Wing Bands at Qualicum Bat House
The Qualicum Bat House is a roosting place for a large maternal colony of Townsend’s Big Eared Bat (Corynorhinus (Plecotus) townsendii). This particular species of bat is Blue-listed in British Columbia, according to the Conservation Data Center. This is one of only two known colonies on Vancouver Island. For this reason, the long-term protection of the house is important as it ensures the long-term protection of habitat essential to the survival of the species.
Because little is known about the habits of this species of bat in British Columbia, the bat house provides an extraordinary opportunity to study these bats without disturbance. In the near future, research equipment and recorders may be installed in the house, so long as it would not interfere with the bats, to help gain a better understanding of this threatened species.
Access to the Site
The Land Conservancy is keeping the well-being of the bats as the highest priority in the management of the house, therefore the location of the site is kept confidential. For researchers and others requiring access for specific purposes, please contact TLC’s Vancouver Island Regional Office to arrange supervised access.
