Bats News

Bats are mammals belonging to the order Chiroptera, characterized by their forelimbs adapted as wings, making them the only mammals capable of sustained flight. There are over 1,400 species of bats, making them one of the most diverse groups of mammals. Bats play crucial ecological roles, such as pollinating flowers, dispersing seeds, and controlling insect populations by feeding on vast numbers of insects, including agricultural pests. They are divided into two main groups: megabats (fruit bats) and microbats, with the latter often using echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark. Despite their benefits, bats are often misunderstood and face threats from habitat loss, disease (such as white-nose syndrome), and human activities. Conservation efforts are essential to protect bat populations and maintain the ecological balance they help support.