Steve Parish Publishing

2011 is the Year of the Bat

The UNEP Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and The Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) have declared 2011 the Year of the Bat, and not before time. Bats are the only mammals to have mastered true flight (gliders do not truly flap their “wings” like bats do) and possess many other amazing adaptations, such as echolocation. While bats deserve our respect and care as important pollinators of native plants, as well as crucial components of our ecosystems, most people barely notice them unless noisy colonies alert humans to their presence. Others actively campaign against colonies in parks and gardens close to cities. Yet, without bats, several important natural habitats would struggle to thrive or survive.

Australia has more than 90 bat species, including some truly bizarre and unique species, such as the carnivorous Ghost Bat and the many grotesquely appealing leaf-nosed bats. A Wild Australia Guide:Bats is designed to endear the general public to these truly incredible mammals. It profiles most species, as well as elaborating on bat anatomy, flight, roosting and reproductive biology, and delving into the mysterious lifestyles of bats. So take a tip from the UNEP and make 2011 your year to learn more about bats, too. You’ll be surprised just how much you learn about some of Australia’s most enigmatic mammal fauna.

To celebrate the Year of the Bat, Steve Parish Publishing has three copies of A Wild Australia Guide: Bats to giveaway. Simply click here to enter and tell us in 25 words or fewer which is your favourite bat species and why. Competition closes 5 pm on 22 February 2011.

Authored by: karin cox

Steve to Be the Patron of the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council

Steve has been asked to be the Patron of the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. The QWRC is the representative organisation for the wildlife rehabilitation industry in Queensland. Its focus is on “ensuring excellent welfare for native animals, during and post rehabilitation, to achieve, complement and advance conservation benefits and outcomes”. For further information log onto: http://www.qwrc.org.au/index.html 

Authored by: Catherine
Links: Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council