Poor bats. Not only do they have a sinister reputation, but they also now face threats that endanger their survival, including the famous white-nose syndrome. However, outdoor enthusiasts can do small things to help.
But why help them? Among other things, because they eat an impressive quantity of harmful insects.
“They eat biting insects, mosquitoes and others, but it is especially when it comes to pest insects, harmful to agriculture and forestry, that they make the greatest contribution,” explains Jean-François Houle , head of the conservation and education department at Plaisance National Park.
A single bat can eat 600 insects in an hour. It has been calculated that an average colony of bats, or 300 individuals, could eat more than 20 million insects during a summer.
“It allows us to use fewer pesticides in crops,” argues Nathalie Desrosiers, biologist at the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks.
Biting insects only represent a small proportion of their menu, just under 10%. But that’s still almost 2 million mosquitoes that are put out of harm’s way. Campers, hikers, climbers and paddlers can’t help but enjoy it.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
A bat with white-nose syndrome
An unwanted mushroom
But now, white-nose syndrome has wreaked havoc in the colonies. It is caused by a microscopic fungus introduced to North America in 2006, Pseudogymnoascus destructans. It grows on the skin of bats during hibernation and irritates them so much that it frequently wakes them during the winter. However, each awakening forces the bat to expend energy and draw on its reserves. Result: the poor creature no longer has enough reserves to survive the winter and dies before spring arrives.
In a few years, the syndrome killed 90 to 100% of the individuals in the colonies where it was present.
Jean-François Houle speaks frankly of a massacre. He stresses the importance of not going for a walk in bats’ hibernating sites, hibernacula, so as not to disturb them further. “They already have one or two takes against them, we are not going to come up with a third take. »
Cavers are well aware of the problem and know which caves should be avoided. “Members of associations worthy of the name also know the decontamination procedures that they must follow to avoid spreading the fungus from a contaminated cave to a cave that is not yet contaminated,” underlines Mr. Houle.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also give bats a helping hand by participating in citizen science programs. Jean-François Houle recommends consulting the Bats in shelters site to find out about these small flying mammals and to participate in research programs. This includes reporting colonies.
“The bats that have survived are something that interests the government,” observes Jean-François Houle. Will resistance develop against the fungus? It could be a salvation for the bats. It’s important to take care of survivors. »
The Bats to Shelters website provides all the details to follow the precise counting procedure.
PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
The hoary bat, one of the three species of migratory bats in Quebec. There are also five resident bat species in the province.
In summer, the survival of bats is less threatened. The males take refuge here and there, each on their own. The females group together in what we call maternity wards. It could be in trees, attics. “It’s a good idea not to wake them because they work all night feeding,” advises Mr. Houle.
We can build a dormitory to give them an extra helping hand. Here again, Bats to shelters provides all the information necessary to build the ideal dormitory.
It is very rare to see a bat flying during the day. “If that happens, it’s a worrying sign,” says Jean-François Houle.
This could be a sign of white-nose syndrome. Or rage. Because yes, bats can carry this disease. You should therefore not touch a bat with your bare hands, whether it is dead or alive. “We advise calling 811 if we are in contact. You can’t feel the bite of the bat, it has very small teeth,” says Mr. Houle.
Usually, a bat infected with rabies lies sadly on the ground, paralyzed.
“She’s pitiful to look at, people think she has a broken wing, they want to save her, but we can’t touch it,” warns Nathalie Desrosiers. We can point it out, then let nature take its course. »
In her work, Nathalie Desrosiers was able to observe several species of bats.
“I don’t have any favorites, I find them all cute. »
Video suggestion
The Flight of the Bat
Very beautiful images filmed at the Balme caves, near Lyon.
Number of the week
6
This is the number of species of bats that have been counted at Îles-de-Boucherville Park.