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BAT INFORMATION
BENEFICIAL BATS
World-wide there are nearly 1,000 species of bats and most of these are highly beneficial. Seventy percent of all bats feed on insects and are the most important controller of night flying insects, including many agricultural pests. A single bat can eat up to 3,000 insects in one night.
In the tropics, fruit and nectar feeding bats play a vital role in the survival and re-growth of the rain forests. Fruit-eating bats spread seeds as they fly and digest their food. Nectar feed bats pollinate many valuable plants such as bananas, balsa wood, agave and more.
BATS ARE UNIQUE
Bats are the only flying mammal. Scientists have classified them into a unique order all their own called " Chiroptera" which means "hand wing". Bats literally fly with their hands. Bats are not blind. In addition to sight many species have highly developed ultrasonic sonar capabilities which they use to navigate and catch insects in total darkness.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL
Bats are disappearing at an alarming rate. Disturbance of roosting sights due to development and vandalism are the greatist threats to the world's bats. Much of this is due to ignorance and misunderstanding.
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