Bats as pollinators by Ed Powers

Picture courtesy of National Wildlife Federation The prevailing public opinion on bats has been negative.   When I was young, bats were viewed as blood-seeking, frightening critters.   Nothing could be from the truth.   I find these creatures to be very efficient and quiet. Many people are unaware that bats play an important role in many environments around the world. Some plants depend partly or wholly on bats to pollinate their flowers or spread their seeds. Worldwide, over 500 species of flowers in at least 67 plant families rely on bats as their major or exclusive pollinators. Birds and the bees pollinate in the daylight and the bats get to work pollinating at night. Not only are these little mammals important for pollinating so many plant species; they can be pretty darn cute too!   Common Blossom Bats from Australia, pollinate the flowers of plants that have evolved to produce nectar to attract them. Scientists believe that many groups of flowers have evolved to attract bats