​Cuba's limestone caverns are a national treasure, cherished by speleological groups and chiropterologists alike. Some have simple layouts with plain interiors, while others are mazes of complex passageways adorned with intricate crystals. Along with their geologic splendor, caves are home to a great diversity of organisms, including many species of insectivorous, frugivorous, and nectivorous bats. Every night, Cuba’s twenty-six known bat species carry out a host of essential services: pollinating important trees and shrubs, munching on fruits whose seeds are essential to reforestation, and gobbling thousands of insect pests, such as mosquitos. 

​

Despite their importance, the bats of Cuba have only recently begun to overcome long-standing social stigma. Proyecto CUBABAT, the country's leading bat conservation group, focuses on using education to change the way bats are perceived by Cubans. Their strategy revolves around the “triad of bat conservation,” based on the three main ecological functions that bats carry out: pollination of plants, dispersion of seeds, and consumption of pests. Educational programs and books by the organization teach children about bats in schools. Additionally, visitor caves give locals and tourists the opportunity to view bats safely and learn about their value from passionate volunteers. Through efforts like this, Cuban bat conservationists hope to dispel harmful myths about bats and improve their perception through education.​

​

Published by Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation, September 2024