MNO Bat Monitoring Program Request for Volunteers

MNO Bat Monitoring Program Quick Facts:

• A community science program for MNO Citizens to help monitor endangered bat species
• Monitoring will occur around late May through to early September in 2024 & 2025
• This will be a 2-year pilot program in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (a similar program is already underway in Region 7)
• Monitoring involves setting up an acoustic bat monitoring unit to a tree, fence, flagpole or similar structure at a citizen’s home
• The device is left outside for a period of 4 days and will then be sent to the next volunteer for the same process
• Training and reference materials developed in partnership with the Toronto Zoo will be provided
• Volunteers will receive a $25 gas gift card or similar for participating
• Data collected will be shared with the Toronto Zoo’s Native Bat Conservation Program to help advance research and conservation efforts of endangered bat species in Ontario
• There are 8 bat species present in Ontario. Of these, four species are endangered, with another two that may soon be considered endangered under the Species at Risk Act
• A virtual volunteer event will be held at the end of each year to report back to citizens on what bat species were detected

To volunteer, send an email expressing your interest to participate in the bat monitoring program to conservation@metisnation.org and note what town you reside in. Space is limited. Maarsii!