Saving the Virginia Big-Eared Bat скачать в хорошем качестве

Saving the Virginia Big-Eared Bat

As one of Grandfather Mountain's 72 rare or endangered species, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat is seldom seen, yet plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in its ecosystem. As an insectivore, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat's diet primarily consists of insects, often ones that we would view as pests, such as mosquitos and species detrimental to agricultural crops. In 1979, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Virginia Big-Eared bat as endangered. Over the years, the bat's habitat has been depleted due to deforestation and human disturbance in cave systems, such as limestone caves where they dwell year round. This rare species only lives in select, mountain areas in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky, making it vitally important that measures are taken to protect them from further habitat and population loss. These measures have led to a significant increase in the bats' population since its classification as an endangered species.. Watch as members of the Blue Ridge Conservancy, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Indiana State University, and Grandfather Mountain State Park discuss and implement efforts to protect and conserve the Virginia Big-Eared Bat in and around Grandfather Mountain. Video by Dr. Beth Davison | Appalachian State University About Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather Mountain is a place of amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty that towers 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina. A unit of the United Nations’ Southern Appalachian Man and Biosphere Reserve, the mountain is estimated to be 300 million years old – with certain rock formations dating back 1.2 billion years. One third of the mountain is operated as a scenic travel attraction by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. All proceeds from sales of tickets and souvenirs go toward preserving Grandfather Mountain and sharing its wonders in ways that deepen visitors’ appreciation of nature and inspire good stewardship of the earth.