Issue 32: `Ope`ape`a

 Hupo-e-nui.

Extremely Stupid.


Organism of the Week! Lasiurus cinereus semotus, `Ope`ape`a

This week is about the Hawaiian Hoary bat!  Otherwise known as `Ope`ape`a!  This bat is the only land mammal that is endemic to these islands, but I have no idea how it could have gotten here!  It's called "hoary" in reference to its fur.  The fur is brown and grey, tinged with white in such a way that makes it look frosty.  As with most bats, the female is larger than the male.  The average bat weighs very little - less than half a pound.  The females can have a wingspan as much as 13.5" which isn't too much.  Such tiny things!  This little bat can eat its own weight in insects each night.  I guess it takes a lot of energy to flap around at night.
This bat was listed as an endangered species in 1970 when the loss of forested areas destroyed the bat's habitat.  Look at that cute bat.  How could we take its home?  Well we did, but on the bright side, this bat's prognosis is good!  The population is increasing, although it's still endangered.  But things are looking up for the `Ope`ape`a!
In other news, this will be the first of several posts that have been written well before publishing.  This is because I finally have time to write ahead AND I will be pretty busy for the next few weeks so I figured I'd take care of this early.  So!  If some community events are slightly inaccurate or not as full as you think it ought to be, please do comment and add community events!

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Mostly here. 

Community Events!
Honolulu Museum of Arts - All week long! 
There are so many activities going on all summer!  I finally have time to notice it!  There are art films available, tours of the museum, so on and so forth - take advantage of the summer and the excellent programming available at the museum!