Good morning, Batfolk, & a happy Monday

The World Bat Twitter Conference #WBTC1 is almost upon us, happening from 27th - 29th of May, but, taking us up to it, I have the honor of hosting the first-ever:

BAT WORLD CUP #BatWC2020

See below to see how it will work
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Of the 1421 species of bat, 16 bats have been selected to compete in a single-elimination knockout competition

There will be 9 total days of voting, beginning Wednesday, May 20, & the Final happening on Thursday, May 28, the second day of the #WBTC1
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There will be two polls daily for the first 6 days, offset by 3 hours, & the polls will remain open for a full 24 hours so folks from all different time zones have the chance to cast their vote

First poll: 9am EST
Second poll: 12pm EST
3/

I will announce the round, the competitors, & the poll in the main tweet, & there will be a short thread containing portraits of each bat (generously provided by @MerlinsBats) & a description of them: where they’re from, what they eat, any special roles they play, etc.
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The bracket can be zoomed in upon to see, quite clearly, the names of the competing bats for those that would like to look up further pictures/videos or conduct their own research on species of interest before or during the Cup
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When a poll closes & the winning bat is locked in, a RT will go out announcing the winner

This will happen either at the same time as or just following the opening of the next poll
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YOU ARE ENCOURAGED to comment on & RT the polls with your choice of bat & why (experts especially!) + any favorite photos/videos you may have of that bat that could sway other voters to select your favorite species!
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The victor will be announced during the #WBTC1, so be sure you are following both hashtags to see the amazing presentations, given by experts in bat science, & also to see which bat will be crowned champion of the #BatWC2020!

It begins this Wednesday:
DON’T MISS IT
8/8

ROUND 1, GROUP 1 https://twitter.com/GiveBatsABreak/status/1263092122430947329?s=20

ROUND 1, GROUP 2 https://twitter.com/GiveBatsABreak/status/1263137466258726912?s=20

This is a global event and I would love to see loads of people get involved. Here's looking at you, Bat Twitter! Please RT and get the word out!

@_BCT_ @GlobalBatNet @ChrisGPackham @MeganMcCubbin @NatureBftB @derbyshirebats @BatConservancy @NorCalBats @NorwichBats @NorthernBats

@LondonBatGroup @lothiansbats @riskindan @EveryBat @PeterDaszak @nycbat @NatureIn_Focus @FrickWinifred @The_BatNurse @JulieTheBatgirl @BarbastellaJ @BatsForLife @KatherineJWu @lizardschwartz @Bat_Watch @Ologies @OccasionalBat @UBDVTLab @UNEP_EUROBATS @Sonja_Vernes @WildLensInc