Malayan Flying Fox by Thomas Hawk CC-BV
Bats exist on every continent except Antarctica (just like ospreys!), and there are many amazing different species.
- One quarter – yes, 25% – of all known mammal species are bats. There are 1293 species of bats worldwide, and more are discovered every year!
- The Malayan Flying Fox is one of the largest species, weighing 1 kg (that’s about two pounds!) with a wingspan of more than 2 metres.
Bumblebee bat by Lorraine O’Dell CC-BV
3. The Bumblebee Bat is the smallest species, weighing 2g (less than a dime) with a wingspan of 17 cm.
4. Canada has 18 species of bats. They are all fairly small and eat insects. Nope, there are no vampire bats in Canada.
5. British Columbia has the greatest diversity of bat species, including 8 that are nowhere else in Canada.
My book, Bats in Trouble, focuses on the hoary bat, the largest bat in Canada. It can weigh up to 26 grams and has a wingspan of about 40 cm. The most interesting thing about the hoary bat is its fur, which has a frosted appearance that makes it look very soft and plush – almost cuddly! The hoary bat leaves Alberta in early fall as it migrates south for the winter. Unfortunately, its migration route takes it right through several wind farms, which are extremely hazardous for the bats.
Hawaiian hoary bat
