BATS have long been the subject of fear, folklore, and ‘duppy’ stories but these creatures we’ve spent generations running from are some of nature’s hardest-working environmental protectors.

A single insect-eating bat can consume up to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour, providing natural pest control, while others help pollinate plants and disperse seeds, contributing to the regeneration of our forests.

Jamaica is home to an impressive 21 species of bats, including five found nowhere else in the world and eight others native to the wider Caribbean.

Yet, despite their importance, bats remain among the island’s most misunderstood creatures.

We’re putting bats in the spotlight in the premiere episode of Fi Wi Land, a brand-new environmental series from the Jamaica Observer and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) as part of the agency’s activities in recognition of its 25th anniversary of serving the island.

Over the next 12 weeks we’ll explore the wildlife, ecosystems and natural resources that make Jamaica unique while highlighting NEPA’s work to safeguard our environment for future generations, including air and water quality management, tree reforestation, coral reef restoration, beach conservation, protection of Jamaica’s iguana population, and mangrove restoration.

The first episode of Fi Wi Land premieres October 19, 2026, on the Jamaica Observer’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.

This video grab shows National Environment and Planning Agency Environmental Officer Damany
Calder being interviewed by Jamaica Observer online reporter Carlysia Ramdeen for the first in an
environmental series being launched October 19 by the State agency and the newspaper.

This video grab shows a flower bat pup being fed by a biologist.

In this video grab a fruit bat is seen perched in a banana tree.