SCCF takes part in first Florida bat bioblitz
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation wildlife biologist Mike Mills participated in the first-ever bat bioblitz in August organized by the Florida Bat Working Group (FLBWG) at the Orange Hammock Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in North Port.
The SCCF reported that the FLBWG is a collaboration of educators, biologists, citizens and professionals who all share the goal of conserving Florida’s bats through collaborative research, management, and education.
The bat bioblitz included the use of mist netting — a common technique used in wildlife research that allows for the capture of bats and birds.
“Mist nets are tall, wide nets that are set up in areas where high bat traffic may occur — like along waterways,” Mills said.
Composed of a soft nylon or polyester material, bats will fly into the netting, allowing for researchers to safely remove them. Data such as the age, sex and size of the bat is collected, informing biologists about the health of a bat population and what next steps to take for conservation.
The bioblitz allowed for the opportunity for individuals apart of the FLBWG to be trained in the technique of mist netting and to identify what bat diversity occurs at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s newly designated Orange Hammock WMA.
“The bioblitz was an overall success, with data gathered on 42 individual bats, representing four different species — ones that we know exist on Sanibel,” he said.
In total, data on 34 Brazilian free-tailed bats, three evening bats, three tricolored bats and two Seminole bats was collected.
In November, the SCCF began bat monitoring on Sanibel in partnership with the Miami Bat Lab. Ultrasonic recording boxes placed around the island have identified all four of those species through vocalizations the bats emit.
“It was a great opportunity to learn more about these species and will help us with our conservation efforts here,” Mills added.
The 5,000-acre Orange Hammock WMA features nine miles of trails, including the seven-mile Tarflower Trail and two-mile Slough Point Trail. The bioblitz was conducted under FWC permits.