As fellow mammals (but they can fly...), the over than 1100 species of bats discovered to date, are extremely helpful to our agriculture, our world & our lives.
It was exciting for us to learn bats actually help some with pollination & much with seed dispersal of the cacao tree which is obviously where our healthy chocolate originates. Much of the current research is showing typical cacao plantations may actually produce more & better when left or managed in a more natural state. Now that man is getting smart enough to realize that maybe old mother nature isn't so dumb after all, we can get moving toward some win-win solutions which would prove beneficial to the bats, the rain-forests, the local communities & all of us who enjoy the benefits of “good” food.
Unfortunately bats are getting “whammied” by two things right now. A simple little fungus called the “White Nose Syndrome” & Wind Farms. They need our help as much as we need them. Serious help.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has declared 2011-2012 as the “Year of the Bat.” Their activities & knowledge awareness programs are centered around a theme called "Together with Bats" & much can found at www.yearofthebat.org or Bat Conservation International's site at www.batcon.org. Of course, be sure to check out ISU's Bat Center site at www.isubatcenter.org too.

Love all the photos!!! Great efforts you guys! And a great idea for others to follow of giving service!
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