66 percent of bat species that hunt insects
1000 the number of mosquito-sized insects that ONE Little Brown Bat can eat in just one hour
$3.7 million the estimated value of bats in the U.S. in reduced crop damage and reduced pesticide use
33 percent of bat species that feed on the fruit or nectar of plants
41 years is the record for the oldest bat in the wild
1 on average, the number of young reared per year
5.7 million the number of bats killed by White nose Syndrome since 2006 (as of spring 2013). Biologists call the loss "the most precipitous wildlife decline in the past century in North America".
Millions of Mexican Free-tailed Bats
leave Bracken Cave each summer evening
leave Bracken Cave each summer evening
Images by Nancy Castillo
Fact Source:
Bat Conservation International
Ellen, I just found out the there is new development pressure adjacent to Bracken Cave! A developer wants to build over 3000 homes in the area, directly beneath their nightly flight path! Check out this page http://chn.ge/17Bx4DR
Kathie, thanks! Please check out the link about potential development in that area!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 17, 2013 at 11:19 AM
I'd love to see those Mexican Free-Tailed Bats in Texas someday!
Posted by: Ellen | May 15, 2013 at 02:11 PM
Nancy, such an important subject. The decline of the bat is just tragic! Thanks for posting such useful information!
Posted by: Kathie | May 14, 2013 at 06:20 PM