Which is celebrated today, April 17 in Mexico: it is Bat Appreciation Day

Today, April 17, is Bat Appreciation Daydedicated to recognizing the invaluable ecological role of these fascinating animals and promoting awareness of their importance and conservation.

The origin of this commemoration dates back to the initiative of the organizationn Bat Conservation International, founded in 1982 by a group of scientists concerned about the vulnerability and critical danger of these species.

Your goal is change the negative perception that many have about bats and encourage the protection of their habitats, in view of the alarming decline in their population around the world.

Bats, flying placental mammals of the order Chiroptera, play a crucial role in ecosystem balance.

With more than 1,250 known species distributed on all continents except Antarctica, these animals are pollinators, pest controllers and seed dispersers, thus contributing to the regeneration of ecosystems.

Despite their ecological importance, bats have been victims of myths and prejudices throughout history. Cataloged as sinister beings and associated with vampirism in popular culture, these animals have been subject to attacks and destruction of their habitat, especially after they were linked to the origin of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, there are numerous curiosities about bats that disprove these myths. For example, They are the only mammals capable of flying, along with birds, and many of their species are long-lived, living up to more than 30 years. Additionally, they play a key role in the production of a special coffee called Kopi Luwak, the grain of which passes through the digestive system of the fruit bat.

It is important to remember that we can contribute to its preservation through simple actions such as avoiding the use of pesticides, providing sources of food and shelter, and educating others about its importance in the ecosystem.

So if you ever encounter a bat in your home, remember: don't kill it, just help it get out without harming it. In a world where biodiversity is crucial to our survival, every creature counts, even those that fly in the dark of night.