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P.E.I. Bats Need Your Help: Report Sightings!
4 Jun
Summary
- Researchers are asking the public to report bat sightings to help track population health.
- Three native P.E.I. bat species are listed as endangered, facing threats.
- The Atlantic Bat Hotline can be reached by phone or email for reporting.
Researchers on P.E.I. are seeking public assistance to track bat populations this spring. The Atlantic Bat Hotline has been established to collect sightings, which is crucial for monitoring the health and distribution of local bat species. This effort is part of the Signals of Bat Health project, a collaborative initiative involving environmental organizations and Atlantic provincial governments.
Three bat species native to P.E.I.—the Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, and the Tri-colored Bat—are currently listed as endangered. These species, along with migratory bats like the Hoary Bat and Eastern Red Bat, face significant threats. White-nose syndrome has caused widespread bat mortality across North America, while migratory bats are also vulnerable to collisions with wind turbines. Information on the impact of wind turbines on migratory bats in P.E.I. is limited, prompting a need for more data.
Accurate population data can be challenging to gather due to the elusive nature of bats. While sightings are often reported from areas like P.E.I.'s North Shore, Charlottetown, and Summerside, these may reflect human presence rather than precise bat habitats. The hotline serves not only for sighting reports but also offers general information and guidance on safely removing bats from properties. To report sightings or seek information, individuals can call 1-833-434-BATS or email atlanticbats@cwhc-rcsf.ca.
