{"id":55713,"date":"2025-08-06T11:55:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T11:55:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.loroparque.com\/?p=55713"},"modified":"2025-10-23T11:41:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T11:41:25","slug":"bats-guardians-of-the-night-and-their-role-in-the-ecosystem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.loroparque.com\/en\/bats-guardians-of-the-night-and-their-role-in-the-ecosystem\/","title":{"rendered":"Bats: guardians of the night and their role in the ecosystem"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]Bats<\/strong><\/a> are fascinating creatures, often misunderstood, that emerge at dusk to carry out their silent yet vital work in nature<\/strong>. While many people associate them with darkness and tales of fright, these mammals play a fundamental role in maintaining the planet\u2019s health.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explore what bats are<\/strong>, the different types, their characteristics and habitats, and how they contribute to keeping ecosystems in balance.<\/p>\n

What are bats?<\/h2>\n

Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. With more than 1,400 species worldwide<\/strong>, they are the second most diverse group of mammals, surpassed only by rodents.<\/p>\n

These remarkable animals belong to the order\u00a0Chiroptera<\/em><\/strong>, which in Greek means \u201chand-wing\u201d \u2013 a nod to the structure of their wings, essentially an ingenious adaptation of their forelimbs. In short, their very anatomy shows they were quite literally born to fly.<\/p>\n

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Types of bats: <\/span>t<\/span>wo major families\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bats are divided into 2 major families:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Megabats:<\/span><\/b> often called <\/span>flying foxes<\/span><\/i>, these bats tend to be larger and primarily feed on fruits and nectar. They can locate food because of their excellent vision and keen sense of smell. Tropical regions like Africa, Asia and Oceania are home to the majority of megabats.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Microbats:<\/span><\/b> generally smaller, microbats rely on echolocation (a sound-based navigation system like radar) to move and hunt in the dark. Most microbats feed on insects, although some species also consume fruit, nectar, or even blood, as is the case with vampire bats.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Up to <\/span>seven distinct bat species<\/span><\/b> can be found in the Canary Islands including the mountain bats the clear-edged bat which is frequently observed in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and the Canary long-eared bat which lives in Tenerife, and La Gomera.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Characteristics of bats\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Bats have a range of unique adaptations that set them apart. One of their most remarkable traits is their ability to use <\/span>echolocation<\/span><\/b>, particularly in microbats. They emit sounds that bounce off objects around them, and by interpreting the returning echoes, they can determine the distance, size, and shape of objects, allowing them to <\/span>see<\/span><\/i> even in complete darkness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    In addition, bats have a fast metabolism, enabling them to digest food within just a few hours. This rapid digestion is crucial for maintaining the energy they need for sustained flight.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Habitat: homes in the most unexpected places<\/h2>\n

    Bats adapt to a wide variety of habitats. They can be found in jungles, forests, caves, abandoned mines and, quite often, in cities. During the day, they seek shelter in dark, quiet places such as caves, rock crevices, hollow trees or buildings. These roosts not only provide protection against predators but also serve as essential sites for resting and breeding.<\/p>\n

    Diet: what do bats eat?<\/h2>\n

    The diet of bats is highly varied and largely depends on the species. The main dietary groups include:<\/p>\n