The Secrets of the Garden
History and Nature in the Bellavista
Shelters in the cities: Bats
Six species of bats are frequent visitors to the museum’s garden and its surroundings; three species are most commonly observed. These are the large fruit bats Artibeus jamaicensis and A. lituratus and the police bat (Glossophaga commissarisi), so named possibly because of its repeated nightly rounds in search of pollen and nectar from flowers and its ability to hover in flight (similar to hummingbirds) while feeding.
Artibeus lituratus
The presence of bats in cities and gardens is good news, as they consume many insects, including mosquitoes, thus controlling their populations. In addition, several species are often important seed dispersers and flower pollinators, contributing to plant reproduction and forest maintenance. The protection of bats is a real need in our urban environment.
Artibeus jamaicensis
Glossophaga comisarissi