Tumgik
#Bats of Central America
loveisinthebat · 8 months
Text
DEPLOY THE SKRUNKLE
Tumblr media
9K notes · View notes
timmurleyart · 1 year
Text
Tumblr media
Into the dark night. 🌛🦇🫐(Mixed media on canvas)🔹
4 notes · View notes
mammalianmammals · 5 months
Text
Tumblr media
Honduran White "Tent-making" Bats (Ectophylla alba) hiding under a large leaf, family Phyllostomidae, found in Central America
photograph by surfelife
395 notes · View notes
uncharismatic-fauna · 3 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Fly Free with the Mexican Free-tailed Bat
Also known as the Brazilian free-tailed bat, guano bat, or Tadarida brasiliensis, this member of the order Chiroptera is one of the most widely-distributed New World bat species. They are common throughout the southern United States, Central America, and western South America. In many parts of the southern United States, the species is migratory and moves to Central America for the winter. They roost primarily in caves, but can also build nests in buildings; because of this, they can be found in a range of habitats including tropical and deciduous forests, mountains, deserts, and urban areas.
Like most bats, the Mexican free-tailed bat is nocturnal, emerging at sunset to hunt. They are primarily insectivores, and will travel great over 31 km (50 mi) to find food. In fact, this species holds the record for both the highest recorded flight altitude-- at 3.3 km (2 mi) high-- and the fastest flight speed-- an astounding 160 kph (99.4 mph)! That makes the Brazilian free-tailed bat the fastest mammal on Earth, although they can only achieve those top speeds in short bursts and with a good tail wind. Moving that fast can be useful, not only for covering great distances or catching insects, but for avoiding predators like raptors and owls. Young bats that can't fly may also be susceptible to opossums, skunks, and snakes.
The roosts of T. brasiliensis can be quite large; many contain several thousand individuals, while some have been recorded as housing more than a million. For this reason, communication is very important. Mexican free-tailed bats use echolocation to navigate and, for mothers, to locate their young. This species has over 15 distinct calls just for socialization. In addition, they can use their vocalizations to 'jam' the echolocation of other rival species and steal their prey.
Mating for the Brazilian free-tailed bat occurs once a year in the spring. Females gather in large maternity groups, while males mark out a territory by urinating and emitting loud vocalizations. Once a pair mates, the two separate- often to seek out another partner. Gestation lasts 11-12 weeks, and once females give birth they leave their offspring in a group of pups known as a creche, that is cared for communally. The pups take 4-7 weeks to be weaned, and after they learn to fly they join the larger roost as independent adults. However, females take up to 9 months to become sexually mature, while males may take as long as 2 years. In the wild, an individual may live as long as 8 years.
Size-wise, T. brasiliensis is on the smaller side of the bat group. Most individuals are around 9 cm (3.5 in) in length and weigh around 7–12 g (0.25–0.42 oz), with a wingspan of 28 cm (11 in). Females tend to be slightly heavier, but not larger otherwise. The tail of the Mexican free-tailed bat accounts for nearly half its total body length, and is unconnected by the thin membrane that makes up its wings (the uropatagium)-- hence the name 'free-tailed'. The ears are large and rounded, to assist with echolocation, and the muzzle is heavily wrinkled to give them a wider gape when catching bugs in mid-air. The Brazilian free-tailed bat's fur is dark brown or gray, with no distinguishing features save the long, white bristles around their feet.
Conservation status: The IUCN has classified the Mexican free-tailed bat as Near Threatened. However, populations are declining due to habitat destruction and susceptibility to a fungus known as white nose syndrome. Governments in the southern United States and Mexico, as well as private NGOs like Bat Conservation International, have established laws and conservation areas to protect the species.
If you like what I do, consider leaving a tip or buying me a kofi!
Photos
Michael Durham
Merlin D. Tuttle
Carlos Russi
115 notes · View notes
snototter · 11 months
Text
Tumblr media
A sac-winged bat (Saccopteryx sp.) in Costa Rica
by Frank Vassen
124 notes · View notes
chiropterx · 1 year
Note
I see.
Send me “I see” and I’ll tell you how my character perceives yours
Tumblr media
"Plants might not be part of my research but I'd be very interested in talking to Miss Foxglove if we ever crossed paths. I've heard one or two things about her powers and the things she can do, it's quite fascinating." Kirk hums thoughtfully. Humans with powers. It wasn't unheard here in Gotham, though he dared imagine Foxglove was likely far more approachable and open to discussion than the likes of Poison Ivy and Mr. Freeze.
Tumblr media
Strange. Man-Bat hissed lightly, not out of anger or dislike but wariness at the unusual scent he'd picked up. It was more than human, Foxglove's trail enriched with a deep earthiness and sense of life unlike anything else to be found in this labyrinth of neon lights and stone. Sterile the city was, bereft of the sights and smells calling to his blood but this scent brought back distant memories, harkening back to places that was yet was not quite home.
0 notes
mistydeyes · 5 months
Note
Hi,if you’re not busy can you write a fic of Cod characters with a cia agent gf ?
yes ofc! yk i love a good little government agent gf moment :)
a double life
Tumblr media
┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊
summary: From hidden occupations to a particular set of skill sets, the 141 learns to adapt to having a girlfriend who has all the right qualifications (and who could completely kick their ass).
pairing: Task Force 141 x fem!reader
warnings: swearing, mentions of weapons/violence
┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊
price
"Sorry I can't be there to meet you, Price," Laswell spoke over the web camera feed, "got tied up in South America." Price nodded as he held the bridge of his nose, Laswell had promised her best field agent to act as a point person for their mission in New Zealand. However, just the thought of some middle-aged retired veteran or worse yet, hot-shot rookie, made his headache pound even further. "She's a good one, Price," Laswell reassured, "skilled in practically every major language and the best marks in her physical fitness examination." "Yes Kate, I read her file, but it seems like you failed to include a photo-" He was interrupted by a sturdy knock at the door. "Looks like she's here."
As you cracked the door open, you practically dropped the files that sat in your arms. "What are you doing here?" Price asked jovially and you could feel the breath release from your sternum, "didn't expect an on-base visit like this." As the pieces began to fit together, you realized he didn't know what you were actually there for. "John, Kate sent me here," you whispered as you shut the door gently, "heard you're going to New Zealand." As the realization hit him like an oncoming train, you braced for impact. "You-you work for the CIA?" he asked almost foolishly and you nodded in response. "I did say I worked in Virginia," you corrected, "and you had to know my surprise visit yesterday wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment thing." Price could feel his headache reach a fever pitch as he reviewed your file again. "Then what's with the name?" he asked, "you lie about that too." You let out a laugh as you explained, "People have nicknames and mother's maiden names, John." As you sat back in your chair and crossed your legs, Price wondered what he had done for the universe to gift him you.
soap
Despite your initial reservations, Johnny was quite good at keeping your occupation vague and nonchalant in conversation. You were honest about your work in central intelligence and he took that secret to the grave. Your long-distance relationship was written off as you working in some company in DC and no one batted an eye at your occasional inference at military strategy or surveillance techniques. When you returned home, you would always be sure to show him extra appreciation for his covertness. "Tryna make me patriotic?" he would joke before you would kiss him and stifle his laughs.
However, he loved testing your skill set and seeing if you were as trained of an operative as your file read. "Let's see what they teach you over there, Bonnie," he joked as he lined up his sights at the air gun range. You refrained from kicking him as you stood back to watch him. You almost let out a laugh when you saw his small pellet ricochet just slightly off target. "Hmm and that's why Ghost is your long-range weapons specialist," you teased as he got up and switched positions. You breathed in as you looked down your sights and positioned your rifle towards the farthest target on the range. "You Americans, always so fucking cocky," he muttered under his breath before you quickly shut him up with a quick shot directly into the center of the target. The metal hen spun around widely at your expert marksmanship and you exhaled your held breath. You stood up and tried to size up your tall boyfriend. "Best 2/3?" you offered and you smiled as he kissed your forehead before ushering you out of the way to try again. "Fucking CIA training," he whispered as he got into position again. "You say something, you glorified sergeant?"
gaz
It was 4 am when you arose from the bed and leaned into Kyle, taking in his warmth and seeking refuge from the cold London air. You could always rely on your boyfriend to be your human-sized space heater. As you laid your head across his chest, you could feel him stir lightly. "Time to go already, love?" he asked with his eyes still closed and you muttered in confirmation. You always knew what challenges came with living so far away from the States but you had someone who made it all worth it. He kissed your forehead lightly as you rolled off the bed. You tried to quietly make your way to the bathroom to let him get some more hours of precious sleep but upon your return, it was clear Kyle was more awake than before.
"You sure you don't need me to drive you to the airport?" he offered yet again as you dressed quickly in dress slacks and a blouse. "MI6 is sending a car," you explained as you collected your overnight bag, "just try to get some sleep, my love. I'll text you when I land in Langley." Despite your soft kiss on the cheek, Kyle still pouted as you pulled away. "Don't understand why you can't be a liaison officer for us," he mumbled but you ruffled his hair slightly. "When the position becomes available, I'll be the first application on there," you smiled, doing a final check of your things, "just tell Price to write me a hell of a recommendation letter." With that, you shared another long kiss as you slightly cringed at his morning breath. "I'll be sure to say hi to the cybercrime analysis team for you, hopefully, they'll actually take my advice this time," you laughed before exiting out of your apartment and embracing the cold English air you had grown to love.
ghost
When the question arose of your occupation, you would always smile and defer to being just an "American government worker." However, you always knew Simon had more than just an inkling as to your occupation. When you spoke about military strategy, and combat techniques, or even had various conversations in different languages over the phone, it was clear to him that you were more than just a civilian. The shock didn't even resonate with him when you uttered the words, "Paramilitary Operations Officer," it all seemed to fall into place. He wouldn't bat an eye when it came to long stretches of days that you were in minimal contact with him. "I'll be back," you would reassure as you pulled on a dark hoodie and headed out the door with a bag. Simon would always be there to clean your wounds and ice your bruises.
It was a shock when Simon hadn't heard from you in a month. You had left in the middle of the day in a black Mercedes that disappeared off the English skyline. It was the unfortunate timing that he had been on leave when you left and there had been no word from Price regarding a new mission. Every morning, he would turn over in your king-sized bed expecting to see you smiling back at him. However, the days dragged on without any information meeting his ears. You could practically still picture his terrified face when you turned the key into the door and slammed your bag down. Simon paused upon seeing your blackened eye and wrapped knuckles. The eye bags on your delicate face further added worry to the situation. "Don't ask," you whispered as you fell into his chest, "intel was shit." That was all Simon needed to lift you gently and place you back on the couch. As he held you in his arms with an ice pack to your eye, you slightly pulled away from his touch. "I promised I would come back, didn't I?"
948 notes · View notes
cypherdecypher · 7 months
Text
Animal of the Day!
Honduran White Bat (Ectophylla alba)
Tumblr media
(Photo from WordPress)
Conservation Status- Near Threatened
Habitat- Southern Central America
Size (Weight/Length)- 4.5 cm
Diet- Fruit
Cool Facts- The leaf-cuddling Honduran white bat made quite the rounds on the internet due to their adorable sleeping arrangements. During the day, these bats group together in ‘tents’ made out of leaves by cutting them open in the midrib with their teeth. The tents are constructed by multiple bats and are lived in for multiple weeks until the leaf dies. Colonies usually consist of 1-15 individuals and their offspring. The leaves give further protection from predators by making the Honduran white bat’s fur appear green when sunlight casts onto the leaf. These bats feed almost exclusively on figs. The yellow carotenoids in the fruit result in the yellow coloration on the bat’s nose and ears, resulting in the Honduran white bat being one of the only mammals to have coloration based on their diet.
Rating- 14/10 (Baby bats are called pups. Bat puppies.)
557 notes · View notes
Text
Hummingbird Hawk Moths: as a result of their hummingbird-like behavior and appearance, these moths are often mistaken for actual hummingbirds
Tumblr media
The Eurasian hummingbird hawk moth: Macroglossum stellatarum
Like an actual hummingbird, the hummingbird hawk moth uses a flight maneuver called "swing-hovering" (rapidly swinging from side-to-side while hovering in mid-air), has a wing-speed of up to 85 beats-per-second, produces a humming noise when flying, and feeds on the nectar from flowers; the hairs on its body even resemble the tail-feathers and wings of a hummingbird.
These moths are also able to maintain a stable position in mid-air by relying on the same flight patterns that are found among hummingbirds -- the moth rapidly rotates its wings in a "figure-8" motion, generating lift on both the forward and backward strokes, which effectively allows the moth to hover in place. The flight maneuvers (and other adaptations) of the Eurasian hummingbird hawk moth are so similar to the characteristic traits found in hummingbirds that this little moth is often mistaken for a real hummingbird, despite the fact that it is found exclusively in habitats that do not contain any wild/native hummingbirds. Though this species can be found in various ecosystems throughout the British Isles, mainland Europe, Central Eurasia, and even some parts of North Africa, there are no actual hummingbirds in any of these regions, as wild hummingbirds are found only in the Americas.
These moths (M. stellatarum) have a wing-speed of up to 85 beats-per-second. For comparison, the amethyst woodstar hummingbird, which is one of the smallest and fastest hummingbirds in the world, has a similar wing-speed of up to 80 beats-per-second.
Tumblr media
While most other moths are nocturnal, the hummingbird hawk moth is active only during the day. It uses a specialized proboscis to feed on the nectar from various flowers, including honeysuckle, jasmine, tulip, red valerian, lilac, and phlox. This species also differs from other moths due to its lack of auditory organs, meaning that it has no sense of hearing. Among most moths, auditory organs have evolved as a defense mechanism to detect the ultra-sonic chirps that are emitted by predatory bats at night, but because the hummingbird hawk moth is only active during the day, when bats are largely inactive, that particular defense mechanism was not developed.
Experts generally believe that the similarities shared by hummingbirds and hummingbird hawk moths actually arose through convergent evolution; this means that the hummingbirds and the moths both experienced a similar set of needs, pressures, and circumstances within their respective environments, and they simply developed similar adaptations in response to those circumstances. Their uncanny resemblance therefore does not qualify as a form of animal mimicry -- the moths may look and act a lot like hummingbirds, but the resemblance is viewed as a product of incidental factors, and it is unlikely that those similarities were developed for the purpose of providing camouflage.
This is not the only type of moth that is commonly referred to as a "hummingbird moth." The genus Macroglossum contains several moth species that have hummingbird-like characteristics, and the term "hummingbird moth" can be applied to many of them; there are also at least five "hummingbird moths" in the genus Hemaris, although they belong to a separate clade and their resemblance to hummingbirds is somewhat less convincing. They include H. thysbe (also known as the hummingbird clearwing moth), H. diffinis (the snowberry clearwing moth), H. thetis (the Rocky Mountain clearwing moth), H. aethra (the Diervilla clearwing moth), and H. gracilis (the slender clearwing moth), all of which are found in North America.
Tumblr media
Moths of the genus Hemaris: these moths may sometimes be identified as "hummingbird moths;" the genus Hemaris also contains a variety of moths that are popularly referred to as "bee hawk moths" or "bee moths" because they bear a resemblance to bumble-bees.
The Eurasian hummingbird hawk moth is not closely related to any of the "hummingbird moths" from the genus Hemaris, however, as it belongs to a completely different genus and occupies a separate habitat on the other side of the Atlantic. Still, it's interesting to note the presence of similar hummingbird-like traits within these different genuses.
Sources & Addition Info:
PBS Nature: Featured Creature, the Hummingbird Hawk Moth
The Wildlife Trusts: Hummingbird Hawk Moth
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: Article about Hummingbird Hawk Moths
Journal of Comparative Physiology: Fuelling on the Wing: the sensory ecology of hawk moth foraging
Country Life: The Confusingly Enormous Hummingbird Hawk Moth that Looks Set to Become a Regular Fixture in British Gardens
620 notes · View notes
pangur-and-grim · 2 years
Photo
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
here they are, the Witch Moth stickers! 
the lineart will be holographic, while the colours will be matte - you can find them at greerstothers.shop
these are based on the Black Witch moth, an omen of death in Central America. in Jamaica they’re also known as Duppy Bats, and are the embodiment of lost souls
Tumblr media
2K notes · View notes
loveisinthebat · 22 days
Text
Release Them!
Tumblr media
260 notes · View notes
todaysbat · 9 months
Text
Zoos you can see bats at:
last updated: February 25, 2024
Have a zoo to add? Please send an ask, submissions in replies and reblogs get lost amid the numerous notes this blog gets.
-This blog is not affiliated with any zoos listed here
-A question mark next to information indicates missing or unverified information (and send an ask if you can fill in or verify information, please)
-Please send an ask if there are broken links.
**Guide to Accreditation Organization abbreviations**
AZA: Association of Zoos and Aquariums
APGA: American Public Gardens Association
WAZA: World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
IMATA: International Marine Animal Trainers Association
HC: Humane Conservation
ZAA: either the Zoological Association of America or the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association
BIAZA: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums
AMMPA: Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums
EAZA: European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
CAZA: Canadian Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (AZAC in French)
**
**
Arizona (US)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (AZA) - Tucson - Pallid Bat? - https://www.desertmuseum.org/
**
Colorado (US)
Denver Zoo (AZA, WAZA, HC) - Denver - Common Vampire Bat - https://denverzoo.org/
**
California (US)
San Diego Zoo (AZA) - San Diego - Rodrigues Fruit Bat - https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/
Oakland Zoo (AZA) - Oakland - Island Flying Fox, Malayan Flying Fox - https://www.oaklandzoo.org/
**
Florida (US)
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (WAZA, AZA) - Jacksonville - Seba's short-tailed bat, Straw-colored fruit bat, Common Vampire Bat - https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/
Lubee Bat Conservancy (AZA) - Gainesville - Various different species - https://www.lubee.org/
Animal Kingdom at Disney World (AZA) - Orlando - Malayan Flying Fox - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/animal-kingdom/
**
Idaho (US)
Zoo Boise (AZA) - Boise - Indian Flying Fox, Ruwenzori Long-haired Fruit Bat - https://zooboise.org/
**
Illinois (US)
Brookfield Zoo (HC, AZA) - Brookfield - Rodrigues Fruit Bat - https://www.czs.org/Brookfield-ZOO/Home.aspx
Lincoln Park Zoo (AZA) - Chicago - Egyptian Fruit Bat - https://www.lpzoo.org/
**
Kentucky (US)
Louisville Zoo (AZA) - Louisville - Common Vampire Bat, Rodrigues Fruit Bat - https://louisvillezoo.org/
**
Louisiana (US)
Audubon Zoo (AZA) - New Orleans - Seba's short-tailed bat, Common vampire bat - https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo (AZA?) - Baton Rouge - Indian Flying Fox - Currently in the process of regaining AZA accrediation, expecting an update in Spring 2024 - https://brzoo.org/
**
Massachusetts (US)
Capron Park Zoo (AZA) - Attleboro - Rodrigues Fruit Bat, Indian Flying Fox - https://capronparkzoo.com/
Franklin Park Zoo (AZA) - Boston - Straw-colored Fruit Bat - https://www.zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo/
Stone Zoo (AZA) - Stoneham - Seba's short-tailed bat - https://www.zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo/
**
Michigan (US)
Detroit Zoo (AZA, WAZA) - Royal Oak - Straw-colored fruit Bat - https://detroitzoo.org/
**
Maryland (US)
Maryland Zoo (AZA) - Baltimore - Seba's Short-tailed Bat - https://www.marylandzoo.org/
**
Minnesota (US)
Minnesota Zoo (AZA, WAZA, IMATA) - Apple Valley - Egyptian Fruit bat, Straw-colored fruit bat, Long-haired fruit bat - https://mnzoo.org/
**
Nebraska (US)
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (AZA, WAZA) - Omaha - Short-tailed Fruit Bat, Common Vampire Bat, Egyptian Flying Fox - https://www.omahazoo.com/
**
New York (US)
Bronx Zoo (AZA) - Bronx - Rodrigues Fruit Bat - https://bronxzoo.com/
Prospect Park Zoo (AZA) - Brooklyn - Rodrigues Fruit Bat - https://prospectparkzoo.com/
Central Park Zoo (AZA) - New York City - Short-tailed Fruit Bat, Rodrigues Fruit Bat - https://centralparkzoo.com/
**
North Carolina (US)
North Carolina Zoo (AZA) - Asheboro - Common Vampire Bat - https://www.nczoo.org/
**
Ohio (US)
Akron Zoo (AZA, APGA) - Akron - Rodrigues Fruit Bat, Seba's Short-tailed Bat, Straw-colored fruit bat - https://www.akronzoo.org/
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (AZA) - Cincinnati - Indian Flying Fox, Common Vampire Bat - https://cincinnatizoo.org/
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (AZA, ZAA, AMMPA) - Powell - Large Flying Fox - https://www.columbuszoo.org/
**
Oregon (US)
Oregon Zoo (AZA, WAZA) - Portland - Rodrigues Fruit Bat, Straw-colored Fruit bat - https://www.oregonzoo.org/
**
Pennsylvania (US)
National Aviary (AZA) - Pittsburgh - Malayan Flying Fox - https://www.aviary.org/
Philadelphia Zoo (AZA) - Philadelphia - Rodrigues Fruit Bat, Common Vampire Bat - https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/
Pittsburgh Zoo (ZAA, HC, AMMPA) - Pittsburgh - Jamaican Fruit Bat - https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/
**
Texas (US)
Cameron Park Zoo (AZA) - Waco - Jamaican Fruit Bat - https://www.cameronparkzoo.com/
Dallas World Aquarium (AZA, WAZA) - Dallas - Common Vampire bat, Seba's Short-tailed bat - https://dwazoo.com/
Houston Zoo (AZA) - Houston - Seba's Short-tailed Bat - https://www.houstonzoo.org/
**
Tennessee (US)
Memphis Zoo (AZA, WAZA) - Memphis - Common Vampire Bat, Seba's Short-tailed Bat, Egyptian Fruit Bat, Bulldog Bat - https://www.memphiszoo.org/
**
Virginia (US)
Metro Richmond Zoo (ZAA) - Moseley - Straw-colored Fruit bat, Indian flying fox - https://metrorichmondzoo.com/
**
Wisconsin (US)
Henry Vilas Zoo (AZA, WAZA) - Madison - Seba's Short tailed bat - https://www.henryvilaszoo.gov/
Milwaukee County Zoo (AZA) - Milwaukee - Common Vampire Bat, Straw-colored Fruit Bat - https://milwaukeezoo.org/
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary - Green Bay - Not a zoo, included here because they are open to the public; it is the largest park in the Green Bay Park System and the home of the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in the state; Accreditation unclear, Sanctuary is run by the city government - Various species native to the area - https://greenbaywi.gov/1418/Bay-Beach-Wildlife-Sanctuary
**
Washington (US)
Woodland Park Zoo (AZA, HC) - Seattle - Indian Flying Fox - https://www.zoo.org/
**
United Kingdom
Northumberland Zoo (BIAZA) - Morpeth, Northumberland - Livingstone’s Fruit Bat - https://www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk/
Chester Zoo (BIAZA, WAZA, EAZA) - Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire - Rodrigues Fruit Bat - https://www.chesterzoo.org/
West Midland Safari and Leisure Park (BIAZA, EAZA) - Bewdley, Worchestershire - Rodrigues fruit bat, Seba's short-tailed bat - https://www.wmsp.co.uk/
Jersey Zoo (BIAZA) - Jersey - Livingstone's Fruit Bat - https://www.durrell.org/visit-jersey-zoo/
ZSL London Zoo (EAZA, BIAZA) - London, England - Rodrigues fruit bat - https://www.londonzoo.org/
**
Australia
Taronga Zoo (ZAA) - Sydney, New South Wales - Ghost Bat - https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo
Perth Zoo (ZAA, WAZA) - Perth, Western Australia - Ghost Bat - https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/
Tolga Bat Hospital - Atherton, Queensland - Not a zoo, they are included here because they do tours of their facilities; They are accredited by different organizations than zoos. - Various species native to Australia - https://tolgabathospital.org/
**
Czechia
Prague Zoo (EAZA) - Prague, Czechia - Straw colored fruit bat - https://www.zoopraha.cz/en
**
Canada
Toronto Zoo (AZA) - Toronto, Ontario - Straw-colored fruit bat - https://www.torontozoo.com/
Biodôme (CAZA, WAZA, AZA) - Montreal, Quebec - Jamaican Fruit bat, Seba's Short-tailed bat, Pallas's Long-tongued bat - https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/biodome
Vancouver Aquarium (AZA, CAZA, AMMPA, HC) - Vancouver, British Columbia - Jamaican Fruit Bat - https://www.vanaqua.org/
**
Croatia
Zoo Zagreb (EAZA?) - Zagreb - Egyptian Fruit Bat - https://zoo.hr/english/
**
241 notes · View notes
mammalianmammals · 4 months
Text
Tumblr media
Pygmy Round-eared Bat (Lophostoma brasiliense), family Phyllostomidae, Costa Rica
photograph by Dvir Barkay
90 notes · View notes
uncharismatic-fauna · 2 years
Photo
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Honing in on the Honduran White Bat
The Honduran white bat (Ectophylla alba), as the name suggests, is a species of bat native to the rainforests of Honduras, as well as Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama. They are one of four leaf-nosed bats endemic to Central America, and if that wasn’t special enough they are among 6 species bats with white fur, out of 1,300 recognized species.
E. alba is fairly small, as are most New World leaf-nosed bats. Their wingspan only reaches about 11cm long and they weigh at most 5-6g. Aside from their white fur, the Honduran white bat is also distinguished by its bright yellow nose and ears. This is the result of carotenoids, pigments commonly produced in plants like pumpkins and carrots, and E. alba is the first and perhaps only mammal known to build up enough of them to change the color of its skin.
The source of the Honduran white bat’s pigmentation is its diet; they are totally frugivorous. Their primary food is a species of fig, Ficus colubrinae, although they are known to feed on other species figs throughout the year as the fruit-producing season cycles. This adds another distinction to the Honduran white bat’s list: they are one of the two smallest species of frugivorous bats in the world, and biologists are still trying to understand how they get all of their necessary nutrients from such a small dietary range.
E. alba does most of its foraging at night, as most bats do, and during the day they roost in colonies of up to 15 members. Unusually, rather than roosting in caves or hollow trees like other bats, the Honduran white bat builds its own roost. Members will cut the broad leaves of the Heliconia plant in order to form a draping ‘tent’ which they then hang under to keep dry and warm, as well as safe from predators like possums, snakes, owls, and monkeys. These tents last for about 6-8 weeks, at which point the leaf dies and looses structural integrity, and the colony moves on to another plant. A single colony can maintain a network of roosting Heliconia plants which they rotate through throughout the year.
Within the colony, there are usually groups of one male and several females with which he reproduces. It is unknown whether males preform any courtship behaviours or fight over mating rights. Breeding occurs from May to August, and females all give birth synchronously to a litter of one pup each after a pregnancy of about 3 weeks. These pups take about 20 days to wean and learn to fly, and at 35 days they become completely independent. Male offspring will leave to join ‘bachelor’ colonies of other independent males, until they are able to form a breeding colony of their own. Females stay with their mothers, and in reproductive colonies will care for other offspring when their mothers are out foraging.
Conservation status: The IUCN has rated the Honduran white bat as Near-Threatened. The current population is in decline due to habitat loss, which is especially threatening to E. alba due to their reliance on only a few species of figs for food. However, some groups have been found roosting in agroforestry habitats, indicating the possibility of cohabitation with humans.
Photos
Christopher Jimenez
Minden Pictures
Bernal Rodríguez-Herrera
Geoff Galice
274 notes · View notes
rate-every-bat · 3 months
Note
If you haven't done it already, you should rate the Hoary Bat 💞 They're my favourite and I would love to see your opinion on them
Absolutely, let's do it!
Today's Bat: Hoary Bat
The Hoary Bat has always put me in mind of a little powdered donut. There's an abandoned mining cave that's been turned into a museum and nature preserve in my area, and bat spotters frequently find these frosted babies hanging out there during the summer. I'd really love to spot one in person, but for now, I'll settle for this precious picture:
Tumblr media
Environmental Impact: The Hoary Bat has an incredibly wide habitat range across North and Central America, even reaching as far as Hawaii. With such a wide range, it's no surprise that they've split into several subspecies (which is so, so cool). They migrate from north to south in the autumn, or hibernate for short bursts using a "butt blanket" and torpor state to withstand cooler temperatures. Interestingly, they predate several pest species, but have a relatively restricted diet compared to other North American insectivorous bats. These guys also catch rabies fairly frequently, which is another hit to their score here.
🦇🦇🦇/5
Beauty: Oh, these guys are angels. Their wide faces and perfectly round eyes make them look like Precious Moments dolls with wings. Their coats, multi-colored with a delicate white frost, are the peak of winter fashion. I can't think of a single thing that would make these guys more appealing... top marks!
🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇/5
Power: Hoary Bats are largely solitary throughout the year. Upon mating in the autumn, the female retains sperm in her reproductive tract. She'll reserve it all winter, and come spring, she will fertilize her eggs and give birth by early summer. Delayed fertilization allows them to choose whether or not conditions are right to rear young, and controls for their generally lonesome nature. I first learned about this ability with bears, and I continue to find it fascinating. I will have to deduct points from the Power score, however, for their decidedly anti-clean-power stance: their leading cause of mortality is striking wind turbines.
🦇🦇🦇/5
Overall: This upcoming summer, hit your local mine. Maybe you'll find a Hoary Bat... or me, with a camera.
🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇/5
(Today's sources: Animal Diversity Web, Bat Conservation International)
(PS: I couldn't find a convenient spot to mention this, but the Hawaiian Hoary bat is actually endangered. They're the only remaining native land mammal in Hawaii according to the National Parks Service. BCI lists some conservational efforts, which I'd recommend reading up on and advocating for if you're able. Thank you!)
101 notes · View notes
herpsandbirds · 2 months
Text
Tumblr media
Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis), family Falconidae, order Falconiformes, found in Central and South America
Photograph by Jory Frieman
598 notes · View notes