Bats
Introduction
Bats are often keystone species within their environments, helping to pollinate, disperse seeds, and keeping pest species such as mosquitoes under control.
These important little mammals are under threat from a variety of issues including habitat loss, light pollution, noise pollution, and illness.
Types of Bat
"The two suborders differ in sensory and feeding characteristics. Megachiroptera are fruit- and nectar-feeding bats with a binocular visual pathway and rely on olfaction and vision to find food. Species of Microchiroptera consume a broad range of food including insects, fruit, nectar, small vertebrates, and blood." - ScienceDirect
Megachiroptera or Megabats
Also known as fruit bats or flying foxes. These generally feed on fruit and nectar, making them important for plant reproduction in two ways: pollination and seed dispersal. These bats have good vision and a keep sense of smell.
Microchiroptera or Microbats
These use echolocation to help them find prey including insects, fruit, nectar, small vertebrates. Some species even feed on blood, which is how we got myths about vampires and bats.
Some of these species include:
Threats to Bats
Light Pollution
Click the Darkness button to learn more about the importants of darkness for our wild neighbors.
Click the Light Pollution button to learn more about Light Pollution and what we can do about it.
Habitat Loss
Deforestation
Click the Forests/Deforestation button to learn about the worst drivers of deforestation, as well as practical alternatives.
Wildflowers
These are disappearing, but super important for pollinating bat species as well as those who eat insects, since the insects rely on native plants too.
Tools & Apps
Europe
UK
Mammal Mapper "is a free app where you can record signs and sightings of mammals in the UK. Mammals can be recorded along a route whilst you’re walking, running, cycling or even a passenger in a car, or as one-off sightings, for example a hedgehog in your garden."
Resources & Guides
North America
Pollinator Conservation Resource Center "Region-specific resources to aid in the planning, establishment, restoration, and maintenance of pollinator habitat.
Welcome to the Pollinator Conservation Resource Center! Here we offer region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the various invertebrates you might encounter.
To view resources relevant to where you live and work, start by selecting your region from the map or the list."
Organizations
Europe
UK
Mammal Society "a UK based charity devoted to the study and conservation of the mammals of the British Isles. We aim to raise awareness of the issues mammals face and share our scientific research so they can be best protected in the future. Although a small team we are mighty, and are dedicated to helping mammals across the nation."
Maps
North America
Pollinator Conservation Resource Center (Interactive) "Region-specific resources to aid in the planning, establishment, restoration, and maintenance of pollinator habitat.
Welcome to the Pollinator Conservation Resource Center! Here we offer region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the various invertebrates you might encounter.
To view resources relevant to where you live and work, start by selecting your region from the map or the list."