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