Hawaii Requests Public Help Tracking Endangered Native Bats
Officials are asking residents to document sightings of the rare Hawaiian hoary bat to support ongoing research.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Hawai'i Wildlife Center is calling on the public to help locate Hawaiian hoary bats, the state's only native land mammal. Researchers hope that community-reported sightings will help identify critical habitats for this endangered species.
Why it matters
Documenting bat populations allows scientists to better understand and protect the endangered creatures across the islands. Because the species is native, monitoring its presence is vital for maintaining the local ecological balance.
The Hawaiian hoary bat, or 'ōpe'ape'a, represents one of more than 1,400 bat species worldwide, which collectively account for 20% of all mammal species. The Hawai'i Wildlife Center currently treats approximately one to two injured bats each year.
The players
Hawai'i Wildlife Center
This organization specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of native wildlife species found throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
The details
Residents can contribute to research efforts by uploading observation data through the iNaturalist platform. If a member of the public discovers an injured bat, they are advised to seek professional medical assistance immediately by calling the Hawai'i Wildlife Center at (808) 884-5000.
Timeline
October 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026: International Bat Week
Culture Shift
This initiative follows the pattern set by global conservation programs that leverage awareness weeks like International Bat Week to drive localized citizen-science data collection. By engaging the public, conservationists are shifting away from traditional, isolated research models toward a collaborative, community-driven approach to biodiversity management.
Residents can participate in conservation by downloading the iNaturalist app to log sightings during their daily routines. If you encounter an injured bat, you must avoid handling the animal and instead call the Hawai'i Wildlife Center to ensure the creature receives professional care.
The takeaway
Citizen science remains a critical tool for protecting endangered species by expanding the reach of limited professional monitoring teams. Residents are encouraged to use the provided digital tools to assist in habitat identification for Hawaii's only native land mammal.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to protect native creatures in the Wildlife section.
More information
Submit your observations and view regional data on the iNaturalist wildlife observation submission portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaiinewsnow.
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