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Bat Conservation
Lubee newsletter May 2012
Saving Bats.
Conserving Ecosystems.


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With the symbolic adoption of a fruit bat, you join Lubee's efforts to save bats. 
Winte2010_adoptabat
Each adoption is fully tax deductible.   Adoption kits include a photo and certificate depicting your chosen bat AND a plush bat 
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April Bat Birthdays
Straw-colored fruit bat  Isis - Apr 2, 2003
Mandolin- Apr 13, 2003
Variable flying fox
Amelia - Apr 14, 1994
Little Golden-mantled flying fox
Thatch - Apr 8, 2003
Pluto - Apr 19, 1997
Grey-headed flying fox
Alba - Apr 21, 2005
Leafhopper - Apr 22, 2005
Indian Flying Fox
Vishnu - Apr 30, 1997
 
 
Field Conservation 

As part of our ongoing commitment and dedication to conservation, we are proud to announce three projects that were recently funded through our grants program:

- Fruit Bats as Bushmeat in the Solomon Islands

- Youth Environmental Association (YEA) for Fanihi! (Rota)

- SouthEast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit (SEABCRU) - Flying Fox Research

 

Fruit Bats as Bushmeat in the Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands (SI) contain some of the highest vertebrate endemism and diversity in the world. This project will focus on the Kahua region of Makira which contains extensive and relatively undisturbed coastal rainforest. A rapidly growing population is increasing pressure on natural resources, including through hunting which is threatening the unique biodiversity and ultimately the environmental resources upon which the local people depend.

 

Fruit bats are hunted opportunistically for food and for their teeth, which are used in necklaces, but as yet no research has been conducted on the threat of hunting as a risk factor in the conservation of SI bats. This information is critically needed as the endemic Makira flying fox (Pteropus cognatus) has a highly restricted distribution and therefore hunting and forest degradation could significantly impact this endangered species.

 

This project aims to: 1) quantify rates of fruit bat harvest to assess the sustainability of current hunting practices; 2) determine whether fruit bats are of greatest value to the poorest people, and 3) improve local knowledge on the importance of fruit bats for the forest ecosystem. To deliver these aims this project will build on existing strong links with a local grass roots organization and adopt a participatory approach to build capacity and aid local learning.

  

Tammy Davies from St Andrews University and Institute of Zoology is the Principal Investigator for this project.

 

Youth Environmental Association (YEA) for Fanihi!

Lubee continues conservation commitment on Rota by funding the Youth Environmental Association (YEA) for Fanihi.

  

Rota education
Rota High School Students

The Mariana fruit bat (Pteropus mariannus mariannus), locally known as fanihi, is a federally listed species whose populations are rapidly declining throughout its range. The island of Rota has the last viable population of fanihi in the southern Marianas, but illegal hunting is a consistent threat to the recovery and persistence of the population. Training and employing local people in positions which directly involve them in conservation and research is one of the most effective ways to change local attitudes; direct engagement promotes appreciation of the species' intrinsic value and provides an alternative economic value to the species. The goal of this project is to empower students of Rota to take ownership of and pride in the conservation of native wildlife by giving them the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their own conservation-oriented actions. This project will establish the Rota Youth Environmental Association (YEA) and facilitate implementation of student-led research, education, and entrepreneurial projects that emphasize conservation of fruit bats and other wildlife on Rota.  Rota Conservation and Ecotourism (RCE) will teach YEA members and their collaborators how to write proposals, develop and implement projects, and prepare final reports. YEA members will apply for funding for their projects through RCE and according to guidelines provided by RCE. RCE will facilitate collaboration between students and professional mentors (e.g., professional wildlife biologists, members of conservation organizations, and business managers/owners) to guide students through the proposal and implementation of their projects. Through professional and peer collaborations, students will have the opportunity to acquire skills that can contribute to long-term career and conservation objectives.  

 

Julia Boland with RCE is the Principal Investigator for this project.

 

SEABCRU  

The Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit (SEABCRU) was established in 2007 with support from BAT Biodiversity Partnership to provide an organizational framework to coordinate and implement research, capacity building, and outreach to promote the conservation of Southeast Asia's diverse but threatened bat fauna.  SEABCRU focuses on cave and forest bats, taxonomy, and outreach.  Lubee's contribution will go towards providing small grants to individuals from SE Asia to conduct research on flying foxes.  If you would like to learn more about SEABCRU, please visit the home page http://www.seabcru.org/.   

 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You can make a difference by donating to our ongoing conservation effortsWe cannot fulfill our commitment to the preservation of fruit bats and their habitats without your continued support.  Please consider making a one-time or annual donation, ensuring the survival of threatened species for future generations.  

 

 White-Nose Syndrome

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) found in Alabama

 

white noseThe US Fish and Wildlife Service announced last month that WNS has been found on bats in the Russell Cave complex in the northeastern corner of Alabama, the southernmost state to be affected.  WNS continues to spread even further throughout the country and scientists will be able to further gauge the impact after bats emerge from their hibernation.  Alabama is the 18th state confirmed with the presence of WNS.  The astonishing number of bat deaths caused by WNS could have far reaching environmental and economic implications.

 

Please click this USFWS link for further information: USFWS WNS

 

White-Nose Syndrome likely came from Europe 

A team of scientists from the University of Winnipeg have recently determined that the fungus responsible for WNS Geomyces destructans came from Europe.  WNS is responsible for killing between 5.7 and 6.7 million bats in North America.  However, the fungus has not been associated with massive die offs in Europe, suggesting that European bats may have evolved an immunological resistance to the fungus and were exposed long before North American bats.  This evidence almost certainly points to the fact that humans may have unknowingly transported the fungus after coming in contact with it in a European cave. 

 

Lubee will continue to partner with the University of Florida and local organizations to study native bats, assess threats to local populations, and educate the public on ways to get involved with bat conservation locally and globally.

 

You can make a difference by donating to our ongoing bat conservation efforts.

 

 Fruit Bat Photo Day
Photography Day Rescheduled to Saturday, May 19
 
Curry Purple flowerOur Fruit Bat Photo Day event has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 19!  Spaces for this event are available so please contact us to secure your place. 
 
Guests will have the opportunity to step into our bat enclosures and take photos of the beautiful animals that reside at Lubee without the inconvenience of the enclosure wire.  Staff members will ensure that the bats remain at a safe distance while allowing for spectacular photographic moments.  All of the enclosures will have foliage inside to allow for a natural setting while also providing browse for the bats to investigate.  Guests will also have the option to make their own enrichment for the bats, such as fruit, toys, or plants, which will be placed inside the enclosures by the keeping staff. The pen doors will then be opened for guests to take personal photos of the bats interacting with the enrichment. This event also offers the opportunity to speak with Lubee's Director and animal care staff on a one-on-one level.  We will provide drinks and snacks; merchandise will also be available. 

 

Pre-registration is required with a donation of $25.00. Please email [email protected] to confirm your registration. With your registration, please include the names of all the people in your party attending the event.  The first 40 registered people will be chosen for this event.  We will send out a personal registration confirmation email.

 

TyrantPlease mail your check to the Conservancy before the event at:

Lubee Bat Conservancy

1309 NW 192nd Ave

Gainesville, FL 32609

 

In your check memo box please write Bat Photo Day.

 

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the photo day!  

 

Keeper Diaries

Bat Days Of Summer!

 

vamp wingspan

Here in Gainesville, Florida we are rapidly approaching summer! This of course means high temperatures and humidity.  What a great opportunity to consider how many species of fruit bat are adapted to hot climates and how the staff at Lubee ensures the bats are more than comfortable even during those scorchers! 

 

Most of the species at Lubee come from the tropical regions in Africa and Southeast Asia.  These areas have very similar climates to that of Florida, except that parts of Southeast Asia receive more annual rainfall.  This makes Florida an ideal location for a fruit bat conservation facility. 

 

All of our outdoor enclosures are outfitted with multiple shaded sections as well as a central building unit that the bats have free access to day and night. Every enclosure also has misting systems set to come on at multiple intervals during the hottest parts of the day.
 

Best for beating the heat though are the bats very own adaptations!  Bats are born with their very own pair of cooling devices.  The membrane of a bat's wing (better known as the patagium) is very thin, which means the blood vessels in the wing are close to the surface of the skin.  As the bat holds its wings away from its body, the blood is cooled in the vessels which in turn help to cool the rest of the body.  A more noticeable feature is that these wings make great fans for the bats, and they make use of them.  Whenever it starts to get warm you can see a bat holding a wing away from their body waving it back and forth at themselves!  Isn't that amazing!

     

Please share with us on our Facebook page some of the ways you plan on staying cool this summer!

 

Anthony Mason

Keeper I

Year of the Bat
Bat Conservation organizations unite for Year of the Bat Winte2010_yob 

 

To celebrate the environmental impact of bats and encourage more international cooperation on bat conservation, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and EUROBATS have designated 2011-2012 the Year of the Bat. The Year of the Bat aims to raise awareness of these often misunderstood animals and their diverse biodiversity benefits. Lubee Bat Conservancy is proud to be a partner in the Year of the Bat initiative, and we will be working to highlight the conservation plight of fruit bats across the globe with many exciting new conservation and education awareness initiatives. Please visit the Year of the Bat website to read more as plans and events develop.

 

   

Dear Friends,

We are committed to bringing you up to date information relating to flying fox conservation, bat news from around the world, and the latest happenings at our wonderful bat center. Making the connection to our friends and members is of the utmost importance and we will strive to make this commitment a reality in 2012. Feel free to contact us or check out our website for further information www.lubee.org.

 

Lubee is successful because of its dedicated team of staff, interns and volunteers, and also because of you, the people and organizations who make our work possible. I'd like to extend my personal thanks to each and every one of you for your interest and commitment to the conservation and education work of Lubee Bat Conservancy. Your support is greatly appreciated! 

 

Sincerely,
BP signature 
Brian G. Pope
Director
Lubee Bat Conservancy