The importance of bats

Our project draws inspiration from Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation, an organization founded by Dr. Merlin Tuttle, who has dedicated over 60 years to studying, photographing, and advocating for bats worldwide. His expertise offers invaluable guidance for our Chiroptorium project In Gabon.

Bats are among nature's unsung heroes, playing a crucial role in controlling insect populations, including mosquitoes. In areas where bats thrive, mosquitoes are kept at bay, significantly reducing the nuisance and health risks they pose.

BatSpecies

Suggestions from Merlin for our project:

• For anyone who simply doesn’t handle bats, the risk of contracting a disease from one is extremely remote. There is no particular link to disease from fruit bats. Also, on a global scale, 99 percent of human rabies comes from dogs; in contrast, transmission from bats is exceedingly rare. Please see our Exaggerated Disease Warnings, and Rabies in Perspective, and Bats in Buildings resources.


• There are no certain ways to keep fruit bats out. No guarantee which species will occupy. You may attract a variety of species. A small entrance is vulnerable to predators. Insect-eating free-tail bats also like large entrances.


• Bats prefer domed ceilings, which may be difficult with bricks. Therefore, recommend peaked ceilings (upside-down V). The more peaked ceilings available, the more the bats will like them. Peaked ceilings provide bats with a wider range of temperature options.


• Ceilings should have a rough surface without nets, for example rough bricks for bats to hang on. Nets may not last very long.


• May need to insulate with 2m of soil over the top to prevent overheating.


• For longevity, avoid wood due to rot, or steel due to rust.


• Entrance should be approximately 3m high x 2.5m wide.


• Structure must have a turn (close to an "L" turn) within approx 3m of entrance to prevent direct light, that goes to a larger room.


• Clear space of approx 5m around entrance. Keep vegetation cleared within 5m.


• 100m from humans should be fine.


• Must not be in a low area that could flood and drown bats.


• Do not disturb bats, especially when they are first moving in.


• May take a couple of years to attract a significant colony size.

Another example is a Project in Belgium

Small Bathouses

Because not all bats like to stay in big caves, we also have about 50 smaller bat houses in the planning in and around the jungle near mama Aline's place.

Join Us in Making a Difference

By supporting our Chiroptorium and bathouse project, you're contributing to a sustainable solution for mosquito control in Central Gabon and fostering a healthier coexistence with one of nature's most misunderstood yet vital creatures. Together, we can make a significant impact.

We have a separate account for out chiroptorium project. Our estimates are in dollars $40.000 for the whole project. We are half way there.

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