With the goal of protecting biodiversity, BIOPARC promotes the conservation not only of the wild species they host, but also fosters numerous projects related to the cities where the parks are located. The BIOPARC Foundation, together with Caixa Popular, is developing various bat-focused initiatives in Valencia, such as "Bat Day" and "Bat Night," which have been hugely successful among families and the general public. These initiatives will be resumed this fall.
The symbol par excellence of the city of Valencia is the bat, as reflected in its presence on the coats of arms of the Fallas, the most emblematic buildings, and the most representative sports clubs. However, it continues to be not only ignored and even rejected due to hoaxes, but its characteristics and relationship with our land are unknown to most people. For years, the BIOPARC Foundation has focused on "turning around" this situation highlighting this unique species, absolutely essential in the balance of biodiversity and that has real superpowerss.
Outreach to conserve bats.
The Valencian Community is a highly relevant area for bats., being home to 24 species, 2 of which are endangered. In this sense, from the BIOPARC Foundation, in collaboration with Caixa Popular, have been developing iimportant initiatives to raise awareness of these animals and promote their conservationAmong the major threats they face are habitat loss and the increasing use of pesticides, both clearly influenced by human activity. And despite the false belief that they are linked to the spread of disease, very little is known about the enormous benefits they provide to humans. a great ally for seed dispersal and pest control Since, when feeding on insects, they can ingest up to 700 mosquitoes in one night.
Bat night: the night of the bats.
With the objective of bring knowledge of bats closer to society, the outreach activities have resumed, which have been a resounding success, selling out all the places available in all the editions. Autumn, before hibernation, is an ideal time to See these animals in their prime live. Thus, BIOPARC Valencia will host two interesting experiences over the next few months that combine information and practice: the “bat night” (Fridays, September 19, October 3 and 17) consists of an informative session in the park classrooms, followed by a tour of the headwaters park with ultrasound detectors To try to see and hear these extraordinary mammals.
Bat Day: Bat shelter box workshop.
On the other hand, the “Bat Day” (Saturdays, September 20; October 4 and 18; November 8 and 22; and December 13) offers, in addition to the educational session, the opportunity to build a shelter box for urban or fissure batsThis workshop has the collaboration of the Spanish Association for the Conservation and Study of Bats (SECEMU). That's it Registration is now open on the BIOPARC Valencia website., so it is recommended to make a reservation to secure your spot as capacity is limited.
The bat, the only mammal capable of flying and other curiosities.
The bat inhabited the Earth already in the time of the dinosaurs and is currently present on all continents, except Antarctica. More than 1.200 species, shows an immense diversity in shapes and sizes, from just 1,5 grams to 1,2 kilos.
They are also notable for their varied diet: after initially feeding on their mother's milk, around 70% of them consume insects, while others are frugivorous, nectarivorous, or even carnivorous. It is also advisable to debunk the legend of the “vampires”, since only three species feed on blood. And all this without forgetting that It is the only mammal capable of flying and traveling hundreds of kilometers.
