But did you know that bats are very useful for nature and humans? But today, several species are in danger. For what? This is the question that I asked in Craig Willis, a Manitobain scientist who studies bats at the University of Winnipeg. Let’s learn more!
A disease that wakes them up too early
According to Craig Willis, bats are fascinating animals. “They eat thousands of insects every year, which helps farmers protect their crops without using too many chemicals.” He explained to me. But today, two major threats are putting their survival in danger …
In recent years, a disease called white muzzle syndrome has affected several bats.
It comes from a fungus that attacks their skin while they hibernate.
The problem with this disease is that it pulls the bats from their hibernation too early. Once woke up, they go outside to look for food … but there are not yet. Result: they can die of cold or hunger. “We lost 80 % of our little brown bats in Manitoba,” said Craig Willis.
Unfortunately, the researchers have not yet found a remedy for bats with white muzzle syndrome.
A good thing for the planet … but not for bats
The other danger for bats is the wind turbines. Each fall, certain species of bats migrate south. And during their trip, they meet wind turbines. “They are attracted to these very high structures because they are looking for a place to mate before winter,” says Craig Willis.
Unfortunately, some bats bang against the blades of wind turbines … and some do not survive. Other times, they die because of a phenomenon called barotrauma. Baro-What? It is a complicated word that means that air pressure changes too quickly around them, which damages their very fragile lungs.
A solution to set up
However, there is a simple way to protect bats from wind turbines.
“The majority of wind turbines take place at night, between August and October, when the winds are weak and the turbines do not turn quickly. If the companies were asked to raise slightly the minimum speed to which a turbine begins to turn, we could save thousands of bats each year, “explains the scientist. In Alberta, this rule already exists. But not yet in Manitoba.
Craig Willis hopes that the situation will change quickly to protect Manitoba bats.
Have you ever seen a bat? If so, where?
