Tuesday 15 September 2015

Bats perform 'vital pest control' on crops

By Mark KinverEnvironment reporter, BBC News

14 September 2015 

Bats provide a service worth an estimated US $1bn (£649m) globally by controlling pests on corn crops, a study has suggested.

Scientists carried out a series of experiments to assess the economic and ecological importance of the nocturnal insect-eating mammals to farmers.

Globally, bat populations are under pressure as a result of habitat loss and the spread of diseases.


"The results of this study are a testament to the value of ecosystem services," said co-author Josiah Maine from Southern Illinois University.


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