Bats revealed as extraordinary creatures of the animal kingdom

Bats, often shrouded in mystery and fear, are unsung heroes in our ecosystem. These fascinating creatures play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, providing essential services that ensure our food, clothes, and drinks remain abundant.

At least 549 plant species, including popular food crops such as bananas, mangos, guavas, and cacao (the main ingredient in chocolate), are either pollinated or dispersed by bats. One such example is the lesser long-nosed bat, which is critical for the pollination of the blue agave cactus, from which tequila is made.

Bats also contribute significantly to agriculture by controlling pests. Insect-eating bats are estimated to save U.S. farmers about $23 billion per year by reducing crop damage and limiting the need for pesticides.

Their unique immune system may also hold the key to understanding how humans can live with viruses without getting sick. Bats, such as the Brandt's bat, the oldest bat ever recorded, have been found to live longer than expected for their size, with the oldest bat living at least 41 years. Remarkably, bats can be infected with otherwise deadly viruses, such as rabies and Ebola, without showing signs of illness.

Bats have developed a built-in sonar system for finding prey. Using echolocation, they can calculate the distance, size, and shape of objects, such as a tasty mosquito, with extraordinary precision. However, bats may be less reliant on echolocation than previously assumed, as they fly for extended periods in silence and turn to vision and spatial memory to find their way.

Their wings, resembling modified human hands, are incredibly adaptable. Bat wings can fold during flight in various ways, similar to the way that a human hand can close into different shapes. The fastest self-powered flight on Earth belongs to the humble Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to a hundred miles per hour.

Bats are not only beneficial for our ecosystem but also for the environment. Their special characteristic of forming physical barriers, altering microclimates, and enhancing biodiversity supports climate resilience and various ecological functions. Rodrigo Medellín, an ecologist at the Institute of Ecology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, believes that bats really do have superpowers.

In conclusion, bats are invaluable contributors to our world, and it's time we recognised their importance and protected these extraordinary creatures.