Oliver based consulting biologist Mike Sarell presented an informative session on bat populations to the Similkameen Garden Club and interested community members in mid June.
Did you know that the Okanagan-Similkameen is a hot spot of bat diversity?
Did you know that a single bat consumes up to 600 mosquitos in one feeding?
Did you know that bats have only one offspring per year?
Did you know that windmill farms and white nose fungus are taking its toll on bat populations in B.C.?
Sarell’s expertise (he specializes in bats) led those gathered to become more knowledgeable about these mammals: their species and structure, habitats, mobility, longevity, effectiveness in controlling insect populations and the importance in our ecosystem.
Because of the concern for maintaining bat populations, Mike Sarell demonstrated the use of a hand-built house for bats that could provide habitat for up to 200 bats. The blueprint for this bat house is available at www.batcon.org .
This presentation dispelled myths about bats and clearly emphasized the necessity of protecting bats in our region.
Did you know that bats can live up to 50 years of age? Amazing!