Most bats feed exclusively on fruit, nectar, or insects, but the ghost bat has its eye on much larger targets. This species is able to use its large ears to locate and hunt microbats, rodents, and small birds like
budgerigars, in addition to their diet of large arthropods.
(Image: A ghost bat () swooping in for the kill by Duncan Mackenzie)
If you like what I do, consider leaving a tip or buying me a ko-fi!
With tongues as long as their bodies, these pollinators are able to sip on the nectar of cacti and agave flowers.
These desert nectar-feeding bats are true heroes in maintaining fragile desert ecosystems in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are the primary night pollinators of both the organ pipe and saguaro cactus. In turn, growing up to 50 feet in height, the cacti provide important nesting and perching sites for a variety of birds, such as red-tailed hawks, elf owls, Gila woodpeckers, and gilded flickers.
The National Park Service promotes bat conservation through research, educational projects, and working with multiple private, non-profit, and federal and state agency partners.
Next time you see beautiful saguaro blooms or fruit this summer, make sure to thank a bat!
