There are approximately 1,200 species of bats within the order Chiroptera. They appeared at least 50 million years ago; it is difficult to be more precise because their very thin bones do not make good fossils. Scientists believe they may have evolved from tree-dwelling mammals that developed membranes on their limbs for gliding before becoming creatures capable of flight. The nocturnal tendencies of bats could be an adaptation to escape diurnal predators, or to avoid competition with day-dwelling birds.
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Bats are not a nocturnal species
Although this is their best-known trait, not all bats are nocturnal; some species have vision adapted to bright light and prefer to fly during the day. When they venture outside, bats fly with agility. When hunting, they are able to turn and swoop to catch up with insects and even birds. Their skin wings allow them to move very quickly. The Brazilian mastiff is the fastest bat, reaching speeds of 160 km/h. Although it does not maintain this speed for very long, it can travel 80 km per night. Around 32 species of bats migrate between their summer breeding grounds and their hibernation grounds. A flying fox equipped with a beacon has made a round trip of at least 3,800 km!
When bats are not foraging, they rest upside down. Practical features of their anatomy allow them to do this without fainting or falling. Some species, such as horseshoe bats, let their body temperature drop when they rest to match that of their environment. This allows them to conserve energy, but their state of reduced activity, called torpor, makes them much less reactive in times of danger. Bats can be solitary and nest alone or live in colonies of up to 1000 individuals. Those that live in colonies are well adapted to living in groups, forming relationships and recognizing individuals by the sound of their voices.
Very slow reproduction
Most small animals are prolific, but not bats; They are the slowest reproducing mammals for their size. Each young can weigh up to a quarter of the weight of its mother, who takes care of the newborn alone.
However, this very slow rate of reproduction becomes a critical problem in the event of disease. A condition called white nose syndrome (WNS) appeared in North America around 2006 and has been spreading rapidly since. Caused by a fungus, it is responsible for the death of millions of hibernating bats. It is therefore more important than ever for them to have the support of humans.
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