National Bat Week works to celebrate and recognize these wonderful animals. There are more than 1,300 species of bats around the world which makes them the second-most common mammal species after rodents with a huge diversity among them. These animals play vital roles in the ecosystem scientists have discovered and need to be protected. Insect-eating bats are reported to eat millions of insects a night and act as a natural insect control for both humans. Nectar-drinking and fruit-eating bats help various types of plants and fruit species. By visiting the plants for food, they help to pollinate which in turn leads to increased production of fruit. This largely impacts the food chain for both humans and animals and can affect the overall health of ecosystems around the world. Pollinators in general are key to food supplies around the world.
Bat species in general are primarily threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation that is happening around the world. Bats live in and around forests and rely upon trees as shelter and protection in addition to providing food. The insects and fruit that bats need to survive also rely heavily on these ecosystems and without them, the bats lose their food source. These areas are being affected by deforestation because of urban development and agriculture. This is a common story with a lot of different species that rely on forests and trees for food, shelter, and protection. There are ways to help out these bat species that you can do in your backyard. Simple things like keeping up dead trees (when it is safe), placing bat houses in your backyard (houses for bats to rest in), and reducing the use of pesticides can help protect and encourage bat populations.
Below are more resources available to help educate about bats and their role
Why are bats important? | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
Why bats are the real superheroes of the animal world (nationalgeographic.com)
Hibernate or Migrate – Bats (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
13 Awesome Facts About Bats | U.S. Department of the Interior (doi.gov)