SAVE THE MARIANA FRUIT BAT
What Can YOU Do?
Check Yourself before You Wreck a SPECIES!
Make sure that when visiting new locations you don’t bring any live species/specimens of any kind with you, for these invasive species will kill off local species. This can be seen with the introduction of the exotic Brown Tree Snake into Guam forests. The Brown Tree Snake was accidentally introduced to Guam most likely by ship cargo, and since then has significantly contributed to the decline of the Mariana Fruit Bat by preying on non volant youth before they can fully fly (Endangered Species in the Pacific Islands, 2012). Additionally, the introduction of non-native plant species has lead to the degradation of the Mariana Fruit Bat’s natural habitat (Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Mariana Fruit Bat or Fanihi, 2009). All it takes is one slip up, one person not to check their cargo for an invasive species to slip into new territory and take over. In order to prevent the future addition of exotic and invasive species, you must follow Fish and Wildlife guidelines when crossing into new territory, especially by boat.
For a refresher on the guidlines, check out this link:
Don’t Fund the Illegal Hunters!
The Mariana Fruit Bat is a delicacy in Guam, even eaten as a ceremonial tradition. However, while they still appear in modern day cookbooks and the locals eat them, this does not mean that they are no longer in danger of going extinct, partly due to the locals’ poaching. Although the hunting of these bats has been illegal in Guam since the 1970s, hunting remains a constant practice. Do not purchase any items derived from the Mariana Fruit Bat, such as the traditional soups of the Guam islands (Lemke, 1986). While illegal hunting is clearly not the sole reason for the decline of the Mariana Fruit Bat, evidence shows their endangerment to be a consequence of the synergistic effects of both natural disasters and hunting (Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Mariana Fruit Bat or Fanihi, 2009). Typhoons and volcanic activity have historically caused significant fluctuations in the population size of the Mariana Fruit Bats, but the added anthropogenic influence of hunting has put them in serious risk for extinction (Endangered Species in the Pacific Islands, 2012). Don’t purchase items associated with Guam natural wildlife. Don’t fund poachers.
Share! Talk! Spread the Word!
The Mariana Fruit Bat is nearly extinct! And it is as if no one cares enough to even talk about it! After reading our Why Save, and Ecological/Economical Importance pages, spread your knowledge to friends and family. The more people who at least know of the Fruit Bats’ struggle, the more total funding and help they will receive.
Use this picture (right), and hashtag #marianafruitbat!!
Write the US Fish and Wildlife Service!
Share your concerns about the lack of resources being put into recovering the Mariana Fruit Bat! Ask for the US Fish and Wildlife Service to put more efforts into supporting the Mariana Fruit Bat by writing to them at their headquarters:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Endangered Species
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
Support the Guam National Wildlife Refuge!
As part of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Guam National Refuge holds a natural habitat for the Mariana Fruit Bat, allowing them to regrow their population (About the Refuge, 2015). With over 1,000 acres of preserved land on the island of Guam, this area is one of the few locations that has been protected from the invasive Brown Tree Snake (About the Refuge, 2015). Support them by sharing their website and other related information on social media, visiting their on site location to donate money directly to them, and signing up for watch positions at the refuge.
Start Your Own Petition!
You can start your own petition online today to fight for the life of the Mariana Fruit Bat! Us information from this site, and send the link to friends and family, forcing lawmakers and environmental organizations to take a stand!
This site will get you started:
Donate To A Bat Conservation Organization!
These organizations are devoted to preserving the bat species as a whole. Email them of your contributions, with the Mariana Fruit Bat as the reason of your donation, in order to give the little guy a fighting chance!
Click one to find out more!
