-Exclusive Bat-Vocate Patch Steps-

Protecting and preserving our environment is something we should strive to do. Whether you help the environment by picking up one plastic bag or by spending a day taking waste out of our ocean waters, every bit counts. Many animals are negatively harmed by something of our actions. Across the globe, there are 1,421 known species of bats and 13 of those live here in Florida. Namely, South Florida is home to the Florida Bonneted Bat that has an estimated population of 3,000-5,000, making it the rarest bat in the United States. But the Florida Bonneted Bat isn’t the only one; many bats are experiencing the same decrease in population. The purpose of earning this patch is to further inform those in my community (and some beyond, too).

This program is designed for anyone who has viewed this website or is interested in bats. Protecting our world is our responsibility and reaching out to bats is just the beginning. 

In order to earn this patch, you must complete the following requirements. Make sure to record and send proof of completed steps to batvocateswfl@gmail.com (you can type up the answers and add pictures where necessary).

**This patch can only be earned once. There is a limited quantity!

1). Research the species of bats that live near you. What’s their population status (endangered, etc.)? 

2). What’s the most populated species near you? The least populated? 

3). What’s your favorite species near you? Favorite species in general? 

4). Have you seen bats/bat houses in your area? 

5). Other than the issues I mentioned on my website (habitat loss and WNS), what are some other things that affect bat populations? (examples: wind turbines and mosquito spraying) 

6). What is the difference between microbats (such as the ‘Bumblebee Bat’) and megabats (such as the ‘Flying Fox’)? How do each contribute to the environment? Similarities? Differences? 

7). Share this information with others!