 Image by Dust in the Wind from Pixabay |
As if it isn't hard enough to navigate in the pitch-black night, bats can hunt their prey with no sight at all! However, global warming threatens the effectiveness of their unique ability to see without eyes.
Bats use echolocation instead of sight, emitting high-frequency sounds (ultrasound) that bounce off objects, returning to the bat so it can tell how far away they are. But this method of navigation relies on variables that, with global warming, may be displaced. A rise in water vapor, wind and temperature - all consequences of climate change - decreases the quality and sound of ultrasound. These effects are particularly damaging in warmer climates, where ultrasound is of higher-frequency.
With dimmed senses bats may be less able to catch prey, putting them at risk of starvation. Also, it would be harder for them to detect predators such as owls and hawks, who don't rely on echolocation.
Most species live in sub-tropical areas and some can adapt to drier environments. So, to them, global warming isn't as much of a risk; it may even cause an increase in their numbers. However, a few classes of bat need cooler conditions for their roosts. As the global climate increases, we may see a mass migration of bats to colder areas, which are decreasing. Therefore, even if the total bat population doesn't decrease, the diversity is likely to fall.
Global warming is not the only human impact that could threaten bat populations. Deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture are all potentially harmful to both bats and their prey. For example, the clearing of caves for recreation destroys bat habitats, forcing them to relocate.
By eating nectar and insects, bats aid pollination and keep the insect population in balance. However, some species can only eat certain types of insects and so, if they don't have a constant supply, they may starve. The same applies to the plant supply.
Countries losing the most bats are Andorra (-3.61%), Syria (-2.27%) and Lithuania (-1.63%). These numbers may not seem too alarming in comparison to other animals, but are still worth considering. Bats may be more at risk than statistics claim, as a lot of information is missing. If we truly want to monitor threats to bats, we must keep track of rainfall, habitat loss, insect populations, etc.
Though there is limited information on how human impact on the environment threatens bats, we should still work to protect them. Bats play a significant part in keeping nature in balance and are unique, diverse creatures that should be protected.
Sources:
Bats use echolocation instead of sight, emitting high-frequency sounds (ultrasound) that bounce off objects, returning to the bat so it can tell how far away they are. But this method of navigation relies on variables that, with global warming, may be displaced. A rise in water vapor, wind and temperature - all consequences of climate change - decreases the quality and sound of ultrasound. These effects are particularly damaging in warmer climates, where ultrasound is of higher-frequency.
With dimmed senses bats may be less able to catch prey, putting them at risk of starvation. Also, it would be harder for them to detect predators such as owls and hawks, who don't rely on echolocation.
Most species live in sub-tropical areas and some can adapt to drier environments. So, to them, global warming isn't as much of a risk; it may even cause an increase in their numbers. However, a few classes of bat need cooler conditions for their roosts. As the global climate increases, we may see a mass migration of bats to colder areas, which are decreasing. Therefore, even if the total bat population doesn't decrease, the diversity is likely to fall.
Global warming is not the only human impact that could threaten bat populations. Deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture are all potentially harmful to both bats and their prey. For example, the clearing of caves for recreation destroys bat habitats, forcing them to relocate.
By eating nectar and insects, bats aid pollination and keep the insect population in balance. However, some species can only eat certain types of insects and so, if they don't have a constant supply, they may starve. The same applies to the plant supply.
Countries losing the most bats are Andorra (-3.61%), Syria (-2.27%) and Lithuania (-1.63%). These numbers may not seem too alarming in comparison to other animals, but are still worth considering. Bats may be more at risk than statistics claim, as a lot of information is missing. If we truly want to monitor threats to bats, we must keep track of rainfall, habitat loss, insect populations, etc.
Though there is limited information on how human impact on the environment threatens bats, we should still work to protect them. Bats play a significant part in keeping nature in balance and are unique, diverse creatures that should be protected.
Sources:
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