Mediterranews (English) JUNE 2017 | Page 16

FAUNA FAUNA The Peninsular Myotis (Myotis peninsularis) is an endemic bat from the Cabo region. Place: Santa Anita, Los Cabos, B.C.S. Photo: Laura A. Nájera. in the Bats Baja California peninsula These flying mammals are important to the ecosystem and agriculture By Laura A. Nájera Cortázar B ats are one of the most successful groups among mammals, for they can be found in five continents (except Antarctic) and in most types of habitats worldwide. They are the only flying mammals, which makes them special, and range in all kinds of sizes from the Bumblebee Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai) weighing 0.7 oz and with a wingspan of 1 in, to the Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acerodon jubatus) with a body weight of 2.6 lbs and a wingspan of 66.9 in. Contrary to the popular belief, nocturnal bats are not blind. In addition to vision, they possess a navigation system called echolocation. Bats emit sound waves that bounce off objects enabling them to forage and feed, this also provides them with greater maneuverability and efficiency. 15 MEDITERRANEWS JUNE 2017 16