Enseñanza de la ecología de quirópteros soportada en el diseño participativo de cajas refugio con voluntarios de la reserva umbral cultural horizontes de la fundación cerros de Bogotá

Abstract

This work addresses the teaching of bat ecology from Bogotá through a comprehensive approach that combines environmental education activities, community awareness, and the construction of artificial shelters. Starting with an outreach to the population through volunteering and activities in the reserve, the participants' mental models about bats are explored. The workshops developed initially reveal very general prior knowledge about the city's bats and end with varied designs of artificial shelters, inspired by permaculture, nature observation, and the characteristics of these flying mammals. Additionally, the perceived viability of artificial shelters in the city is evidenced, albeit with certain conditions related to environmental education, ecosystem restoration, and population analysis of present species. Highlighting the importance of citizen participation in conservation and environmental education activities, as well as the need to evaluate and adjust implemented strategies, this work offers an effective methodology to engage the community in bat conservation and promote biodiversity in urban environments.