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Bat Week: How MNO Citizens Are Helping Protect Ontario's Bats

Bat Week, celebrated October 24–31, is an opportunity to learn more about Ontario’s bats, the important role they play in our environment and how we can help protect them.

Ontario is home to eight bat species, seven of which are species at risk. Bats provide important ecological and economic benefits, including insect pest management, pollination and seed dispersal. They also face significant threats, including diseases such as white-nose syndrome and habitat loss caused by human activities.

 

MNO Citizens Supporting Bat Conservation.

In partnership with the Toronto Zoo, the MNO operates an Acoustic Bat Monitoring Program in Regions 1–5 and 7.

The program helps researchers collect data about bat populations across Ontario, including in areas that have previously been difficult to survey.

MNO citizens play an important role by installing acoustic monitors on their properties for four-night study periods. These devices record bat calls, helping researchers identify which species are present and better understand their habitats and activity.

By contributing to this research, MNO citizens are helping build a clearer picture of bat populations and supporting conservation efforts across Ontario.


How You Can Help Protect Bats

There are several ways to support bat conservation during Bat Week and throughout the year:

  • Install a bat box on your property to provide safe roosting habitat.
  • Avoid pesticide or insecticide use, as bats provide pest control.
  • Create bat-friendly habitat by planting a variety of native trees and, when safe, leaving dead softwood trees, especially those with hollow cavities, on your property.
  • Report bat sightings through Ontario’s Species at Risk portal:Report rare species.
  • Learn and share! Educate yourself about common misconceptions about bats and help spread accurate information in your community.

Learn More and Get Involved

Understanding bat populations is essential to protecting biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts.
To learn more about bats and their importance to Ontario’s ecosystems, visit the Toronto Zoo’s bat resources or Bat Week.
If you have questions about the MNO’s Acoustic Bat Monitoring Program or are interested in participating next year, contact conservation@metisnation.org.