BCI Research Scholars Protecting in Buildings Field Workshops 2002

W W W . B A T C O N . O R G F A L L 2 0 0 1 BATS B A T C O N S E R V A T I O N I N T E R N A T I O N A L Conservation Intern a t i o n a l P.O. Box 162603, Austin, Texas 78716 512-327-9721 • Fax 512-327-9724 www.batcon.org

Publications Staff BATS Volume 19, No. 3, Fall 2001 Editor & Director of Publications: Elaine Acker Consulting Editor: David Baxter Associate Editor: Cullen Geiselman Publications Designer: Elysia Wright Davis Publications Coord i n a t o r : Sandra Forston Visual Resources Manager: Kristin Hay B AT S welcomes queries from writers. Send your article proposal with a brief outline and a description of any photos to the address FEATURES above or via e-mail to: [email protected]. M e m b e r s : Please send changes of address and all correspondence 1 BCI Research Scholars to the address above or via e-mail to [email protected]. Please include your label, if possible, and allow six weeks for the change Making a difference for bat conservation. of address. By Cullen Geiselman and Elaine Acker Founder & Pre s i d e n t : Dr. Merlin D. Tuttle Executive Dire c t o r : Steven M. Walker 6 Conserving Bats Living in Buildings C h a i r m a n - E m e r i t u s : Verne R. Read B o a rd of Tru s t e e s : Buildings are becoming essential habitat for many species. Wilhelmina E. Robertson, Chairperson By Barbara French, Peter Fenn, Alex Lefevre, John D. Mitchell, Vice-Chairman and Wim Van den Bossche Peggy Phillips, Secretary Mark T. Ritter, Treasurer Jeff Acopian; Mark A. Adkins; Eugene L. Ames, Jr.; Charles Why Paint Bats? Chester; Eugenio Clariond Reyes; Michael L. Cook; Robert E. 10 Gerrie; Joan Kelleher; Travis Mathis; Scott McVay; Thomas The rewards and challenges of drawing Read; Verne R. Read; Lee Schmitt; Patsy Steves; Dr. Merlin D. live bats in the field. Tuttle; Roy Vaughan; Marc Weinberger By Fiona A. Reid Membership Manager: Amy McCartney Development Dire c t o r : Denise Meikel

Scientific Advisory Board : DEPARTMENTS D r. Eduard Yavrouian, A r m e n i a ; D r. Leslie S. Hall, Greg Richards, Bruce Thomson, Australia; Dr. Irina K. R a k h m a t u l i n a , Azerbaijan; D r. Wilson Uieda, Brazil; BCI Field Study Workshops D r. M. Brock Fenton, Canada; Dr. Jiri Gaisler, C z e c h 12 Republic; Dr. Uwe Schmidt, Germany; Dr. G. Marimuthu, Summer 2002 Dr. Shahroukh Mistry, India; Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellín, Dr. Arnulfo Moreno, Mexico; Ir. Herman Limpens, Netherlands; Dr. Armando Rodriguez-Duran, Puerto Rico; Dr. Ya-Fu Lee, 13 News and Notes Taiwan; Dr. Paul A. Racey, United Kingdom; Dr. Denny G. Holiday gifts, BCI’s Wish List, Legislation for Texas bats, Constantine, Robert Currie, Dr. Theodore H. Fleming, Dr. Thomas H. K u n z, Dr. Gary F. McCracken, Dr. Don E. Wilson, and more. United States; Dr. José R. Ochoa G., Venezuela. B AT S (ISSN 1049-0043) is published quarterly by Bat Conservation International, Inc., a nonprofit corporation supported by tax-deductible contributions used for public education, research, and conservation of threatened and endangered bats. ©Bat Conservation International, 2001. All rights reserved. Bat Conservation International is dedicated to preserving and restoring bat populations and habitats around the world. Using a non- confrontational approach, we educate the public about the ecological and economic values of bats, advance scientific knowledge about bats and the ecosys- tems that rely on them, and preserve critical bat habitats COVER through win-win solutions that benefit both humans and bats. The hibernating Eurasian whiskered myotis (Myotis mystacinus) pictured on the A subscription to BATS is included with BCI membership: cover is considered a due to loss of natural roosts in forests Senior, Student or Educator $25; Basic $30; Friends of BCI $40; and caves. These bats now seek shelter in buildings and rely on castles, Supporting $50; Contributing $100; Patron $250; Sustaining $500; Founder’s Circle $1,000. Third-class postage paid at fortresses, and other structures as critical winter hibernation sites (see page 6 Austin, Texas. Send address changes to Bat Conservation for more information on bats living in buildings). International, P.O. Box 162603, Austin, TX 78716. COVER PHOTO BY ROLLIN VERLINDE BATS is printed on a 50/20 chlorine-free recycled paper with a water-based coating on the cover. BCI Research Scholars: Making a Difference for Bat Conservation by Cullen Geiselman and Elaine Acker

ince 1990, BCI has awarded 132 scholarships supporting students in conservation-relevant research in 33 countries. Wide gaps in scientific Sknowledge about bats are often roadblocks to conservation, and these student scholars, including the five featured below, are helping pave the way for future conservation efforts.Their projects also help BCI build lasting rela- tionships with local communities that, through the students’ education efforts, learn to value bats as essential allies.

Bats in Northwestern U.S. Forests bats to their roosts in 36 landscapes that Ed Arnett uses radio tracking techniques Ed Arnett include a wide range of habitat (snags). to study bat roosts in Oregon forests. Oregon State University To date, more than Scholarship Recipient 2000 and 2001 460 roosts have been identified, an unprece- Ed Arnett is a doctoral student in forest dented sample size,and ecology at Oregon State University. He is a cl e a rer picture of researching the impact of snags and other bat communities has potential roosts on bat abundance and habi- begun to emerge. Long- tat use in managed forests of the Oregon eared myotis use snags, C a s c a d e s . T hi s i n fo r m at i o n w i l l he l p downed logs, rock out- improve forest management practices for crops, and stumps, but bats. “We’re trying to develop models that use snags more fre- will help forest managers better predict how quently when they are their decisions affect bats,”said Arnett.“This av a i l a b l e . B i g b r ow n includes developing strategies to help man- bats and long-legge d agers ensure a continuous supply of roosts, myotis pre fer snags primarily by leaving snags and live trees of and large trees with varied size and age, in areas most suitable for woodpecker cavities or bats.” broken tops in all land- Twelve species of bats occur in Douglas- scape conditions. Also, fir forests of western Oregon. Nine of these it appears that the roost in tree cavities and crevices and play av a i l a b i l i t y o f s t r u c - important roles in consuming insect pests tures used as roosts is that attack forests.Arnett’s research centers more important to bats on the roosting preferences of three species: than forest age. big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), long- A diversity of part- legged myotis (Myotis volans), and long- ners, including federal eared myotis (Myotis evotis). Using radio and state management telemetry techniques, he has tracked these agencies, private indus-

FALL 2001 1 B A T S ©ED ARNETT

t r y, c o n s e r v at io n or g a n i z a- she said when asked how she decided to t i o n s , an d p r i vat e fo u n d a- work with bats. Upon returning to graduate tions are collab o rating to s cho o l a t C al i fo r ni a S ta te Po l y t e ch n i c support this study. Arnett University in Pomona,Walton began studying has also led coopera t i ve Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasilien - e ffo rts within the timber sis). “I’m working with a colony of approxi- industry. “In recent years, mately 6,000 bats that lives in the Iwama p ri vate companies have Market, a vacant building, in Suisun,” said become more involved in Walton. She is studying the effects of their wildlife research and have vo racious appetites on the codling moth Data from Ed Arnett’s study on habitat focused on studying habitat relationships to (Cydia pomonella), the main insect pest in selection will help develop strategies for help integrate the needs of wildlife, includ- nearby pear orchards. providing roosts for bats, including the For her Masters thesis, Walton is working western long-eared myotis (inset), in man- ing bats, in forests managed for paper and aged forests. wood products,”said Arnett.“Large, coopera- with local growers in Suisun Valley using tive studies are critical to amassing the data their orchards as her study sites. At dusk n e c e s s a ry to answer complex questions every evening she assembles her bat moni- about bats’ needs. toring stations, consisting of bat detectors Final results of Arnett’s study will be avail- connected to appropriate recording equip- able in December 2002. ment, in orchards close to and far away from the bat colony. She then returns in the early morning to collect data on bat activity. She Bats, Pests, and Pears also deploys pheromone traps to determine Natasha Walton codling moth numbers in each orchard and California State Polytechnic University collects pears at each study site to evaluate Scholarship Recipient 2000 and 2001 moth damage. On some evenings, once each study site is set, Walton either observes the Natasha Walton has always been fascinat- emergence of the bat colony at the Iwama ed by wildlife, receiving her undergraduate m a rket or visits orch a rds t o pe r s o n a l ly degree from the University of California at observe feeding bats flying through the trees. D avis in Wi l d l i fe and Fi s h e ries Biology. Her study will not be complete until fall However, it was Dr. Merlin Tuttle’s article in 2002, but Walton has documented bats using National Geographic in 1995 that piqued pear orchards as feeding grounds and sus- her interest in bats.“I tend to be interested in pects more could be attracted through use of that other people shy away from,” artificial roosts, potentially good news for

B A T S 2 FALL 2001 Volume 19, No. 3 Larvae from the codling moth damage pear crops in California’s Suisun Valley.

Conserving Subic Bay’s Flying Foxes and Rain Forests Tammy Mildenstein and Samuel Stier University of Montana at Missoula Scholarship Recipients 1998 and 1999

Tammy Mildenstein and Samuel Stier,both graduate students at the Unive rsity of Montana at Missoula, are two-time BCI schol- arship recipients. As Peace Corps volunteers from 1999-2001, they were assigned to help o f fi ci a l s a t t he S ub i c B ay M et r o p o l i t a n Au t h o r it y E co l og y Ce n t er i n S ub i c B ay, Philippines, promote environmental conser- vation in the 24,710-acre (10,000 hectare) area that once housed the largest overseas Natasha Walton and orc h a rdist Ray Erickson discuss the U.S. Naval Base. Since the 1997 Southeast advantages of installing bat houses in Erickson’s pear orchards. Asian economic cra s h , t h e re have been increasing pressures to create a Duty Free Zone on the base in hopes of bringing more money into the country. However, with 98 pear growers who are constantly suffering percent of the Philippines’ original forests losses from codling moths. Already stressed lost to logging, this parcel of land is ecologi- by low market prices, any natural control of cally important as the last tract this leading pest can have a signifi c a n t of lo w l a n d , o l d - grow t h i m p a ct o n f i n an ci a l p r o f i t a b i l i t y. Pe a r monsoon forest in the entire o rch a rdists and bats may soon be country. It is also home to a recognized allies. colony of 20,000 endangered Wal t o n ha s s har e d h er p r e l i m i n a r y Philippine giant (P t e ro p u s findings with local growers and as a result, va m py ru s ) an d g o l d e n - some have already begun installing bat hous- crowned (Acerodon jubatus) es to encourage bat colonies to live and feed flying foxes. in their orchards. Local school groups have “This bat colony, due to its organized field trips to the Iwama Market to ecological, economic,and edu- watch the bats emerge in the evenings and, ca t i o n al i m p o r t a n c e , h a s through Walton’s education efforts, they and become the focal point of a the local community are learning more community-wide conservation about their bat neighbors . As Walton effort,” said Mildenstein.“With completes her study and analyzes her data such a singular resource, offi- she will continue to educate local farmers, cials from the Ecology Center N t e a ch e r s , an d ch i l d r en ab ou t Cal ifo rn i a ’s have been eager to set up a onoy Morilao cares for an orphaned flying fox whose mother was killed by bat hunters. Nonoy, a former bat hunter himself, worked bats, their needs, and the benefits of helping m a n agement plan for their with Mildenstein and Stier and now helps educate local people about them. popular, but endangered, bats. the value of their country’s bats.

Volume 19, No. 3 FALL 2001 3 B A T S ing the bats’ future protection.Thanks to the experience and training gained, the eight field assistants who helped with the project have all gone on to use their new skills for bat conservation. Mildenstein and Stier have also forged partnerships with Shell Oil and a local hotel to promote habitat restoration and ecotourism. Industry and tourists alike are learning that flying foxes are vital ecological links as pollinators and seed dispersers in the rain forest ecosystem. Thanks to the student scholarship program, many people are learn- ing to value and protect flying foxes as a uniquely valuable resource.

S am Stier worked with a Subic Bay hotel The roost area is protected from hunting to create an observation area where Bats in America’s Majestic tourists can view endangered flying foxes during the day,but conservation officers can Redwood Forests roosting in trees (upper left) and learn not protect the bats at night without know- Danielle Purdy more about their conservation needs. ing where they go to forage.” The entire Humboldt State University Subic Bay Protected Watershed is under pres- Scholarship Recipient 2001 sure to allow industrial developments to dis- place valuable forests. The Ecology Center Due to intensive logging and develop- could only justify a denial of development ment,old growth redwood forests now cover requests in the forest if it could prove that less than five percent of their original range. the area was important to endange re d With such losses, scientists are just now wildlife. More research was essential. beginning to understand the importance of In order to document where these fruit these trees as shelters for wildlife, including bats forage, Mildenstein and Stier captured bats. Armed with a BCI scholarship, Danielle 13 individuals and attached radio transmit- ters before releasing them. They trained a team of wildlife biology students, Ecology Center staff, indigenous people, and local bat hunters to help them track the bats and record their foraging locations throughout the night. Later, the locations were plotted on a map and visited by day so that each site could be described in terms of habitat type and vegetative and structural characteristics thought to be important for the bats. While the data is still being analyzed, pre- liminary findings suggest that the fruit bats are primarily dependent on undisturbed rain forest, especially along waterways and in areas with a high density of “bat trees.” (The couple determined which trees were used as flying fox food re s o u rces by identifying seeds in their droppings.) Officials at the Ecology Center are now developing a man- Danielle Purdy holds a Yuma myotis, one of several species that agement plan around these findings ensur- depend on roosts in redwood hollows.

B A T S 4 FALL 2001 Volume 19, No. 3 Purdy is studying bat use of these mammoth trees in order to gain a better understanding of their importance as roosts. As a student in the Department of Wildlife at Califo rn i a ’s Humboldt State Unive rs i t y, P u rdy is curre n t ly pursuing a Master of Science in Natural Resources. She works on the northern coast of California, near Arcata, where California myotis (Myotis californi - c u s) , l o n g - e a red myotis (M yotis evo t i s) , Yuma myotis (M yotis yumanensis) , a n d other species are known to roost beneath bark and in large cavities, also known as basal hollows, in old-growth redwoods. Basal hollows form when wood at the base of a t r ee dec om p o s es fo l l o w i n g ex p o s u r e t o intense fires. Purdy hopes to document which species use these ancient hollows by collecting droppings and by mist-netting bats in and around the trees in the evenings. Using the data collected, she will compare use of contiguous forests in state parks to that of private, heavily logged timberland. The outcome of this comparison will assist forest managers in considering the needs of local bat populations befo re pro c e e d i n g with logging activities. Danielle Purdy collects guano inside redwood hollows to document the bats’ roosting preferences. This study grew out of Purdy’s personal i n t e rest in bats and the ex p e rience she gained through participating in one of The Philippines’ Large Flying Fox B C I ’s Bat Conservation and Manage m e n t (Pteropus vampyrus) Workshops (see workshop schedule page The large flying fox (P t e ropus vampyru s)isthe w o r l d ’s largest bat, with a wingspan of up to six feet. It is a 12) in Barree, Pennsylvania. She was delight- p r i m a ryseed disperser and pollinator of tropical forests fro m ed to meet other people who shared her s o u t h e rn Thailand and Indochina, through Malaysia and interest, and was able to learn many of the Indonesia, to the Philippines. Prior to persecution by modern humans, some of its colonies were estimated to have study methods she now uses. Following n u m b e red in the tens of thousands, and given the incre d i b l e completion of her degree, she plans to teach size of this species, evening flights were truly spectacular. biology and share her enthusiasm for bat The sight of even one flying overhead is still an unforg e t t a b l e sight, making remaining colonies of these bats conservation. e x t r a o rdinarily attractive for the promotion of local ecotourism opport u n i t i e s . Like most other flying foxes, mothers rear just one pup per year, rely heavily on rapidly disappearing native fore s t s for food and shelter, and form conspicuous treetop colonies, making them especially vulnerable to extinction. U n f o rt u n a t e l y, they also are highly sought after as re s t a u r a n t Are you an aspiring delicacies, and tens of thousands are harvested annually, often in unsustainably large numbers. Public education BCI scholar? re g a rding their key roles as primary forest propagators, and For more information their direct contributions to important human economies, is essential. In many areas, they are important pollinators of on how to apply, see page 13. Durian trees, which produce the re g i o n ’s most lucrative fru i t Tammy Mildenstein holds an endangered c rop. Conservation and re s e a rch eff o rts to help these flying fox, the subject of her research in magnificent animals are critically important. the Philippine Islands. -Merlin D. Tu t t l e

Volume 19, No. 3 FALL 2001 5 B A T S O N S E RV I N G BAT S LI V I N G CI N BU I L D I N G S uman-made structures, such as bridges, mines, and buildings, have become essential habitat for many species, especially where natural H roosts in caves and forests have been destroyed. Bat conservationists in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Belgium, and other countries are working to educate those most likely to impact these bats.

Bats in American Buildings in Buildings Program, a collaboration with by Barbara French U. S . pest control companies. Pa rt i c i p a t i n g companies agree to abide by the most up-to- date information on solving nuisances, plac- Numerous bats now live in buildings as ing public health concerns in perspective, Pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus), which are homes of last resort. Yet, a rash of greatly and providing alternative roosts. They also often found roosting in buildings in the exaggerated public health warnings, especial- U.S., are primary predators of pests, such benefit from the increased business generat- ly in the U.S. (see previous BATS issues), as grasshoppers. ed by being posted on BCI’s Web site at i n c re a s i n g ly places even these in seri o u s www.batcon.org. jeopardy,as frightened home owners contact Customers gain from knowing they are pest control companies to have bats killed. de al i n g w i t h co n s e r v a t i o n - c e r t i fi e d , l o c a l All concerned will benefit from BCI’s Bats companies that help both people and bats, and they know their families will not be harmed by dangerous pesticides. Already, 49 companies in 25 states have been certified, and a handbook soon will pro- vide them with detailed explanations on how best to exclude bats and provide alternative artificial roosts for those that are displaced. The project is headed by BCI’s Bats and B u il d i n g s C oo r d i n a t o r, L a u ra Fi n n , w h o receives applications, checks references, and annually renews certification based on her re fe rence ch e cks with home ow n e rs fo r whom services have been provided.

Bats can be found roosting in attics, soffits, louvers, chimneys, under siding, eaves, roof tiles or shingles, and behind shutters. BCI’s Bats in Buildings Program offers homeowners and professional exclusion companies advice on solving nuisance problems in a manner that helps both bats and people.

B A T S 6 FALL 2001 Volume 19, No. 3 makes it illegal to 1) deliberately kill, injure, or capture bats; 2) deliberately disturb bats; or 3) damage, destroy, or obstruct access to bat roosts. The legislation gives power to organizations such as English Nature, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Scottish Natural Heritage group, and The Department of Environment (Northern Ireland) to orga- nize local volunteer bat groups that are responsible for ensuring protection of bats. After assessment, exclusion may be permit- ted as a last resort, only by a professional excluder. As a result of the legislation, the construc- tion industry has developed a series of bat- sympathetic construction designs that allow bats to remain in existing buildings and to be The author, Peter Fenn, displays a special bat brick that allows bats accommodated in new buildings. “ B a t to access cavities created between building walls. bricks” allow bats to reside within walls, and Lesser horseshoe bats, protected by a even in bridges, while “bat tiles” and slate local hotel, are now a tourist attraction. allow bats access to roof spaces. Many hous- ing developers also affix bat houses to the external walls of new houses and use this as British Bats and a selling point for their homes—a positive Building Construction move toward a greener society. by Peter Fenn In one case, a hotel pre s e rved a ra re colony of lesser horseshoe bats In contrast to efforts to evict bats in the (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and later mar- United States, the United Kingdom zealously keted them as an ecotourism attra c t i o n . protects all bats residing in buildings.In 1985, A r ch i t e c t s , b u i l d e r s , e n g i n e e r s , s u r ve yo r s , Many residential buildings in the United while wo rking for a major construction t r a d e s m e n , a n d lo cal r es i den t s a re n ow Kingdom are constructed using clay bricks company in England, I was involved in refur- collaborating to find creative solutions that around the exterior with a concrete block inner leaf. This technique creates a cavity bishing a stately home once owned by aris- protect bats. between the two walls that can be used by tocracy. The home was being converted into bats as a summer roost or a winter hiber- a hotel,and during construction,stonemasons nation site. found bats hibernating in the three-foot-thick (nearly one meter) masonry walls. Having lit- tle knowledge of bats, the tradesmen put the little creatures in their pockets. The warmth of their bodies soon roused the bats, which were ill-tempered at being disturbed. I sought advice and found that British law protects all bats, so with training from the local bat group, our entire team worked wholehearted- ly to minimize disturbance to the colony while completing our job. I later began researching bats and con- struction techniques and the laws protecting bat colonies. In England, Scotland, and Wales all bat species are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which

Volume 19, No. 3 FALL 2001 7 B A T S In Belgium, new conservation programs protect bats living in ancient churches and other historic structures.

Historic Structures: Safe i n g N at t er e r ’s b at s ( M yotis nattere ri) , Havens for Belgium’s Bats D a u b e n t o n ’s b a t s (M yotis daubentonii) , by Alex Lefevre and Wim Van den Bossche Pond bats (M yotis dasycneme), and even G e o f f roy ’s b a t s ( M yot i s e m a r g i n a t u s ) , Belgium’s bats find safe hibernation roosts probably the latter’s northernmost site. i n hu m a n - m a de s t r u c t u r e s , f r om u n d er - Much work has been done by hundreds of ground quarries and ice-cellars to fortresses, vo l u n t e e rs who have placed bat-fri e n d ly bunkers, and churches. Since Roman times, gates at quarries and bat-friendly doors in subterranean limestone quarries have been ice-cellars. In cooperation with the Belgian About the Authors exploited for building materials.The climate Army,one of the facilities previously used for Barbara French is BCI’s inside is conducive to the needs of bats, mak- commando training is now protected for Conservation Information Specialist. ing these labyrinths important winter roosts. She works closely with other biologists, b a t s , a n d r e c e n t l y, a s m al l fo r t res s w a s conservationists, and exclusion profes- I c e - c e l l a r s o f fer an o t h er un d er g ro u n d acquired with funding from the Department sionals worldwide to safeguard bats haven.In the late nineteenth century it was a of Nature of the Flemish Government and by roosting in human-made structures. luxury to have iced drinks on hot summer o ur n a t u r e co n s er v a t i on o r g a n i z a t i o n , Peter Fenn is a Chartered Surveyor, days. To conserve the ice gathered during Natuurpunt vzw. a Lecturer at the University of winter, ice-houses or ice-cellars were built We s t e r n E u r o p e ’s l a t es t co n s e r v a t i o n Manchester Institute of Science and near almost every large country house and efforts also link the past with the present. Technology, a Registered Mediator and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of castle. During winter, these now abandoned N ew pro grams to protect serotine bats Arbitrators, and is active on the cellars remain between 35.6° and 50° F (2° (Ep t e s i cu s s e ro t i nu s)livinginancient President’s Panel of Mediators at the and 10° C), with a high relative humidity ch u rch roofs have brought together Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. During the academic year making them optimal for hibernating bats. architects and congregations who collaborat- 1997-1998 he was a Visiting Professor We found eight different species hibernating ed to modify the ro o f s , c reating special at the University of Kentucky. He con- in these cellars, including the whiskered bat access holes for bats. Serotine bats and tinues to research bats and construc- (M yoti s my s t a c i nu s) , the long-eared bat long-eared bats immediately accepted the tion, funded by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. (Plecotus auritus), and one of the rarest, the r o o s t s , a n d w e a r e n ow ex c it ed a b o ut barbastelle bat (Barbastella barbastellus). growing opportunities for historic structures Alex Lefevre leads the bat working At the beginning of the twentieth century to play an important role in bat conservation group Natuurpunt vzw in northern Belgium. During the past 15 years, many fortresses were built around major throughout Europe. the organization has protected more cities. Antwerp, with one of the biggest har- than 130 important hibernation sites. bors in Europe, was surrounded by more coordinates Wim Van den Bossche than 20 fortresses. Today, these abandoned conservation initiatives for Belgium’s largest nature conservation organiza- structures are ideal for more than 5,000 tion, Natuurpunt vzw. hibernating bats of up to 10 species, includ-

B A T S 8 FALL 2001 Volume 19, No. 3 Natterer’s bats can be found roosting in fortresses near Antwerp.

Fortresses built around major European cities in the early twentieth century are now abandoned and provide an ideal habitat for hibernating bats.

Volume 19, No. 3 FALL 2001 9 B A T S 2 Why Paint Bats ? Article and Artwork by Fiona A. Reid

s that a bat? Why are you painting that bat?” I had a feisty stripe-head- ed, round-eared bat ( saurophila, formerly T.bidens) in my left “I hand, where it was gnawing my leather glove. Brush in right hand, I 1 paused to consider my answer.“Well, someone has to do it,”I said finally, and continued with my field study.

The backpacker, unfortunately not at all misconceptions about . Many think p u t o f f, c o n t i n u ed h i s in t er r o g a t i o n . that all bats are vampires, or that long-nosed “Wouldn’t it be easier to paint it larger than coatis and anteaters are related. Field guides that? Is it biting your hand? Is it a vampire? are an accessible means of providing basic How long does it take to do that? Why not information and stimulating interest in, and take a photo instead?” I had come to south- concern for, the region’s fauna. 1. Honduran white bat western in search of new species Many field guides have given short shrift (Ectophylla alba) to draw for my book, A Field Guide to the to small mammals by including only species 2. great fruit-eating bat carrying fig ( literatus) M am m a l s of C e n t ra l A m e r i c a an d “larger than a loaf of bread” on the grounds Southeast Mex i c o. At Sirena Station in that most naturalists and travelers 3. great false (Vampyrum spectrum) Corcovado National Park, I had mist-net- will not see the smaller bats and 4. wrinkle-faced bat ted bats along a small creek and had mice, or may not care to identi- (Centurio senex) caught a leaf-nosed bat (fa m i ly fy them. Although this may 5. great fruit-eating bat Phyllostomidae), attracted to the sometimes be true, the fact is, (Artibeus literatus) net by the squeaking protest small mammals are more 6. Jamaican fruit-eating bat of another bat I was untan- abundant and much more (Artibeus jamaicensis) gling.Several hours later, 3 diverse than larger mam- 7. great stripe-faced bat field study completed m a l s . The s e a re t he (Vampyrodes caraccioli) a n d b at re l e a s e d , I groups that are a real 8. Salvin’s big-eyed bat ( salvini) reflected on the back- challenge to identify. In 9. hairy big-eyed bat p a cke r ’s questions. W hy Costa Rica , t h e re are (Chiroderma villosum) spend painstaking hours painting over 100 bat species and 10. greater broad-nosed bat bats that few people see? only two species of deer. Tourists may ( vittatus) The billion-dollar bird-watching industry not see small rodents, but almost all will see 11. Heller’s broad-nosed bat depends in no small measure on the bats, in particular the greater fishing bats (Platyrrhinus helleri) production and availability of field guides, (No c tilio lep o ri nu s ) and proboscis bats 12. common tent-making bat which have become basic tools for amateur (Rhynchonycteris naso). Numerous student ( bilobatum) n a t u ralis ts and for biologists wo rking in groups visiting Central A m e rica use fi e l d 13. little big-eyed bat (Chiroderma trinitatum) u n familiar re gi o n s . Field guides are also guides in their course work. Without a fully 14. brown tent-making bat important for bat conservation. Color plates illustrated field guide to the small mammals, (Uroderma magnirostrum) allow scientists to quickly identify species, these groups often misidentify the animals while naturalists and park interpreters use they find. guides to educate visitors about local ani- In one instance, an Organization fo r mals. In Latin America, people often have Tropical Studies course instructor showed

B A T S 10 FALL 2001 Volume 19, No. 3 4 me bats that she had prepared as museum look behind the nose-leaf of the love- specimens. When I asked why they had been ly Macconnell’s bat (M e s o p hy l l a collected she told me that her students macconnelli) only to find a second thought that they were common vampire small nose leaf; to compare the hairi- bats (D e s m od u s ro t u n d u s, fa m i ly ness of the legs of closely related P hy l l o s t o m i d a e) and had killed them sp eci es o f ye l l ow - s h o u l d e red b at s because they feared being bitten. She later (genus Sturnia).The continuing challenge of keyed them out as bl a ck mastiff bats finding these unique characteristics for hard- 4 (Molossus rufus, family Molossidae), based to-identify species, and the chance to per- on their long tails. In fact, the bats were com- sonally get to know these marvelous night mon mustached bats (Pteronotus parnelli, fliers, is why I paint bats. fa m i ly M o r m o o p i d a e) neither similar in appearance nor closely related to mastiff or Fiona A. Reid is a freelance writer and illustrator vampire bats. of books on mammals. To see more of her books In cases such as these,a picture is worth a and art, visit www.hopscotch.ca/fionareid/or thousand words. For my field guide I illus- www.speleobooks.com/art/index.html. trated all the species of small mammals that could be identified in the hand. I designed the plates so that I could illustrate all the bats life size, allowing me to measure the 2 forearm, tibia, and other body parts to check the accuracy of my rendering. When I first arrived in I had no idea that I would end up with a missionary zeal to see and catch all the bats—and mice—throughout the region. As time went on, finding new species became more challenging. I searched out roosts and d evised some tri cky capture methods: a 6 7 hand net made from coat hangers and the end of an old mist net, with two long saplings duct-taped together, enabled me to catch the rare smoky bat (Cyttarops alecto) roosting high up under a coconut palm leaf. I even searched out some Central American 5 bats in Arizona and Ecuador. My final tally was 96 species caught and drawn from life, out of 118 species included in the guide. This was not a bad start, but only a hand- 8 9 ful of the nearly one thousand species of bats recognized worldwide. At present I am painting bats of the United States and Canada for a new Peterson Field Guide to North American Mammals, and hope to continue 1 3 painting live bats around the world. It is a privilege to be able to examine each bat closely: to compare the tiny bumps on the 1 4 chin of a pygmy fruit-eating bat (Artibeus phaeotis) with those of an even smaller 1 0 1 1 1 2 yellow-eared bat ( pusilla); to

Volume 19, No. 3 FALL 2001 11 B A T S BCI FIELD STUDY WORKSHOPS SUMMER 2002

oin us for one of BCI’s field study workshops and gain hands-on experience in bat con- servation and research techniques, including mist-netting, trapping, radio-tracking, Jnight-vision observation, acoustic monitoring, and habitat assessment. BCI staff and local researchers will share their knowledge through lectures, field trips, and demonstrations cov- ering topics such as habitat management, field research techniques, bat houses, public health, and nuisance problems. Nightly field trips provide guided, personal instruction in bat capture,

Workshop participants in Barree, Pennsylvania, photograph handling, and identification. The cost of the workshop includes all tuition, lodging, fees, and a big brown bat held by Casey Chaney, a seasonal biologist transportation from the local departure city. with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

ARIZONA along forest trails, and near beaver ponds. A ongoing research into archaeology and In southeastern Arizona, we emphasize highlight of the course is a guided journey into a conservation biology and has strong ties with the western bats, species identification, and habitat gated mine to learn about the winter hibernation local Maya and Mennonite communities. In assessment. Here, we can expect to capture and requirements of endangered Indiana myotis addition to lectures on tropical bats and our release as many as 17 species in a single (Myotis sodalis) and five other species. Using evening field work, we will explore this diverse evening, with additional close-up observations night-vision equipment, we will observe the region and learn about its wildlife and ancient of endangered lesser long-nosed bats fascinating fall swarming behavior of thousands of history. (Leptonycteris curasoae) and Mexican long- bats outside this mine. From Lamanai we will travel by dirt road to the tongued bats (Choeronycteris mexicana) visiting Departure City: Harrisburg, PA Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, hummingbird feeders. Our field site at the Limited to15 people. where we will stay at La Milpa Field Station. The American Museum of Natural History’s One 6-day, 5-night session beginning: station and the Management Area are owned and Southwestern Research Station is located in a August 23, 2002. operated by Programme for Belize, a local, non- beautiful riparian canyon in the Chiricahua Cost: $1,195 (A limited number of full and governmental organization that is a leading force Mountains. This is one of the most species-rich partial scholarships are available for federal in conservation. Encompassing four percent of areas of North America, providing opportunities and state agency biologists, land managers Belize’s land mass, this forest is home to 12 to work in the lowland desert one night and and other professionals with special needs.) endangered species. (Jaguar and other spotted coniferous pine forests the next, comparing and cats are seen regularly, as are ornate and black contrasting the bats we find. and white hawk-eagles.) Bat diversity is high. We Departure City: Tucson, AZ NEOTROPICAL WORKSHOP expect to see tent-making bats in their leaf tents, Limited to 12 people per session. Join Fiona Reid, author of A Field Guide to and we may capture several uncommon species in Three 6-day, 5-night sessions beginning: the Mammals of Central America and Southeast nets. May 29, June 3, and June 8, 2002. Mexico, and BCI staff in Belize for an introduction Join us in Belize, explore the riches of the Cost: $1,195 (A limited number of full and to the amazing diversity of neotropical bats. We Neotropics and learn about local conservation partial scholarships are available for federal expect to encounter frog-eating and fishing bats, initiatives to save this lush environment. and state agency biologists, land managers, fruit and nectar feeders, and vampire bats, plus a Departure City: Belize City, Belize and other professionals with special needs.) wide range of insect specialists, from gleaners to Limited to 15 people. aerial insectivores. In addition to the techniques One 6-day, 5-night session beginning: July learned at BCI’s U.S. workshops, we will 27, 2002 (optional 5-day, 4-night extension PENNSYLVANIA investigate capture methods especially useful in available). In central Pennsylvania we study eastern bats tropical situations, including raising extra-large Cost: $1,795 (includes a $250 tax- and their habitats with activities designed to teach nets into the forest subcanopy (and other high net deductible contribution to BCI’s Global participants how to make a personal difference sets) and using a boat to erect and check extra- Grassroots Program) for bat conservation. Here, we have special long mist nets set across waterways. opportunities to learn how bat houses and other On arrival in Belize, we will travel by boat into For more information about any of these workshops, including on-line applications, visit the BCI Web site: artificial roosts are helping to protect remaining New River Lagoon, where the tops of Maya www.batcon.org/trips/toptrips.html, or contact: bat populations. Included is an early-morning temples extend above the rainforest, and Janet Tyburec, BCI field trip to an old church where the dawn return disembark at Lamanai Outpost Lodge. This rustic P.O. Box 86493 • Tucson, AZ 85754 of more than 20,000 little brown myotis (Myotis yet very comfortable lodge, recognized as Belize’s Tel/FAX: 520-743-0265• [email protected] lucifugus) will fill the sky above us. We will also “Hotel of the Year” 1999-2000, is our base for net and release a wide variety of bats over streams, four nights. Lamanai Outpost houses and supports

B A T S 12 FALL 2001 Volume 19, No. 3 NEWS AND NOTES

Steffen Watzke measures the nectar volume in a Sonneratia caseolaris flower as part of his study of their pollination by long-tongued fruit bats in Peninsular Malaysia. Student Research Bat Books Scholarships Av a i l a b l e The University of Natal Each year, BCI awards scholarships rang- P ress has released Dr. ing from $500 to $2,500 for student research Peter John Taylor’s book, projects that best document bat roosting and Bats of Southern Africa. feeding habitat requirements, their ecologi- The 206-page book wa s cal or economic roles, or their conservation w ritten to raise publ i c needs. Students enrolled in any college or awa r en es s of bat v a l u e s university worldwide are eligible to apply. and conservation needs and contains species Projects must have bat conservation rele- accounts for each of the region’s 74 species. vance. The scholarship application deadline Photos by Dr. Merlin Tuttle and illustrations for 2002 is December 15, 2001. by Christeen Grant complement the text. All application info rmation and fo rms Taylor is curator of mammals at the Durban a re ava i l able on our Web page at Natural Science Museum. The book costs w w w. b a t c o n . o r g / s ch o l / s ch o l . h t m l. O r, w r i t e about $16.25 plus shipping and is available t o : B at C on s er v a t i o n I n t e r n a t i o n a l , from the University of Natal Press.Write, call, Stu d en t Sch o l a r s hi p P ro gra m , P. O. B o x or visit them on the Web: University of Natal 162603, Austin, TX 78716-2603, or email Press, Private Bat X01,Scottsville 3209, South [email protected]. A f r i c a ; P ho n e 2 7 ( 3 3 ) 2 6 0 5 2 2 6 ; e m a i l [email protected], or www.unpress.co.za.

Volume 19, No. 3 FALL 2001 13 B A T S Legislation for Bats During the Texas Legislative Session in spring 2001, BCI teamed with the Sierra Club to gain legislation to protect Texas’s bat colonies from exploitation by wild dealers. Bryan Sybert, natural resources director of the Sierra Club of Texas, worked with BCI’s Barbara French, Bob Benson, and representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to write the bill. Co-sponsored by State Senator Jeff Wentworth and Representative Edmund Kuempel, the bill passed in May and prohibits hunting or selling bats,or disturbing their natural roosts, without a permit. Texas’s House of Representatives also passed a res- olution honoring BCI and its Founder and President, The Texas House of Representatives honored BCI and Dr. Merlin Tuttle for Dr. Merlin Tuttle. Representative Elizabeth Ames Jones conservation efforts on behalf of the state’s bats. Pictured left to right: introduced House Resolution No. 1008 on May 16, BCI Executive Director Steve Walker, Public Information Manager Bob Benson with Bat Ambassador Zoe, State Representative Elizabeth Ames Jones, and BCI 2001, recognizing Dr. Tuttle’s many years of bat con- Founder and President Dr. Merlin Tuttle. servation efforts in Texas. North American Bat Conservation Partnership Grants Av a i l a b l e Since 1998, the North A m e rican Bat Conservation Pa rt n e rs h i p ’s C o n s e rvation Fund has provided grants of up to $5,000 each for p ri o rity bat projects across the continent. T h rough this fund, BCI and its p a rt n e rshave facilitated millions of dollars in bat wo rk . Applications are now being accepted for spring 2002, and the deadline for submission is December 31, 2 0 01. The re p o rts from previous grant recipients attest to the impact of this pro- gra m . O n Va n c o u ver I s land , B rit is h Colu mb ia, M a rtin Dav i s ’s s tu dies of t he ra re Ke e n ’s myot is (M yotis ke e n i i) led to the designation of Weymer Cave s as a permanent Wi l d l i fe Habitat A re a , p reventing imminent logging in sur- rounding fo re s t s . In Louisiana, Gypsy Gooding Langfo rd wo rked in the D’Ar b onn e Nat ion al Wi l d l i fe R ef uge ’s b ott om lan d fo re s t s , s t u dyin g b at ro o s t re q u i re m e n t s . Water tup elo t rees we re foun d to b e es pecially im p or t ant fo r b a t s ,and the fo rest will now be managed to protect potential roosts in tupe- lo trees from disturbance and fo rest cl e a ri n g . Jim Pe t t e rson studied the dis- t ribution and habitat use of bats in Mount Rainier National Pa rk in Washington using bat detectors to re c o rd echolocation calls. He also inspected bri d ge s ,b u i l d i n g s ,and abandoned mines for the presence of bats. The park is now using this info rmation to guide its management decisions, and Pe t t e rson is developing educational pro grams about bats for park visi- t o rs . Applications and info rmation are ava i l able on the Web at w w w. b a t c o n . o r g / n a b c p / n ew s i t e / gra n t s . h t m l. O r, w rit e t o: Bat Con s erva t i o n I n t e rn a t i o n a l , P. O. B ox 162603, Au s t i n , Tex a s , 7 8 7 1 6 , or email j ke n n e dy @ b a t c o n . o rg . P rojects dire c t ly supporting student re s e a rch are not eligi ble for this pro- Jim Petterson, a National Park Service wildlife ecologist, mist nets for bats gram and should be directed to BCI’s Sch o l a rship Pro gram (see page 13). in the shadow of Mount Rainier.

B A T S 14 FALL 2001 Volume 19, No. 3 Rabies Scares Continue In September alone, BCI responded to seven new articles that prompted rabies scares from Los Angeles to New York. In addition, Conservation Information Specialist Barbara French contacted two drug companies whose advertisements promoted fear of bats while providing misleading and potentially damaging information. The Bayer Co., in promoting Kiltix, a product intended for use on dogs and cats as tick control, featured “attacking” flying foxes in ads comparing bats to parasitic ticks. When the company Dr. Merlin Tuttle presents BCI’s Distinguished Service Award 2001 to Mark Bloschock, declined to withdraw the campaign, BCI informed biologists, bat Texas Department of Transportation engineer, for his innovative designs that create bat rehabilitators, and other conservationists of the problem via habitat in highway culverts. email. Many contacted The Bayer Co. on behalf of bats, including BCI member and veterinarian Deborah Kemmerer, whose clinic BCI Invites uses many Bayer products. After receiving a large number of com- Award Nominations plaints, the company indicated they would no longer use the ad. The Chiron Corporation, which manufactures the vaccine BCI is proud to work with an ever-growing number of RabAvert, was much more cooperative when approached about bat conservationists around the world. However, it is dif- their postcard ad featuring a vicious bat. After receiving educa- ficult for us to keep track of all of the innovative projects tional materials from BCI, their National Sales Manager, David and enthusiastic people who are making good things hap- Dwight, wrote, “You may rest assured that the content in this pen. mailing won’t be distributed again. Chiron Corporation greatly We invite you to submit your nominations for BCI’s appreciates the valuable service that BCI performs and hopes you Distinguished Service Awa rds 2002, i n cluding the will accept [our] donation to the organization.” A check for E d u ca t or o f t h e Yea r Aw a r d , an d t he n ew Yo u n g $1,000 was enclosed. BCI appreciates Chiron Corporation’s will- Conservationist Award recognizing achievements of con- ingness to learn the facts about bats and rabies and their support servationists under 17 years old. Send a one-page letter of bat conservation. telling us about someone who is working to help bats and why you believe that person should be recognized.You can nominate someone else, or you can nominate your- 2,500-Square-Foot Version self. Past recipients have included park interpreters, pri- Wilmington, Delaware vate landowners, teachers, and biologists. Anyone with a Delaware Museum of Natural History passionate desire to save bats is eligible! October 20 - January 6, 2002 The deadline for nominations is January 15, 2002. Salt Lake City, Utah Utah Museum of Natural History Write to: Bat Conservation International, Awards 2002, September 21, 2002 - January 5, 2003 P. O. B ox 162603, Au s t i n , TX 78716-2603, or email (Tentative dates) [email protected]. Dates are subject to change . For more info rm a t i o n , contact the ve nues l i s t e d , or call BBH Exhibits at 210-599-0045.

Volume 19, No. 3 FALL 2001 15 B A T S Season’s Greetings!

WISH LIST This holiday season, remember the bat-lover on your list with special gifts from the BCI Catalog. Shop our Fall/Winter Catalog for educational gifts and books for teachers and kids, or log onto Your help with any of the following special needs would greatly increase WWW.BATCON.ORG and shop for t-shirts, jewelry, our effectiveness. To make a donation, or for more information, please call Bob bat houses, and more! Benson at BCI 512-327-9721, ext. 27 or email: [email protected] Gift certificates are available for the hard-to-please, and as always, BCI welcomes your “In Honor of” holiday donations. And don’t forget DAT Recorder TCD-D8 Two-way radios to order your holiday cards featuring BCI’s bat ambassadors! BCI uses high-quality ultrasound equipment to Two sets of Motorola TalkAbout 250 Sport Radios research bats afield. An equally important compo- are needed for BCI workshops. These durable and nent of such field work is to record the data gath- compact two-way radios allow communication ered, which is often under tough weather conditions between groups in the field for improved safety and and within harsh environments. A new TCD-D8 Sony coordination—especially when radio-tracking bats to DAT tape recorder would be a tremendous asset roosts in rugged terrain. Four radios with cases are ($639). requested ($80 each, or $320 total).

“Night Shot” Digital Video Camera Additional Field Equipment Luggage BCI’s workshop and program leaders request a Needed Sony “Super Night Shot” model DCR-TRV330 digital video camera for unimpaired observation of bats. BCI’s busy field season is particularly challenging with increased staff activities and limited luggage for This camera would be extremely useful for monitor- BAT STICKERS ing and recording bat populations and behaviors in transporting gear. Outdoor Products offers a Artwork by David Chapman. 18 stickers on two the field by night. Your contribution in any amount wheeled nylon duffle ideal for heavy equipment. Two sheets per package. would be a great help ($689). of these sturdy and spacious bags would make a big T-2. Non-members $5.95, Members $5.50 difference ($180 for two duffle bags). We also have an immediate need for two durable tote bags to Garmin GPS III Field Equipment carry mist-net poles. These custom cases are hand- Because maps are not available for much of the made by a colleague and are kept in continual use remote bat habitat where we work, BCI’s field biolo- year-round at workshops and ecotours ($144 for gists request a Global Positioning System. These two cases, or $468 total). instruments are a distinct advantage in ensuring both accurate data and the safety of staff during abandoned mine surveys, radio-tracking, and mist- netting ($350).

Kodak Digicam - 4800 model A shortage of camera equipment continues to FRUIT BAT SHIRT Illustrator Meryl Henderson’s beautiful painting plague BCI’s field staff. With as many as five biolo- of fruit bats on a bright purple shirt. gists afield at once, our gear is in constant use, C-12. Non-members $19.95, Members $18.95 increasing the need for additional digital cameras to ensure that everyone can adequately document their work for our publications, Web site, and Annual Report. We would greatly appreciate donations to cover the cost of a new Kodak 4800 ($450 total).

Field Equipment - Mist Nets and Poles Despite great care, the mist nets we use to safely capture bats in the wild frequently get damaged beyond repair. Last year, with an unprecedented number of workshops and ecotours, our dwindling supply met its limits. We would be grateful for donations to purchase 12 new nets—four each of THANK three sizes: 18-foot ($58); 30-foot ($70); and 42- YOU! 2001 HOLIDAY CARD foot ($94); $888, and six pairs of 5/8" x 9" net poles, BCI’s bat ambassador “Zuzu” hangs peacefully beside her which are $132 a pair from Avinet; $792 (Total cost cute baby “Zena” in a holiday wreath. Cards measure for all $1,680). 5.25” x 7.25” and come in sets of 12 with matching envelopes. M-13. Non-members $13.95, Members $12.95

B A T S 16 FALL 2001 Volume 19, No. 3 HOW C AN I HEL P B ATS IN MY HOME TOWN?

OR JUST $25 a year,you can introduce your home community to the secret world of bats.Since 1983, BATS magazine has been the lead- F ing source of info rmation about bats and bat conservation worldwide. Full color photography offers readers a glimpse into the lives of these fascinating and essential animals, featuring articles on conservation, research, and education that have inspired numerous young people to pursue careers in these fields.

TO P ROV I D E YO U R local libra ry with an intro d u c t o ry one-year membership, which includes a subscription to BATS magazine, complete the form below or go to www.batcon.org and fill out the online Library Sponsor Form. Please provide us with your librarian’s name and complete address so that we can announce your tax deductible gift.

Please cut or copy form below and mail to BCI

GM-276 YES, I want to give my local library a one-year membership in BCI. Enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution of $25.00.

Recipient Library Information: Please make checks payable to BCI. U.S. Name: funds drawn on U.S. banks only. Address: Or, charge your: ❒ Mastercard ❒ Visa City: State: Zip: Country: Card # Exp. Date Sponsor Information: Signature Giver’s name: Address: City: State: Zip: ❒ Please send me my library’s renewal notices. Country: Phone:

Volume 19, No. 3 FALL 2001 17 B A T S THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, MAKE MIRACLES HAPPEN AROUND THE WORLD.

This season, your donation to BCI’s Global Grassroots Bat Conservation Fund will spread more than joy around the world. Global Grassroots is a special program that allows BCI to dramatically increase its impact on bat conservation, research, and protection worldwide. With this fund, BCI provides training, supplies, educational materials, and small, low-risk grants to local conservationists protecting bats and habitats in their home communities. In the last two years, BCI has dispersed $35,000, p rotecting bats in 13 countri e s , including Cambodia, Costa Rica, , and Romania. The impact of these Grassroots efforts has been phenomenal. Grant recipients have: • b roadcast educational radio spots on the benefits of bats, reaching nearly one quarter of the population in Honduras, • distributed 10,000 storyboards and lesson plans on the roles bats play in the Cambodian environment, and • initiated a campaign to bring large flying foxes back from the brink of e xtinction due to massive hunting in the Philippines.

It isn’t really a miracle that we can accomplish so much with so little.The American dollar goes a long way in these countries, and we know that on-the-ground, in-the-community activists often have more influence in their countries than outsiders.They get results quickly and inexpensively. Here is the secret to making it work. You! Without your help nothing happens. In fact, we’ve had to suspend additional grants this year due to lack of funds. The quality proposals we’ve received from bat conservationists in countries like Brazil and Slovakia now sit in the“funding unavailable” file. So this fall, please help bats around the world through a donation to BCI’s Global Grassroots Conservation Fund.Then, sit back and watch your goodwill turn into good deeds.We’ll make sure and tell you all about what we accomplish with your investment. For more information on how you can support local heroes (both bats and the humans working to save them), contact Denise Meikel, director of development, at 512-327-9721, ext. 26, or at [email protected]. Or, send your gift directly to: Global Grassroots Conservation Fund Denise Meikel, Bat Conservation International P.O. Box 162603, Austin,TX 78716

Bat Conservation International NONPROFIT ORG. P.O. Box 162603 U.S. POSTAGE PA I D Austin, TX 78716-2603 U.S.A. A U S T I N , T E X A S PERMIT NO. 1530

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED