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Bats have ecological, economic function

Editor: As a professional biologist involved in B.C. bat research and B.C. director for the 60-year-old Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists, I cannot sufficiently state my concern for bat conservation. As you may know, B.C.

Editor:

As a professional biologist involved in B.C. bat research and B.C. director for the 60-year-old Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists, I cannot sufficiently state my concern for bat conservation. 

As you may know, B.C. bat populations are currently imperiled by white-nose syndrome as well as habitat losses.

Contrary to popular belief, relatively little is known about the details of bat natural history, such as over-winter habitat locations that would greatly enhance management strategies. The preservation of current populations is, therefore, of paramount importance.

 With close to 3,000 bats estimated in residence in the old Burrvilla in Deas Island Regional Park, this is perhaps the largest known bat colony in the Lower Mainland, and therefore represents an important representative segment of the Lower Mainland’s bat populations. 

In view of the importance of these bats to the local ecology, Comox Valley Nature and the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists strongly support BC Nature’s recommendation that they be left to continue their peaceful existence in Burrvilla. 

These animals perform an important ecological and economic function in adjacent agricultural and recreational lands.

Dr. Loys Maingon

Comox Valley Nature