Bats of Georgian Bay - Apakwaanaajiinh Mnidoo Gami
Why study bats?
Four of Ontario’s eight bat species are endangered, and 3 of the remaining 4 have been assessed and recommended for the endangered species list this year. More than half of these species have been found here in Shawanaga. One of the main threats to the survival of these bats is the White Nose Syndrome fungus. This fungus was introduced to Ontario in 2010 and has since caused a major decline in resident hibernating bat populations. Another main threat to some of these species is mortality caused by wind turbines.
The project so far…
Shawanaga’s bat projects all started with a suggestion from the youth. Kids at Kinomaugewgamik Elementary School on the reserve tipped the team off to a colony of bats roosting in the old church building. This sparked the annual bat night at the church, where SFNSAR staff and community members gather to share an appreciation for the bats that call Shawanaga home.
In 2021, we started the AMG-BGB initiative, to grow partnerships between Indigenous communities in the coastal region looking to preserve Ontario’s bat species. Our goal with this project was to help build capacity among First Nations, using our experience with bat work so that we can protect the bat species of Mnidoo Gamii through united research and monitoring that contributes to the overall management and understanding of critical habitats and bat populations in our region.
To accomplish this, Shawanaga collaborated with bat specialist Derek Morningstar and University of Guelph master’s student Michelle Beltran. on We conducted bat netting and radio telemetry in the First Nations of Magnetawan, Moose Deer Point, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Saugeen, Whitefish River, and Wikwemikong Unceded Territory (among others). In partnership with Birds Canada, 2 automated radio telemetry receivers were installed that will add to the international network of stations in the Motus Wildlife Tracking System.
Moving Forward
Currently, our funding has ended for this project. In 2025, SFNSAR will not be conducting bat field work apart from the annual community night in Shawanaga. However, that does not mean it’s the end. Our partner communities have shown interest in continuing this work, so we will likely apply for more funding in the future. Michelle Beltran’s Master’s thesis will also be available and linked on our website upon completion.
