Brazilian Bats

Barros leads cave conservation work in Brazil

By Jill Robbins

ennifer Barros, Ph.D., is Bat Conservation International’s (BCI) Brazil Program Manager, and she is responsible for leading BCI’s cave conservation initiative in the massive country. With more than 3 million square miles of land, Brazil is the world’s fifth-largest country by area. The country contains more than 23,000 caves—some of which provide habitat for bats.

Barros works with local communities, nonprofits, and government agencies across Brazil to protect and enhance critical roost sites for Endangered bat species throughout the region.

We caught her for a few minutes above ground to inquire about her work.

Brazil contains more than 23,000 caves, including approximately 20 “hot caves.”

Tell us about BCI’s work in Brazil and specific challenges.

We have four Endangered species nationally, three of which are threatened because they are strictly related to caves—Natalus macrourus, Furipterus horrens, and Lonchophylla dekeyseri. We also want to protect caves with large colonies in Brazil, usually formed by species from the genus Pteronotus. These species form what we call hot caves—the high number of bats and the huge amount of accumulated guano can increase the temperature in these caves and create a unique and important ecosystem that is key for the survival of these species.

Of the more than 23,000 caves in Brazil, only around 20 are known as hot caves. Protecting caves with Endangered species and large colonies is a priority and guarantees protection for other species.

Most of the caves we want to protect are in private areas. We work with the landowners to access their properties and see if they will protect and preserve the caves and bats. Brazil is a huge country, and we need lots of resources and time to travel to the caves, which are sometimes not that easy to access.

Portrait indoor photograph close-up view of Jennifer Barros, Ph.D. smiling and seated down on a cavern ground area in a yellow/black/blue colored Bat Conservation International jumpsuit outfit and a light turquoise hardhat equipped with a flashlight on it as she explores a cave in Brazil

Barros explores a cave in Brazil.

Photo: Eder Barbier

What are some Brazil-specific threats to bats?

The main threats to caves and bats in Brazil are mining and the destruction of their habitats. Mining companies’ main interests are limestone and iron ore. Huge areas are being mined, destroying many important caves. It is crucial to guarantee the protection of the caves that we know have Endangered species and large colonies.

What challenges do you face when communicating with people about bats?

Usually, people who don’t know bats don’t like them much. I like to help people change their minds about these incredible animals. It’s great to show people that there are different species with different roles in the ecosystem and show them pictures and videos from inside the caves. We also work with different bat researchers here. We do fieldwork together and help each other with different activities, which is great, as science and conservation work better together.

I’m sure there will be challenges with bureaucracy, resources, and people in the project’s next phases, but I’m also sure that when we get the caves protected, the challenges we overcame will be worth it.

Back to Issue