New Bat Species Discovered on Bonaire

A species of bat, the Davy’s Naked Backed Bat (scientific name:  Pteronotus davyi), has been recently found living on Bonaire.  This brings the number of bat species on Bonaire to eight different types.

This bat species was discovered by Fernando Simal, manager of Washington Slagbaai National Park.  This particular species was not known to inhabit Bonaire in the past; it is a small insect-eating, cave-dwelling bat and is found throughout South and Central America, including Trinidad, but not Tobago.  It’s not yet reported on other Antillean islands.

All bats are important to the island’s ecology, as, not only do they consume a multitude of mosquitoes, but they also pollinate fruits and cacti, which then provide food for other species.  Unfortunately, due to development and disturbances of their cave habitats, the numbers of bats on Bonaire are dwindling.  (Source:  Extra Bonaire)

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