About
Bat Conservation International (BCI) is an Austin, Texas-based 501(c)(3) conservation organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide. Founded in 1982, BCI has grown into a globally recognized organization of conservationists and scientists who use cutting-edge tools, technology, and training to create real, measurable impact for bats — animals that are vital to the world's ecosystems and economy, yet face threats from widespread habitat destruction, invasive species, and accelerating climate change.
Mission
BCI's mission is to conserve the world's bats and their ecosystems to ensure a healthy planet.
What they do
BCI's five-year strategic plan is organized around four main missions, prioritized using the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation framework:
- Endangered species interventions: the IUCN has classified more than 200 bat species as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable), and BCI runs targeted operations to stabilize populations of several highly endangered species and prevent extinction.
- Habitat protection and restoration: restoring habitat in critical areas, protecting economically valuable colonies of bats, and abating threats at known roost sites, in partnership with regional, national, and international efforts.
- Research and scalable solutions: conducting high-priority research to protect bats from the impacts of White-nose Syndrome and to reduce bat fatalities at wind energy facilities, while building global capacity by supporting student scholars in bat conservation and research around the world.
- Inspire through experience: creating impactful nature experiences that deepen people's connection to bats and inspire the next generation of bat supporters.
Scale and impact
BCI's work includes protecting the Bracken Cave Preserve, home to the largest bat colony in the world with 20 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats. The organization publishes peer-reviewed scientific research and the multi-language State of the Bats Report, and it is recognized as an Evidence Champion by Conservation Evidence for its commitment to using evidence in conservation planning and testing the efficacy of interventions.
Financials
For the fiscal year ending June 2025, BCI reported total revenue of 13,202,026 dollars and expenses of 16,890,036 dollars, with contributions making up 89.3 percent of revenue (IRS Form 990 data via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer). The organization held total assets of 35.8 million dollars and net assets of 33.5 million dollars. BCI publishes annual financial reports on its website and states that it holds itself to the highest standards of financial accountability.
Governance
Michael Daulton serves as Executive Director, per the organization's most recent Form 990 filing, with a leadership team that includes Chief Operations Officer Michael Nakamoto and Chief Scientist Winifred Frick.
