In this episode, Heather chats with José, a biologist and Ph.D. student studying all kinds of bats. Step aside, Hollywood - this is the REAL Bat Man! Listen to how José was drawn into studying biology and particularly the often misunderstood bats...spoiler alert: it started with many snakes. He shares how his home country of Nicaragua has a huge diversity of animals, including over 100 species of bats which can range in size from 3 grams/6 inches to 200 grams/3 feet! Yes, we talk vampire bats as well...surprise, they aren't like Hollywood has made them out to be.
When José isn't studying bats or the New Mexico Jumping Mouse, he enjoys photography and helping educate people about the key role all animals play in an ecosystem. He is also a beer drinker who is thoroughly enjoying the diversity of brews in the US.
Links from the episode:
José's Instagram for Wildlife Photos
José's Instagram for Astrophotography
José's Flickr Account
Bat Conservation International: Nicaragua
iNaturalist app
eBird
Forest Bathing
Dogfish Head Brewery