The New World tropics are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, and an amazing number bat species play vital roles in preserving the health of these fast-disappearing forests. Some of the most important are the nectar-feeding bats that pollinate hundreds of rainforest plant species. Yet remarkably little is known about the symbiotic relationships between individual bat and plant species, how bats respond to seasonal changes in resources and the impact of human-caused landscape changes on these interactions. ...more

Madagascar, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, teems with unique animals and plants, and a recent surge in scientific attention is producing a flood of new species. Seven new bat species have been described in just the past three years. Madagascar’s exotic suite of flora and fauna evolved as the island, slightly larger than California...more

The U.S. Congress aimed a spotlight on the growing problem of bat and bird fatalities at wind-energy plants with a May 1 hearing that brought testimony from top experts, including Bat Conservation International biologist Ed Arnett. He directs the BCI-led Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative, known as BWEC. ...more