Far from the blood-sucking creatures of fantasies like Dracula and Batman, bats are ‘goodies’ that help to keep our forests healthy. Vyonne McLelland-Howe from the Cathedral Parish Cluster’s “Care for Creation Ecology Group’ shares more about these fascinating creatures, reporting on the Group’s recent meeting with Julie Sloan, Secretary of the Central Victorian Bat Alliance. Needless to say, some myths were busted. 

By Vyonne McLelland-Howe

The bat or Balayang to the Kulin Nation of indigenous people, is a symbolic guardian and an integral part of their spiritual beliefs

On 25 February, the Cathedral Parish Cluster’s* Care for Creation Ecology Group had the privilege of learning more about these fascinating creatures from Julie Sloan, Secretary of the Central Victorian Bat Alliance. It is safe to say that many of us came away with a different attitude towards our bats. Bats are often treated as outcasts and have suffered much cruelty from humans, yet they are a keystone species to our environment. As pollinators and seed dispersers, bats are crucial to the health of our forests.

Due to its loss of habitat, the grey-headed flying fox, the species resident in Rosalind Park, Bendigo, is considered vulnerable to extinction and is protected under Federal and State legislation.

Bendigo residents are privileged to have a maternal camp** of bats in Rosalind Park. We do not know how long they will stay, but this opportunity to share the park with them and to learn more about this unique and precious wildlife is something we ought to celebrate.

BTW: Did you know that Chiroptophobia is an intense and irrational fear of bats?

*The Cathedral Parish Cluster includes the parishes of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Quarry Hill and Golden Square).

**A maternal bat camp, also known as a maternity colony, is a group of pregnant bats that roost together to give birth and raise their young.

Coming Up! All about Water!
The Care for Creation Ecology Group’s next guest is John McDonald from Coliban Water. John will answer questions about our precious water supply and how the changing environment affects it.

All are welcome to join us:
Tuesday 8 April, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. followed by morning tea.
Bring your questions along and become informed.
If you have any queries, contact Vyonne McLelland-Howe on mobile: 0408 414 036.

Some fascinating facts about bats proving how important they are to our environment:

• Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight – Unlike flying squirrels or other gliding animals, bats can generate lift and sustain flight with their wings, which are actually a thin membrane stretched over elongated fingers.
  
  
• There are over 1,400 species of bats – Bats make up the second-largest order of mammals, only behind rodents. They are found all over the world, except in extreme deserts and polar regions.
  
  
• Bats are essential for pollination – Many species of bats help pollinate plants, especially those that bloom at night. They are vital to the reproduction of certain plants like agave (which is used to make tequila) and bananas
  
  
• Bats eat vast amounts of insects – A single bat can consume up to 1,000 insects in an hour, making them natural pest controllers. This is especially important for controlling populations of mosquitoes and agricultural pests
  
  
• Some bats are vampire bats – While most bats eat insects, fruit, or nectar, there are three species of vampire bats that feed on the blood of animals. They don’t "suck" blood, but instead make a small cut and lap it up
  
  
• Bats can live a long time – Some bat species can live for over 30 years, which is quite impressive for small mammals. Their longevity is linked to their slow metabolism and ability to hibernate during colder months
  
  
• Bats use echolocation to navigate – Most bats have the ability to use echolocation, emitting high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, helping them "see" in the dark and avoid obstacles while hunting.
  
  
• Bats are important for seed dispersal – Certain species of bats help disperse seeds, which contributes to the growth of new plants, especially in tropical environments. This makes them crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
  
  
• Some bats migrate – Certain bat species, like the Mexican free-tailed bat, migrate thousands of miles to find food or suitable living conditions during different seasons.
  
  
• Bats are incredibly diverse – Bat species range in size from the tiny bumblebee bat, which weighs less than a penny, to the large flying fox, which has a wingspan of up to 6 feet!
  
  
• They have a unique method of sleeping – Bats typically hang upside down while sleeping, due to a special locking mechanism in their feet that keeps them securely attached to surfaces without using much energy.
  
  
• Bats are not blind – Despite the common myth, bats can see. They do have great vision, especially in low light, and rely more on their exceptional sense of hearing for navigation and hunting.
  
  

Did you know as part of Laudato Si’ action, Pope Francis wants us to learn about our local flora and fauna?