Notes from the Wildlife Naturalist: Thankful for Bats
By Emily Stauss

There are 16 species of bats in Alabama. On the mountain, we have documented the Big Brown Bat, Red Bat, Evening Bat, and Tricolored Bat (featured on our new trail sign.) Contrary to popular belief, most bats - including the majority of our 4 documented bat species - roost in hollow trees, shaggy bark, or roll inside leaves, rather than roosting in caves. However, because Ruffner has a large number of mines, our preserve’s habitat specifically attracts a high concentration of tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus).

Unfortunately, white-nose syndrome (Pseudogymnoascus destructans), a fungal disease that has killed millions of bats in North America, has had a devastating effect on the population of tricolored bats throughout the United States. White-nose syndrome has also been found here at Ruffner. Once the most common bat in the eastern US, the tricolored bat has experienced a significant decline in population since 2006 due to white-nose syndrome and is now considered a vulnerable species. Being a vulnerable species means that without conservation efforts, the tricolored bat could one day be considered endangered.

What can you do to protect the tricolored bat and all bats in general? One of the most important steps you can take is to not explore mines and caves without permission. Not only are mines and caves dangerous, but the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome is spread by soil transportation, including via human shoes and clothing. When you walk in and out of caves, you can spread the disease. You can also help to save bats by building bat houses on your property to encourage bats to live and breed there, and you can educate your friends and family about the benefits of having bats in your neighborhood. A single bat can eat 600 mosquitoes in one hour, significantly reducing your chances of catching a mosquito-borne disease. Bats are also important pollinators in tropical ecosystems and their guano (poop) is an important natural fertilizer.

I wish you all a happy holiday season - I am thankful for our bats, and I am also thankful for all of you - Ruffner’s visitors, members, donors, and supporters - who make all of our education and conservation efforts (bats included) possible.