The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) will celebrate International Bat Night on Saturday, the 29th of August, with an activity designed to bring the public closer to Madeira’s biodiversity.
The event will begin at 21:00 at the Cristo Rei Viewpoint in Garajau and will include an opportunity to detect and listen to the ultrasonic calls made by bats.
Organised in partnership with Madeira Fauna & Flora, the initiative forms part of an annual event held across several European countries and offers an evening dedicated to discovering the bats that inhabit Madeira’s ecosystems.
Participants will be able to learn more about the animals’ biology, habitats and ecological importance, including the vital role they play in naturally controlling insect populations.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the use of specialised equipment to detect the ultrasonic calls bats use to navigate and hunt. These sounds are largely beyond the range of human hearing, but bat detectors can convert them into audible signals, allowing participants to follow the animals’ nocturnal activity.
Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight and play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Despite this, they continue to be surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can create negative perceptions and hinder conservation efforts.
The initiative aims to improve public understanding of these remarkable animals while raising awareness of the importance of protecting both bat species and the habitats on which they depend.
The event also forms part of the work undertaken by the Autonomous Region of Madeira through EUROBATS, the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats. The international agreement establishes commitments for the protection of bats and their habitats.
The IFCN considers International Bat Night an opportunity to bring nature conservation closer to the public through an enjoyable and educational activity, revealing a fascinating part of Madeira’s biodiversity that often goes unnoticed because it comes to life after dark.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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