Cozumel Foundation Hosts Fifth Edition of ‘Night of the Bat’ to Promote Environmental Education

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel (FPMC) held the fifth edition of its “Night of the Bat” event, drawing participants of all ages eager to learn about the island’s flying mammals. The activity took place at the Centro de Conservación y Educación Ambiental (CCEA) as part of the foundation’s ongoing environmental education program.

Rafael Chacón Díaz, director of the CCEA, said the event creates spaces for learning and interaction with species often surrounded by myths and prejudices, such as bats. “This helps change social perceptions and recognize their fundamental role in environmental balance,” he said.

Chacón emphasized that bats are the only mammals capable of flight and perform essential ecosystem services including pollination, seed dispersal, and natural insect control. They are also considered indicators of habitat health.

During the monitoring session, CCEA staff recorded five specimens belonging to four species of the Phyllostomidae family: Artibeus jamaicensis (2), Artibeus lituratus (1), Artibeus phaeotis (1), and Glossophaga mutica (1). The bats were examined by the technical team and later released back into their natural habitat.

Attendees participated in a talk by biologist Ricardo Peralta Muñoz, who shared information on bat morphology, behavior, and habits. They also observed the process of setting up mist nets and got a close look at the temporarily captured specimens.

FPMC General Director Juanita Alonso Marrufo said the initiative promotes respectful interaction between the community and wildlife, aligning with the state government’s New Agreement for Welfare and Development of Quintana Roo. “It allows more people to know, value, and protect species that are indispensable for the island’s biodiversity,” she said.

The FPMC has run bat monitoring and environmental education programs for several years, helping to transform public perception and foster conservation efforts.