Bat conservation

Bats play an essential role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations, but their numbers are declining due to habitat loss, disease, and other environmental pressures. Kouchibouguac National Park is committed to monitoring and protecting these vital species, particularly those most affected by White-Nose Syndrome.

Bat Protection Efforts in the Park

Kouchibouguac National Park is home to several bat species, including three that are designated as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA)—the Little Brown Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis, and Tri-coloured Bat. While the park does not contain winter hibernation sites for these species, it provides crucial summer habitat, offering abundant food sources.

Ongoing acoustic monitoring has been conducted since 2015 to track bat populations. These efforts, which follow the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NAbat) protocols, have confirmed the presence of all species in the park, including the endangered Tri-coloured Bat. Monitoring sites are periodically updated, and some have expanded outside the park boundaries to contribute to a continent-wide effort to track bat populations.

Specialized recording devices are placed at various sites in the park during the summer months to capture bat calls and monitor activity. The recordings provide essential data to help assess the activity of bats throughout the park and give us estimates on species occupancy across the landscape. 

The park also ensures that any renovations or construction projects respect bat roosting sites. As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, the park limits artificial light pollution, maintaining a natural environment that supports nocturnal wildlife.

Threats to Bats in Kouchibouguac

White-Nose Syndrome remains one of the most significant threats to bat populations in North America. This disease, caused by a fungus that disrupts hibernation, was first detected in New Brunswick in 2011 and has led to severe declines in some bat species. Other threats include habitat loss, pesticide use, and collisions with wind turbines. Bats that establish colonies in buildings are sometimes viewed as pests, which can lead to accidental or intentional removal.

The Role of Bats in the Ecosystem

Bats are among the most effective natural predators of flying insects, consuming large quantities of moths, beetles, and mosquitoes each night. Their presence is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and reducing the need for chemical pest control. As the only mammals capable of sustained flight, bats possess unique adaptations that make them indispensable to the biodiversity of the region.

By studying and protecting bats in Kouchibouguac National Park, researchers and conservationists are working to ensure the survival of these remarkable animals. Ongoing monitoring and habitat protection efforts will continue to play a critical role in supporting bat populations for future generations.