Mexican Long-nosed Bat

The Conflict

The Mexican Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) stands as a major actor in Mexico’s ecosystem. These bats play a critical role in the pollination of agave plants, which are vital for tequila and mezcal production. Unfortunately, the species has been classified as endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and industrial practices in agave farming. Most agave fields are managed with monoculture techniques and tend to be overharvested which prevents the plants from flowering, thus halting the reproductive cycle of both agave and bats, as one is lacking pollination and the other food resources.

 

The Solution

To address the critical threats faced by the Mexican Long-nosed bat, innovative conservation efforts have emerged. One notable success story is Cañada de la Virgen, Mexico’s first Wildlife Friendly®️ certified reserve. This reserve preserves habitats vital to the Mexican Long-nosed bat and other pollinators by maintaining natural ecosystems and allowing agave plants to flower. These flowering plants provide essential food sources for the bats during their migratory journey. By adopting these practices, Cañada de la Virgen actively creates a more resilient ecosystem that ensures the survival of the bats while enhancing agave genetic diversity.

 

The Conservation Enterprise

The reserve is also home to Casa Agave, a distillery renowned for producing artisanal spirits. Building on the foundations of  Cañada de la Virgen’s work, Casa Agave by sourcing plants grown on the reserve has unlocked its first Wildlife Friendly®️ certification for its distillates. Casa Agave’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond spirits production, with land management practices that include organic farming and regenerative grazing, earning them a Wildlife Friendly®️ certification. By sourcing from the Cañada de la Virgen reserve Casa Agave helps protect endangered species but also strengthens local ecosystems and biodiversity​.

• Website: Cañada de la Virgen & Casa Agave

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