Get Involved!

WE NOW HAVE over 1,000 research associates in the North American Bat House Research Project, and we are learning a great deal. Over the winter, we received 246 additional bat house reports, 214 from 30 U.S. states, and 32 from five Canadian provinces. Some could be used only in certain comparisons, due to their unique features or locations. Nevertheless, all have contributed to the exciting progress we are making. If you are one of the many whose ob servations have already contributed, thank you very much! If vou have not already acted, please get involved now. The earlier your houses go up, the better your chances for success this summer.

If you already have attracted bats, you are in an especially good position this year to test their roosting preferences. If your houses have not yet been unused, treat or move them as suggested by the new findings presented in this issue. Several research associates already have gained large colonies in originally unsuccessful houses after making small adjustments or have lured a colony from the original house into a better one, gaining invaluable knowledge of bat needs in the pro cess. Give them choices, and report your results. In addition, we need to expand testing of our latest designs, as well as any new ones you may wish to create.

We further need more participants to make this invaluable project self-supporting. Data analysis and communication are costly, requiring extensive correspondence and phone consultations, in addition to publication and distribution of the newsletter. Please recruit a friend or consider a special donation. With your help, this project can make a lasting contribution to bat conservation and a healthier environment.