Supporting the Mutual Affair of Agaves and Bats

Supporting the Mutual Affair of Agaves and Bats

Facilitated by Steve Plath

Bat Conservation International (BCI) recently began an initiative to enhance habitat for the Lesser long-nosed bat in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. This bat, along with two other North American species, are primarily nectar feeders, relying on cactus and agave flowers to supply their energy needs during their annual migration between the US and Mexico. In 2019 BCI contacted the Gila Native Plant Nursery to grow thousands of native agaves (Agave palmeri and A. parryi) for planting at strategic locations along the migratory paths of these bats. This presentation will illustrate the unique blend of combining horticulture, plant production and field implementation with a targeted focus for conservation of an animal species.

Steve has worked for the Gila Watershed Partnership (GWP) for five years, in Safford, AZ, and has been the manager of the Gila Native Plant Nursery during that time. The nursery produces native plants for the organization's habitat restoration work on the Upper Gila River as well doing contract growing of native material for agencies and other conservation organizations.