Loose Bats are part of the arsenal of biological control against harmful insects for human crops. Every night this formidable ally records half of his weight in mosquitoes, moths, beetles, spiders, flying, ants and beetles. It contributes strongly to limit the proliferation of mosquitoes and therefore to the many diseases they convey.
And without the multiple services provided by the bats, We would attend a significant decrease in biodiversity. By promoting the development of other species, its presence is a good indicator of the ecological health of the environment in which it lives.
Pest Controlling bats
The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment of the Junta de Andalucía has processed two contracts for the acquisition of 340 Boxes-Refugee focused on the preservation of BAT colonies in public mountains of the autonomous community. This project, which has served a Decasi investment 18,400 euros“ It will be financed by the fund for actions from the Ministry for Prevention and Fighting against Bosplesten.
The general director of forestry policy and biodiversity, Juan Ramón Pérez Valenzuela, emphasized that “the installation of these boxes-reefugee will strengthen the Andalusian forest ecosystems by promoting the presence of Chiroptera, fundamental Insect pest control that influences the forest massSuch as the pine procession or the hairy lizard ».
Loose bats, Also known as Chiroptera for the specific structure of their wings, they are the only mammals that can fly. This ability, along with the fact that many species feed on insects, makes them essential allies in the strategies of Integrated fight against pests that can threaten health From the Andalusian forests.
Thanks to the diet, which includes a wide range of insects, it will significantly contribute to the reduction of species populations with potential to generate vermin, such as the aforementioned, So reducing the need to use phytosanitarian products. This will in turn, as Pérez Valenzuela has underlined, minimize health and environmental risks, in accordance with the principles of sustainability that are promoted by the Junta de Andalucía.
The Boxes Refuge will be manufactured with pine wood treated in autoclaveA process in which, by vacuum, wood with copper salts is permeated, which increases the natural resistance to the weather. This choice of materials will, on the one hand, guarantee the durability of weathering shelters and on the other hand reflects the importance of counseling in the impetus of Andalusian forest sources, promoting his responsible and sustainable use.
Ecological and natural balance
“The use of Andalusian wood in this project reinforces our dedication to the sustainable management of the forest sources of our country, promoting practices that are respectful for the environment and the responsible use of our mountains,” he added. He also pointed out that this effort will be part of a broader strategy that will integrate different protection methods to the Ecological balance in forest spaces of the autonomous community.
Each of the 340 box-refugee will be designed to the lifespan of the bats, With a carefully extensive interior: Both scratched faces can move the Chiroptera between compartments without going abroad, which will increase their safety.
A circular hole of 50 millimeters in diameter, strategically located 50 millimeters of the side and 100 millimeters of the top, will facilitate the passage between compartments, Offering an optimal environment for these types. The tables, at least 15 millimeters thick, will be brushed on both sides and in the songs, without oils, varnishes or paintings that the occupation of the boxes through the bats, This guarantees its correct functionality.
The production and delivery of these hiding places will be completed within three months, after which they will be distributed according to the needs of the public mountains of Andalusia. In particular, 110 units will be assigned to Natural space of DoñanaIn the province of Huelva, with the aim of contributing to the control of the pine test (‘Thaumetopoa pytiocampa schiff’. Another 110 is assigned to Sierra de Grazalema ParkIn the area of the Serranía de Ronda, to be able to handle the hairy lizard (‘Lymantria different L.’). This first plot includes a budget of 12,000 euros.
The second party, with an investment of 6,350 euros, includes the placement of 120 box-reflections in the park National Sierra de las NievesWhere these natural allies in the fight against vermin will also fight against the Pine Processionary. Both vermin, processionary and limantry, are two of those who have the most influence Andalusian Bosecosystems.
Protect biodiversity
The general director has emphasized that, with this promotion, we will take another step in the protection of our forests, ensuring that that Bats, silent but essential allies, will contribute to the health of our ecosystems«. The initiative will be supervised by the Ministry of Biological Saldi of the Sustainable Forest Management Service, which will ensure that the entire process meets the established technical and environmental standards.
The placement of this box-reflection will mean an important progress in the integrated battle strategy From the Junta de Andalucía, which will carefully evaluate the available protection methods, integrates coordinated actions that prevent new pests and perform continuous monitoring of organisms.