Bats are fascinating creatures, often misunderstood, that emerge at dusk to carry out their silent yet vital work in nature. While many people associate them with darkness and tales of fright, these mammals play a fundamental role in maintaining the planet’s health.
In this article, we’ll explore what bats are, the different types, their characteristics and habitats, and how they contribute to keeping ecosystems in balance.
What are bats?
Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. With more than 1,400 species worldwide, they are the second most diverse group of mammals, surpassed only by rodents.
These remarkable animals belong to the order Chiroptera, which in Greek means “hand-wing” – a nod to the structure of their wings, essentially an ingenious adaptation of their forelimbs. In short, their very anatomy shows they were quite literally born to fly.
Characteristics of bats
Bats possess a series of adaptations that make them truly unique. Their ability to use echolocation is perhaps their most remarkable trait, especially in microbats. By emitting bat sounds that bounce off nearby objects and interpreting the returning echoes, they can detect distance, size and shape – effectively allowing them to “see” in complete darkness.
In addition, bats have a fast metabolism that enables them to digest food within just a few hours, a crucial adaptation to maintain the energy required for flight.
The oldest fossils of the group date back around 55 million years, and even then, they already looked remarkably similar to today’s bats.
Habitat: homes in the most unexpected places
Bats adapt to a wide variety of habitats. They can be found in jungles, forests, caves, abandoned mines and, quite often, in cities. During the day, they seek shelter in dark, quiet places such as caves, rock crevices, hollow trees or buildings. These roosts not only provide protection against predators but also serve as essential sites for resting and breeding.
Diet: what do bats eat?
The diet of bats is highly varied and largely depends on the species. The main dietary groups include:
- Insectivores– insect-eating bats are natural allies of farmers, as they consume large numbers of insects, including agricultural pests. They are therefore vital for pest control.
- Frugivores– this is the type of bat you can see at Loro Parque. They feed on fruit, insects and pollen, and play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to regenerate forests.
- Nectarivores– these bats feed on nectar and pollen, making them essential pollinators for many plants, including some that rely solely on bats.
- Carnivores and haematophages– a few species hunt fish, frogs and small animals, while vampire bats feed on small amounts of blood from other animals. This unusual diet is extremely rare, accounting for just 3 out of the 1,400 described species.
The true role of bats in the ecosystem
Bats play an indispensable role in maintaining ecological balance.
- Pest control– insectivorous bats consume tonnes of insects every night, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests. This not only reduces the need for pesticides but also helps farmers protect their crops.
- Pollination and seed dispersal– nectar-feeding and fruit-eating bats are essential for the pollination of many plants, such as agaves and a variety of tropical trees. In turn, this allows plants to reproduce and contributes to the regeneration of forests.
- Nutrient recycling– bat droppings, known as guano, are a highly valuable natural fertiliser for the soil. This contribution enhances soil fertility and encourages healthy vegetation growth.
Bat conservation: protecting the guardians of the night
Although bats are essential to the environment, many species are under threat due to habitat destruction, the use of pesticides, diseases such as white-nose syndrome (a fungus that has devastated bat populations in North America), and human persecution driven by fear and misinformation.
According to the IUCN, almost 20% of the world’s bat species are currently considered threatened to some degree.
It is therefore vital to promote the conservation of these animals. Some of the most effective ways to help include:
- Protecting natural habitats– avoiding deforestation and the destruction of caves where bats roost.
- Reducing pesticide use– these chemicals not only harm insects but can also indirectly affect the bats that consume them.
- Raising awareness and educating others– dispelling negative myths about bats is crucial to encouraging respect and protection across all ages.
The importance of preserving the night flyers
Bats play an essential role in maintaining natural balance and the health of ecosystems.
From controlling pests to pollinating plants and regenerating forests, these small mammals perform vital functions that benefit both the environment and humanity.
Learning more about them and recognising their true value is an important step towards ensuring their conservation and safeguarding biodiversity.
Despite making up around 20% of all mammal species on the planet, the real characteristics of bats remain little known. Too often linked to the image of vampires, they are perceived as dangerous when they are fundamental to the maintenance of ecosystems.
At Loro Parque, part of our mission is to share knowledge, provide reliable information and raise awareness about animal species – breaking down myths and offering accurate scientific facts.
Frequently asked questions about bats
Are bats rodents?
No, bats are not rodents. They belong to their own order, Chiroptera, which makes them unique among mammals. In fact, they are more closely related to primates than to rodents.
Are bats dangerous?
For the most part, bats are harmless to humans. The vast majority feed on insects, fruit or nectar, and only a very small number of species (such as vampire bats) feed on blood. Even then, they rarely pose a real threat to people.
Baby bats
They are called pups. They are usually born in the summer and depend on their mothers’ milk until they are old enough to fly and feed themselves. In some species, mothers gather in maternity colonies, where they raise their pups together.
