Of course, these flying animals are more critical parts of the ecosystem in some places than in others. In many Pacific Islands and parts of Africa and Asia, bats are one of the most important pollinators.
The role of bats in pollination
Some examples of common produce that bats help pollinate are peaches and bananas. Besides these, the U.S. Forest Service reports that bats help pollinate hundreds of tropical plants. The Forest Service also says that 300 fruit species depend upon bats.
Typically, bats are drawn to the flowers of tropical plants. These are some characteristics of the types of plants that bats may help pollinate:
- They typically have flowers that are open at night.
- The blooms are usually fairly large and either light-colored or white.
- The blooms have a strong fragrance, and they also have large amounts of nectar.
Bats in the Americas
Bats do not get as much attention in the Western Hemisphere as they do in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. However, they do play a role in pollination in the Americas. Two examples of American bats are the long-nosed bat and the long-tongued bat. Both of these types of bats make the journey from Mexico to Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico every year. These two important pollinators are both endangered species.
The long-nosed bat is very small and usually a yellowish color. It is important for pollination for plants in both Mexico and the United States. These bats consume nectar and pollen. They mainly visit the saguaro cactus during the first part of the summer. Later in the summer and in the fall, these bats visit agave. That's right... people would not get to enjoy tequila without these bats!
Why are people concerned about bat pollination?
The decline in bee populations has been a hot topic during the last few years. However, many bat species are also endangered or threatened, as is true with the two American bat species mentioned above. It's not just American bats that are endangered. Decline in bat populations may be a worldwide problem.
The earth would be poorer with no bats
People who enjoy bananas probably don't know that bats are almost the only pollinator for wild bananas. Besides fruit, bats are also responsible for the propagation of different kinds of timber trees and fiber plants that are used in everyday products.
For example, flying fox and other types of large bats pollinate eucalyptus in Australia. These plants are the source of oil, timber, and other products that exported all over the globe.
In addition, tropical environments around the world contain many important plants that rely upon bats. Without them, these plants wouldn't reproduce and many other animals would lack a source of food.
The world is pollinated by the birds and the bees and the bats
Without bats, environmental systems could collapse and native animals could suffer from food shortages. People would also have to do without many kinds of food and products that come from these plants. This is why it is so important to maintain bat populations.
For more information:
Heather Floral Company
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