Fewer bats will be flapping through the evening skies in the coming months. It's the time of year where some species go into hibernation, cozying up in narrow rock crevices or caves to overwinter.
Fortunately, this disappearance is only seasonal. Bats are critical for the functioning of healthy ecosystems. They help cycle nutrients in the environment and pollinate plants. They also eat agricultural pests, which reduces the need for pesticides.
Bats provide enormous value to our ecosystems, but because they do their work under the cover of darkness, we aren't always aware of the help they give.
Declining bat populations are a cause for human concern
Fortunately, this disappearance is only seasonal. Bats are critical for the functioning of healthy ecosystems. They help cycle nutrients in the environment and pollinate plants. They also eat agricultural pests, which reduces the need for pesticides.
Bats provide enormous value to our ecosystems, but because they do their work under the cover of darkness, we aren't always aware of the help they give.
Declining bat populations are a cause for human concern