Increasing Awareness of Ecosystem Services Provided by Bats

Ecosystem services (ESs) provided by animals are increasingly considered to be of economic value and essential for the well-being of humans. Yet, despite representing the second largest mammalian taxon, bats (order Chiroptera) are largely neglected in their relevance for ecosystem function. Here we review the current literature concerning ESs provided by bats and their behavior and highlight their economic value. Insect-feeding bats are key ecological players that control major pest insects, limit the propagation of disease vectors, and provide energy via bat guano to cave ecosystems. Fruit-eating and nectar-drinking bats promote forest regeneration, support timber production, and are essential for many food products by dispersing seeds and pollinating flowers of many tropical and subtropical plant species. Recent threats such as the spread of white-nose syndrome in North America, the construction of windmill farms, the hunting of flying foxes, and the loss of habitat have all put bats and their ESs at risk.