The Reason Bats Aversion to Light Should Matter to You

Bats are a bit like bees in the sense that they provide insight into how climate change is impacting these nocturnal creatures, and how this could also affect us.

There are several species of animals on this planet who greatly shape life as we know it – bees included – and understanding how our actions affect the symbiotic relationship we have with the world around us can help prevent humans from destroying themselves. In the case of bats, it has recently been suggested by the Journal of Applied Ecology (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.12206/abstract) that excess artificial light – or light pollution – is disrupting the behavior of seed dispersing bats. This can have a negative impact on ecosystems, and makes it difficult for a rainforest to regenerate itself as one of their main means of dispersing their offspring has been interrupted.

Why Forests Are Cleared

The most common reason for deforestation is to suit agricultural demands. Large areas of land are routinely cut down to create additional land for crops, livestock and expansion to accommodate the ever increasing human population. Without trees, nutritional soil (top soil) is exposed to the elements, and gets …show more content…
On reason for this is their unfussiness when it comes to location – fruit bats roam near and far, and having been seen eating in wide open spaces, and even in deforested areas, which many animals shy away from. This promotes regrowth in a way not seen with other species. Consequently, we cannot afford to dissuade bats from reforesting areas due to light pollution. Rather than splurging money to fertilize and replant seeds with people, all it takes is some consideration when it comes to our