Recently named the state’s official “land” mammal, the ‘ope‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bat) is little understood, difficult to study and an endangered species to boot.
Recently named the state’s official “land” mammal, the ‘ope‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bat) is little understood, difficult to study and an endangered species to boot.
Most of what we know about this tiny furry creature has been learned in the past two decades, with a huge bump in genetic information appearing in the past two years.
The public is invited to a presentation from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday at the Lyman Museum where researchers Kristina Montoya-Aiona and Corinna Pinzari will share the basics of bat ecology across our state as well as the latest findings: that hoary bats migrated to Hawaii from North America at least twice in the past 10,000 years.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Located at 276 Haili St., the museum is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.