Cozumel’s Christmas Bat Count at Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Municipal Government of Cozumel has joined the 2025 Christmas Bat Count with an event held at the Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium, highlighting the importance of these flying mammals for environmental balance and ecosystem conservation.

An Initiative with International Reach

With this activity, Cozumel has joined the count that began in Costa Rica and now takes place in at least 16 countries. The objective is to promote knowledge and protection of bats, as well as to drive a change in social perception about these species that inhabit the island.

Scientific Outreach and Nocturnal Experience

The Subdirectorate of Ecology led an informative exhibition about the ecological role of bats. Biologist Noel Rivas gave a conference in which he explained the benefits they provide to nature, while attendees enjoyed the documentary Architects of the Leaves and walked the monitoring trail during a nighttime activity typical of the season.

Community Participation and Count Results

Approximately 40 people, mostly children, participated in the event and showed interest in learning about the only flying mammals. The activity aimed to debunk myths and raise awareness about their function as seed dispersers, pest controllers, and pollinators.

As a result of the count, nine specimens of the common fruit bat Artibeus jamaicensis were recorded, a key species for forest regeneration as it disperses seeds in disturbed areas.