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The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF), in partnership with the BC Community Bat Program and Wildlife Conservation Society Canada’s Alberta Community Bat Program, have launched the national Bat-friendly Community Certification Program to help communities conserve the endangered mammals.
“Canada’s bats need our help,” said James Pagé, CWF species at risk and biodiversity specialist. “Communities can play an important role in helping bats recover while creating healthier ecosystems for many other wildlife species.”
Bats play an essential role in healthy ecosystems by consuming vast numbers of insects each night, benefiting agriculture, forests and communities, Pagé said. Yet nearly half of Canada’s 18 bat species are now considered at risk, with populations continuing to decline due to threats including habitat loss and the devastating spread of White-nose Syndrome.
The new Bat-friendly Community Certification initiative provides municipalities with practical, science-based actions they can take to protect bat habitat, educate residents and demonstrate leadership in wildlife conservation.
Communities participating in the certification program will work toward goals that include:
- Protecting, restoring and enhancing habitat for bats.
- Promoting public education and awareness about the importance of bats.
- Providing information resources enabling community residents to get involved while ensuring people avoid contact with bats.
- Connecting communities across Canada.
There are currently 10 communities certified as bat-friendly in British Columbia.
For more information about certification, visit www.BatFriendlyCommunities.ca or http://communautes-chauves-souris.ca.