The City of Delta has been officially designated as a bat-friendly community by the Community Bat Programs of BC.
As Metro Vancouver’s second certified bat-friendly community, Delta says it is committed to protecting and enhancing bat habitat and promoting learning and awareness about the value of local bat colonies in our natural environment. The actions to protect and promote bats in Delta also supports the City’s Birds and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy in ensuring the necessary conditions exist for a thriving and diverse environment, said Delta in a news release.
“I am proud of the City’s commitment to enhancing local biodiversity,” said Mayor George Harvie. “Our official certification as a bat-friendly community reflects Delta’s efforts to protect local bat habitats, which play a critical role in regional and international ecosystems. This designation is another achievement in our continued work to advance Delta’s climate change goals.”
Delta provides important habitat for many species of bats. The attic of the Burr House (Burrvilla), located in Deas Island Regional Park, provides habitat for more than 2,400 pregnant females (Little Brown Myotis and Yuma bats) and is one of the largest known maternity bat colonies of its kind in B.C. Additional bat habitats - roosts and foraging sites - are located along the banks of the Fraser River, including on Westham Island, in Burns Bog, over farmland, and in green spaces.
City staff worked with the BC Bats Regional Coordinator in 2019 to facilitate the installation of several bat houses throughout Delta by local stewardship groups and to monitor previously installed bat houses. Staff will continue these efforts by installing additional bat houses in suitable locations throughout Delta.
Visit bcbats.ca to learn more about BC’s Community Bat Programs.
