Visitors and residents of the Big Bend region are invited to learn more about one of the park’s most fascinating and misunderstood residents during a special evening program titled “Hidden in the Dark: Secrets of the Bats of Big Bend National Park.”
The talk will take place Friday, January 9, at 7:00 p.m. in the Panther Junction Community Room and is open to all visitors.
The program will be led by Loren K. Ammerman, a professor and author whose research focuses on bat ecology and conservation. Ammerman will discuss her work studying bats in Texas and the Chihuahuan Desert, with a particular focus on what makes the bat populations of Big Bend National Park unique.
Big Bend is home to one of the most diverse bat communities in North America, with more than 20 documented species. These bats play a critical role in the ecosystem, providing natural pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Despite their importance, bats are often misunderstood or overlooked, especially in desert environments.
Ammerman’s presentation will explore bat behavior, habitat use, and adaptations that allow these animals to thrive in the rugged conditions of Big Bend. The program will also touch on conservation challenges facing bat populations, including habitat loss and disease, and why public understanding is essential to protecting them.
The event coincides with interest generated by Ammerman’s work as a contributor to “Bats of Texas,” a comprehensive guide highlighting the state’s bat species and their ecological significance.
The program is suitable for adults and older children and does not require advance registration. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating may be limited.
For visitors seeking a deeper appreciation of Big Bend’s nocturnal wildlife, “Hidden in the Dark” offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from a leading expert on the subject—no flashlight required.
