International Bat Appreciation Day 2024
The Commemoration of this important day began nine (9) years ago so it was first celebrated in 2015. Started by a bat expert and founder of the Bat Conservation Organization, Dr. Rob Mies realized the importance of the winged mammal and their role in the environment.
The aim of the day was then and still is today to promote, educate and appreciate bats for their contribution to our ecosystems and the pollination of plants. In addition, they also aid in seed dispersal, pest control and control insect populations while reducing the use of harmful pesticides.
There are many myths pertaining to this species of mammal. Some of these are:
- “Blind like a bat, Bats are not blind (some of them use echolocation but they can see as well as humans),
- Bats are rodents but they are mammals according to their DNA and are closely related to dogs and cats which are carnivores,
- Most bats are vampire bats that like to suck human blood but that’s far from the truth. There are more than 1,400 species of bats and only four (4) of these bats suck animals such as cows.
- Bats are rabies carriers. Not necessarily the truth, similar to any wild animals there are healthy and unhealthy one.
Interesting Facts about Bats
- Bats are unique creatures that can be as large as a small dog or as tiny as a bee.
- Their daytime retreats can be caves, rock crevices, trees, old buildings, mines and bridges.
- They are more agile in flight than most birds
- They mainly eat fruits, leaves, insects, nectar, pollen and small animals
- Their young are called “pups”.
Bats are essential, they are reducers of night insects. Can you imagine how much more mosquitoes there will be without bats? More consideration must be given to our air-borne friends and nature little helpers.
We can start by stop destroying the homes and the destruction of the ecosystems that they strive in. Continue to spread the facts and not the rumours related to bats and be wise in our actions. HAPPY INTERNATIONAL BAT APPRECIATION DAY!