eating bats across North America. Over the past 13 years, researchers estimate that millions of bats Bat Disease have died from the disease, which is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, White-nose Syndrome devastating frequently abbreviated Pd. bat populations BCI engages in a wide variety of efforts, ranging from on-the-ground monitoring by Shaena Montanari to ecological research, to learn more about White-nose Syndrome and the fungus that causes it. BCI is working with partners at the United States Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the North American Bat Monitoring Project Photo: KristinPhoto: Jonasson

18 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 Scientists use a ladder to access a cave where they are searching for clues about White-nose Syndrome. to measure and analyze the totality of the impact White-nose Syndrome is hav-

“What we're doing is helping people leverageing on five data hibernating to inform bat data-driven species. solu- tions for bat conservation,” says Dr. Tina Cheng, BCI’s data scientist.

detected in New York in the winter of 2007,White-nose and scientists Syndrome have nowwas detectedfirst it in bats in 34 states and seven Cana- dian provinces. The disease is found in at least 13 different species of bats, and it strikes primarily when they are hibernating. Infected bats are often seen with white fungus on their faces and other physical symptoms like holes in their wings. Bats with the disease are frequently roused during hibernation and end up expending too much of their energy reserves. Many end up effectively starving to death.

Studying the West

conducted up to this point has focused KristinPhoto: Jonasson Moston populations of the research in the and eastern field U.S.,monitoring so there is still on bats in Texas in 2017, and in 2020, researchers a lot to learn about the disease in the western part found Texas bats showing signs of the disease. Now, BCI is monitoring caves in the state to look White-nose detected in Washington state in 2017, and BCI is for signs of fungus or disease. Syndrome has workingof the country. to establish White-nose more on-the-groundSyndrome was surveilfirst - Once the fungus has taken hold in an area, it been detected in lance to trace the spread of the disease in the West. 34 U.S. states and However, there is reason to believe the fungus is testing a few different treatment methods that seven Canadian can be difficult to stop. BCI scientists are field spreading even more widely. Pd have killed the Pd fungus in the lab. provinces.

was first detected Cleaning efforts “We are really wearing a couple of hats—one as “Pd can stick around in the environment a research organization doing on-the-ground for a very long time, so one idea is to science, and the other pushing forward ‘clean’ their hibernacula each year, so when the bats come back in the winter conservation solutions.” —Dr. Tina Cheng they are not contacting a contaminated environment,” Dr. Cheng says. She says they are testing different methods, including treating surfaces with UV-C light to kill the pathogen. Another potential way to stop the infection is to treat the caves with a chemi- cal called polyethylene glycol, which makes the fungus inert.

in knowledge gaps surrounding this disease and alsoDr. plan Cheng for thesays future BCI is ofusing research these and projects treatment. to fill “We are really wearing a couple of hats—one as a research organization doing on-the-ground sci- Scientists are working to find ence, and the other pushing forward conservation solutions to White-nose Syndrome. solutions,” she says.

batcon.org / bats 19 fieldnotes

The Science Behind the Art Azmina Kamal creates eye-catching illustrations by Melody Schreiber

WHEN AZMINA KAMAL illustrates bats, she strives to make her depic- tions as realistic as possible, consulting with bat biologists to make sure the drawings are taxonomically accurate. (Eumops floridanus) why the bat stickers she creates resonate with people who “In Miami-Dade County, the Hernormally attention don’t to pay scientific that much accuracy attention and todetail the animals.is one reason stickers serve as a valuable That and, well, they’re adorable. Kamal has teamed up with BCI to draw a series of bats resource to help to engage the for stickers to be distributed in communities from southern local community and raise Florida to Jamaica. In Miami-Dade County, for example, Dr. awareness about why bats are Melquisedec Gamba-Rios, a research fellow leading Bat Conser- Trefoil horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus trifoliatus) important and why they need vation International’s project on the federally endangered Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus), plans to deliver hundreds of stickers to teach residents to be protected, especially the more about the animals and to underscore why conservation is so important. Florida bonneted bat.” Many people in the communities where he works don’t understand the differences —Dr. Melquisedec Gamba-Rios between various species of bats or even realize there are different types. Seeing friendly

20 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 “I’m really happy depictions of the bats if it helps to also helps to break the stigma around them. educate the public “Everyone knows and raise more the big iconic animals, awareness on such as alligators and these bats.” the Florida panther,” Dr. Gamba-Rios says. “But —Azmina Kamal when you ask people about the rest of the local fauna, most are unaware of how much diversity is out there and what they look like. These stickers provide a really good resource because they help us show people some of the bat species in the community, in particular, the endangered Florida bonneted bat.”

about two years ago, when she was working as a research Kamal first assistant turned at herthe artisticNational eye University to bats of . The Malaysian Bat Conservation

foxes on the Malaysian peninsula of Pulau Tioman, resource to help engage the local community and Researchand Kamal Unit thought was conducting hand-painted research bat stickers on flying raise awareness about why bats are important and would be nice tokens of appreciation for research why they need to be protected, especially the Flor- Kamal has participants. She is now working toward her ida bonneted bat,” Dr. Gamba-Rios says. “We need illustrated a doctoral degree at Kyoto University in Japan, but the involvement of the community to learn more variety of species, she’s widened her scope to also draw bats from about the species and the conservation of urban including the other areas. roosts. This collaboration will help us to design the Antillean ghost- “For people outside of the bat community, correct conservation strategy in order to ensure faced bat, the they get to see the facial features of these bats the survival of the species.” Leach’s single-leaf up close, whereas they wouldn’t be able to see Kamal is contributing art to several bat conser- bat, the Parnell’s it in real life,” Kamal says. vation projects, illustrating mustached bat, “Usually, when I show them several species of bats, includ- the Greater bulldog these stickers, they’re ing the Antillean ghost-faced bat, the Brazilian amazed and shocked, even, bat, the Leach’s single-leaf bat, how they can be so diverse the Parnell’s mustached bat, free-tailed bat, between different species.” the , and and the Florida Kamal says she hopes people the Brazilian free-tailed bat. bonneted bat. will look at her artwork and Although Kamal’s passion is say, “I didn’t know bats could for bat research, she enjoys look like that.” contributing to the bat com- Kamal’s depiction of the munity in a creative way. Florida bonneted bat, for “I’m really happy if it helps instance, looks alert, intelli- educate the public and raise gent, and friendly. These bats more awareness on these bats,” tend to roost in houses, which Kamal says. “Previously, I means involving residents is illustrated mainly for fun, and key to conservation. it’s really nice to have some “In Miami-Dade County, the purpose while illustrating stickers serve as a valuable Azmina Kamal creates artistic depictions of bats. these bats.”

batcon.org / bats 21 fieldnotes The recent fires are evident in the ridgetop study area in Kosciuszko National Park. Fire Zone Australian bat ecologists work to learn about impacts of catastrophic bushfires

SCIENTISTS ESTIMATE over 1 billion (yes, billion) animals - lia’s bushland in late 2019 and diedearly when 2020. fires But thatravaged enormous Austra number doesn’t include bat losses, according to Australian bat ecologist Michael Pennay,

the Australasian Bat Society and MartinPhoto: Schulz who is conservation officer for scientists don’t know enough about Australia’s bat density to accuratelya volunteer estimate firefighter. how He many says perished. injury, and heat stress well beyond

Australia is home to around 80 species of bats, and around flames, but also to starvation, thirst, 80% of the species roost in trees—typically in hollows that Bat ecologists are working to Approximately can take 100 years to form. Between June 2019 and March the extent of the fires. 80 species - found 48% of the Golden-tipped bat’s learn about the fires’ toll. They of bats live in ing habitat like tree hollows and impacting food sources like ( papuensis) habitat burned. Australia. 2020, officials estimate over 42 million acres burned, destroy Pteropus poliocephalus) is another species in flowersspecies congregateand insects. and crèche their pups in communal hollows, Thedanger, Grey-headed suffering flyingfrom food fox ( loss as likely“The killing fires also many coincided bats in their with tree maternity roosts,” season Pennay when says. many well as heatwave-induced mass 42 million “Sadly, I watched many suitable habitat trees as they were con- mortality events, which can kill acres in Australia burned between a time. Both species are now on June 2019 and sumedunusual by in fire the and country, did not in seerecent any years, bats flee climate to safety.” change has tensthe Australian of thousands government’s of flying foxes list atof March 2020. While wildfires (called bushfires in Australia) are not animals in need of urgent manage- In November and December 2019, Australia experienced the ment attention. causedlowest-recorded these fires amount to become of rainfall extraordinarily in its history. large Along and severe.with One study found over 40% of the the severe drought came extremely high temperatures—the habitat of the Greater broad-nosed bat (Scoteanax ruppellii) and average maximum temperature in Australia on December 18, the Eastern false pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) burned. 2019, was over A study in Kosciuszko National Park found about half the nor- 107°F, with tempera- mal number of tree-dwelling bats, but not a single Eastern false Over 40% of the Greater broad-nosed tures in some areas bat's (Scoteanax up to 122°F. The 80% of study sites. Bat ecologists want to learn more, but their ruppellii) habitat extreme drought pipistrelle—before the fires, scientists found this species at burned in the fires. and record-setting “Unfortunately, our terrible summer has been followed temperatures meant fieldalmost work immediately has been delayedby another due terrible to the pandemic. event: the current lightning strikes and COVID-19 pandemic,” Pennay says. “Widespread travel restric- tions have hampered efforts to begin monitoring and assessing quickly grew into other fire ignitions Pennay says many the impacts of the fires.” wildlifeimmense species, firestorms. TheyPennay are also and working fellow researchers toward a landscape-scale plan to get out monitoringinto the field including bats, suc- whenprogram they for can Australia to learn to more learn about more how about the the fires continent’s affected bats. bats,

Photo: Michael Pennay Michael Photo: cumbed not just to the

how bushfires impact them, and how to help protect them. 22 bats / Issue 2 • 2020 bat chat A conversation with a noted expert

Always Former BCI Board Chair Dr. Cullen Geiselman Learning Former BCI Board Chair Dr. Cullen Geiselman shares the importance of educating people about bats by Kristen Pope

r. Cullen Geiselman is former chair of BCI’s Board of Direc­tors and served on the board from 2011–2020. She Dworked as a BCI staff member from 1998–2002 before earning a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Columbia University, where she studied nectar-feeding bats and their diets, and coauthored a book entitled Seed Dispersal by Bats in the Neotropics. Now, she runs the online Bat Eco-In- teractions Database (batbase.org), which catalogs interactions between bats and other animals, in addition to her work as acting director and chair of the Board of Trustees for “It’s the Cullen Trust for Health Care. exhilarating to share Why are you so fascinated by bats? information Bats are really incredible beings. They live on every continent except Antarc- about bats and tica, and they have so many different open up people’s feeding strategies. I’m in a constant minds to these state of awe when learning and listen- fascinating ing to other researchers. Bats are so diverse and have so many interesting creatures.” adaptations for surviving in the world. —Dr. Cullen It’s exhilarating to share information Geiselman about them and open up people’s minds to these fascinating creatures. Do you have a favorite bat? I always start BCI board meetings—especially if there are new What was your most meaningful experience with a bat? people in the room—by everyone going around and sharing When I was doing my dissertation work in French Guiana, I their favorite bat. My favorite bats are the nectar-feeding ones would catch nectar-feeding bats at dawn by setting nets on I studied for my dissertation work: Anoura geoffroyi (Geoffroy’s tailless bat) and Lionycteris spurrelli (Chestnut long-tongued babies,trails, hoping and every bats once would in bea while, flying a by mom right would before be it captured got light. and pretty fascinating. freeDuring herself the maternity from the net, seasons, accidentally mothers leaving would her fly withbaby theirbehind. bat). I feel a sense of loyalty to them, but I really find all bats I would keep the baby all day, feed it, and then go back to the What can people do to help with bat conservation? site right at dusk. When it was getting dark, I would hang the Learn about bats. Be the person who can speak truth about bats baby out on a branch close to where it had been, and the mom during this pandemic. Support local efforts to monitor bats, would return 12 hours later and get her baby. It was such a build bat houses, provide habitat for bats, plant native species in powerful story. I don’t want to anthropomorphize them, but it’s your garden. Not using pesticides is a great way to keep bats in your own neighborhood. Get facts; dispel some myths. Anyone to leave the cave is come look for her baby. can do it, and it can be really helpful in this time. relatable to people—the first thing the mom does when it’s safe

batcon.org / bats 23 Are you a bat photographer?

Bat Conservation International is working to collect images of bats from all over the world and we would love to include your photo in our next issue of Bats Magazine. You keep the rights and photo credit, we help archive and To submit share your work. Please submit high-resolution your photos, images (at least 300 DPI please email or 2K resolution) along with specific species submissions@ information and the batcon.org. photographer's name for photo credit.

PHOTO: STEPHEN DALTON / MINDEN PICTURES bat squad For the young conservationist Bat Data Scientist Dr. Tina Cheng spends her days studying bats to help save them by Kristen Pope

itting at her computer, Dr. Tina Cheng is Eager to learn more on a conservation mission. She opens up a about animals and the Sdatabase to see a table of data about a bat outdoors, Dr. Cheng disease called White-nose Syndrome. After a went to college at the few clicks, a map appears and she can see where University of California, the newest cases of the bat disease have been Berkeley. She earned detected—this time in Texas. Dr. Cheng is Bat Con- a bachelor’s degree in servation International’s data scientist, and she biology. She spent her summers working in to help save bats. national parks, and spendsWhen her scientists days examining go into caves data toand find mines answers to during the school year, count and examine bats, they collect a lot of infor- she worked in science classrooms, teaching are in one area (called population size) to their young people about physicalmation about measurements. the bats they Many find, researchers from how many also nature and animals. collect sound (also called acoustic) data. Dr. Cheng Her favorite classes to uses all the information these scientists collect take in college were ones that allowed her save them. to spend time outside. in the field to learn more about bats and how to “It’s like detective work, with some storytell- “Most ecology Dr. Cheng learns about bats by analyzing data that lots of different scientists collect. ing,” she says. classes involved some When she was a kid, Dr. Cheng didn’t know “My job is like what she wanted to be when she grew up. She says. “You get out in nature and learn about your detective work, loved animals, and her family always had pets naturalkind of fieldenvironment.” component—your laboratory,” she like dogs, cats, and bunnies. Her playground was After she graduated, she spent time making with some the outdoors, and her family spent lots of time storytelling.” camping and hiking in the mountains. Following then decided to go back to school, earning a mas- —Dr. Tina Cheng her passions for animals and nature, she spent filmster’s degree and also from working San Francisco in outdoor State education. University. She many years in school She wanted to keep learning, so she went to the to ultimately attain University of California, Santa Cruz, and earned the position she has her Ph.D. (which is why she’s called doctor today). today—one she didn’t even know was an working for Bat Conservation International. option when she AfterDr. finishing Cheng encourages her Ph.D. program,young conservationists she began was little. to spend their time learning about science and “As young children, participating in citizen science opportunities. She we see careers like also encourages kids to follow their passions and - “Discover and explore the natural world around careerdoctor, paths—butnurse, or fire you you,”interests she says.to find “Nature their own abounds, dream even career. in the most fighter—these typical Since she was a child, Dr. Cheng don’t often see careers urban of environments. Learning about the plants always enjoyed learning about animals that fall off the beaten and animals around us is a window into the natu- and spending time outdoors. path,” she says. ral, wild world.”

batcon.org / bats 25 NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID MADISON, WI PERMIT NO. 1259

500 N Capital of Texas Hwy Bldg. 1-201 Austin, TX 78746-3450

BCI-020

Protect bats! Donate your vehicle

YOUR UNWANTED VEHICLE could save bats! Donate your old car, truck, boat, RV, jet ski, or motorcycle to BCI and put it to use saving bats around the world.

When you donate your vehicle to BCI you: > Avoid the hassle of selling (we’ll even pick it up) > Get a tax break for your donation > Save money on those costly registration or boat slip fees > Eliminate the need for repairs > Know that you’re protecting the Just call toll free world’s 1400+ species of bats 877-BATS-123 or visit batcon.careasy.org.

@BatConIntl @BatCon @BatConservationInternational