Mid Island's Largest Bat Colony Surpasses 2,000 Bats in Count

In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, the largest bat colony on Mid Island has recorded a new population high, exceeding 2,000 bats. The count, conducted on June 7, 2025, at the North Oyster Community Centre in Ladysmith, revealed a total of 2,085 little brown myotis bats, marking a growth of approximately 330 individuals from the previous year. This event drew the largest volunteer turnout in the history of the count, highlighting community interest and involvement in local biodiversity efforts.

According to Ali Loewen, an environmental steward with the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, this population increase is a crucial sign of resilience for the species, which has faced severe declines across Canada due to white-nose syndrome, a lethal fungal infection that has decimated bat populations since it first appeared in North America in the early 2000s. "With many bat species on the decline, any loss could have significant impacts on biodiversity," Loewen stated, emphasizing the ecological importance of bats in controlling insect populations.

The bat count commenced shortly after sunset, with volunteers equipped with electronic clickers to tally the bats as they emerged from their roosting spaces. The first bat took flight at 9:34 p.m., followed by a gradual increase in the number of bats leaving their attic habitat, leading to a spectacular display of synchronized flight.

John Bunning, a long-time volunteer with the North Oyster and Area Historical Society, noted that this year's count was unprecedented. "I have never seen quite this many bats in my tenure here. The historical society has worked diligently since 2022 to rehabilitate the colony, which had dwindled to about 900 bats at that time," he explained. Bunning recounted how a bat expert, upon inspecting the attic, discovered numerous roosting sections packed with bats, which encouraged the society to take action to protect and preserve the colony.

The renovations made to the attic have facilitated easier cleaning processes, allowing for maintenance that takes less than 40 minutes. Remarkably, the guano produced by the bats is collected and sold locally as fertilizer, generating funds that are reinvested into the community center. In Bunning's words, "Bats are critical to our agriculture and our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces without being overwhelmed by mosquitoes. Monitoring their population is vital for ecological balance."

The count attracted not only seasoned volunteers but also newcomers like Vancouver Island University student Kobe Bosch, who expressed enthusiasm for the event. "I love nature and thought it would be fun to participate," Bosch remarked. Additionally, local resident Barbara Jones brought her family to witness the event, highlighting the community's growing interest in wildlife conservation.

Kathy Doyle, treasurer of the historical society, reported that the turnout exceeded expectations, with over 20 volunteers participating and the organization running out of clickers to tally the bats. She encouraged anyone interested in volunteering or purchasing guano to reach out via email. The next bat count is scheduled for June 20, 2025, and the community is welcome to attend, though the society advises against casual visits on non-count nights to minimize disturbance to the bats.

This remarkable growth in the Mid Island bat colony serves as a beacon of hope amid the ongoing challenges faced by bat species across Canada. The collaborative efforts of local volunteers and organizations exemplify the importance of community engagement in wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection. As efforts continue to monitor and support this thriving population, the implications for local ecosystems remain positive, reinforcing the essential role bats play in maintaining ecological health.