Bats

Chiroptera

Bats are the only mammals capable of flying. They have very long finger bones with a wing membrane stretched between, covered by strong skin. There are nearly 1,000 species of bats found worldwide. A nocturnal creature, bats have excellent night vision.

Size

Bats are divided into two categories: the large bat, and the small bat. The larger bats can have up to a 6 foot wingspan while the smallest bats may be no more than an inch or so long.

Life span

Bats have a relatively long life span for mammals of their size. Because of the many types of Bats, life spans can range from only one to two years up to 30 depending on the species.

Diet

Depending on it's location and adaptation, a bats diet can vary. Almost 70% of bats eat insects. There are also carnivore bats that prey on small animals and fish, fruit-eating bats, nectar-eating bats and the blood-sucking vampire bats of South America.

Population

Bat populations number in the millions.

Range

Bats live in all parts of the world, found almost everywhere except the Polar regions. They are also not very common in extreme deserts.

Behavior

Bats roost in shelters that provide protection from the weather, safety from predators, and seclusion. Some species roost alone while most are in tremendous colonies. Bats hang up side down to take the weight and strain off of their limbs. It also makes it easier for them to begin flight from that position by simply dropping.

Reproduction
Gestation the smaller the bat, the shorter the gestation periods. Most species 40 - 70 days. Others, up to 8 months.
Litter Size Usually one pup