Donate Now - Bat Conservation International
Abandoned mines throughout the United States provide homes for more than half of America’s bat species. As bats’ habitat disappears at an alarming rate because of urbanization, deforestation and human conflict, many displaced bats – including some listed as endangered – are finding refuge in abandoned mines. But those old mines must often be closed to protect unwary humans. Sealing mines without first examining them for use by bats, however, risks leaving whole colonies without homes – or worse, entombed inside.
Abandoned mines used by bats can be closed with gates that allow the bats to fly in and out while keeping humans safely outside. Over the years, Bat Conservation International has partnered with land managers, mining companies, state and federal agencies and environmental organizations to conduct pre-closure bat surveys at thousands of mines and caves. We have protected many of them with appropriate gates and other bat-friendly closures that keep humans safe while ensuring the bats can keep their homes.
Bats are facing some of their greatest challenges ever. White-nose Syndrome continues to decimate North American bats, and research to protect bats from wind turbines is not keeping pace with the growth of wind energy. With the addition of these new threats, it is increasingly important to conserve safe shelter for these vital animals.
No comments:
Post a Comment