Hawaii Wildlife Center Marks Bat Week With Call to Protect Endangered Hawaiian Hoary Bat
On October 24, the Hawaii Wildlife Center announced the start of the annual Bat Week. This year's Bat Week runs from October 24 to October 31, and the center is using it to introduce the public to Hawaii's only native land mammal, the Hawaiian hoary bat, and to call for protecting the endangered species.
Known in Hawaiian as the ‘ōpe‘ape‘a, the bat is rarely seen but plays an important role in the island ecosystem. It feeds on insects, helping maintain ecological balance, and is tied to the health of native forests. Because of habitat loss, wind-energy facilities and other human activity, the Hawaiian hoary bat is listed as endangered and its population faces serious pressure.
The center said Bat Week is not only about science education but about helping more residents understand that protecting bats means protecting Hawaii's natural environment. The public is reminded not to handle an injured bat directly but to contact a professional wildlife rescue organization. People can also help by learning the bat's ecological value and supporting habitat protection, so that this species unique to Hawaii endures.
Source: GSM News
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 檀香山。图片经 Wikimedia Commons。 Honolulu. Via Wikimedia Commons.
