Bats

Bats

Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, making them unique among the animal kingdom. With over 1,400 species, they are the second-largest order of mammals, following rodents. Bat are incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny insect-eating species to larger fruit bat or “flying foxes.” They play essential roles in ecosystems, such as controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds. Most bats are nocturnal, relying on echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark. Despite some misconceptions, bat are not blind and are generally harmless to humans, with only a few species being involved in the spread of diseases like rabies.