An easy way to help bats is by bldg bat houses. Learn more ways to support bats, WHC Bats Project Guidance https://t.co/59RJQJzn7i #BatWeek pic.twitter.com/KzrbDIhjwI
— Wildlife Habitat (@WildlifeHC) October 25, 2016
Oregon is home to 15 species of bat. To the average person, this information is superfluous, even scary. To wildlife enthusiasts, however, it is a point of pride. The Salem area is one ripe with biodiversity.
All across the U.S., bat populations have been struggling due to habitat loss, and a fungal disease called White-Nose Syndrome. It was first discovered in the northeast in 2006, and has been rapidly spreading. The first case on the west coast was discovered in 2016. It may not be long before the disease hits Oregon bat populations.
Toyota has a long history of acting to protect biodiversity, recently partnering with the IUCN. One Toyota factory in West Virginia took it upon itself to help bats, by installing bat houses around the facility.
"The bat houses are just one part of our biodiversity plan here at the West Virginia plant," said Marc Crouse, Environmental Engineering Specialist at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. "Visitors to our one-mile green loop can stroll through to see the bat boxes and appreciate other aspects of biodiversity. I like to tell people that being a mobility company means more than building cars, trucks and engines and transmissions. We also want to contribute to the mobility of the critters that share our West Virginia home."
The Wildlife Habitat Council nominated TMMWV for a Bats Project Award for its work.
Visit Capitol Toyota to learn more about how both businesses and individuals can get involved in wildlife conservation. While you're here, take a look at our emissions-shrinking new Toyota hybrid models.
