What Is the Only Flying Mammal?

The bat is the only flying mammal. Although some other mammals, such as certain varieties of squirrels or lemurs, are referred to as "flying," they actually glide rather than truly fly. The bat has a wing membrane, consisting of nerves, tendons and blood vessels, on each side of its body. These wing membranes are supported and operated by the bat’s arms and four of its fingers, while its thumb remains available for gripping. The part of the wing membrane located in the lower part of the bat’s body can be manipulated into a pouch for holding onto the insects that the bat catches while flying.

More about bats:

• A brown bat can catch about 1,200 insects in one hour.
• In addition to flying, bats can swim, but they generally do so only if they are forced to because of stressful situations, such as when they accidentally drop food into a body of water and have to retrieve it.
• Bats can live for as long as 20 years. The oldest bat on record was a brown bat that is thought to have lived to be 30 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the only true flying mammal?

The only true flying mammals are bats. Unlike other mammals that may glide or leap, bats possess the unique ability to fly actively thanks to their wings, which are actually modified forelimbs with a thin membrane of skin stretched between elongated fingers. There are over 1,400 species of bats, accounting for about 20% of all mammal species.

How do bats differ from birds in terms of flight?

Bats differ from birds in their flight mechanism. While birds have feathers and a relatively rigid wing structure, bats have a flexible wing membrane that allows for more precise maneuverability. This skin stretches over their elongated finger bones, enabling them to execute complex aerial acrobatics and precise echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark.

Can any other mammals fly like bats?

No other mammals can fly in the same way as bats. While some mammals, such as flying squirrels and sugar gliders, can glide through the air for considerable distances, they lack the ability to power their flight through flapping wings. Gliding is a form of passive flight, relying on air currents and gravity, rather than the active flight seen in bats.

What ecological roles do bats play in the environment?

Bats are crucial for various ecosystems, serving roles such as pollinators, seed dispersers, and pest controllers. Insectivorous bats consume vast amounts of insects nightly, providing natural pest control. Fruit bats aid in seed dispersal and pollination, helping to maintain forest health and regenerate vegetation, which is vital for ecosystem balance and biodiversity.

Are bats endangered, and what threats do they face?

Many bat species are indeed endangered or facing population declines. Threats include habitat destruction, wind turbines, climate change, and diseases like White-nose Syndrome, which has devastated North American bat populations. Conservation efforts are critical to protect these species, as their decline can have cascading effects on ecosystems and human agriculture.

How do bats contribute to human economies?

Bats provide significant economic benefits to humans, particularly in agriculture. By consuming crop pests, they reduce the need for chemical pesticides, saving billions in agricultural costs annually. Additionally, as pollinators and seed dispersers, they support the production of fruits and other crops, contributing to both local and global economies and food security.