According to the IUCN Red List, there are currently 1,392 known species of bats. These species are divided among 19 families, with the Vespertilionidae (vesper bats) being the largest family with over 300 species.
How many species of bats are left?
Of the 1,392 known species of bats, 1,043 are considered to be of least concern, meaning that they are not currently at risk of extinction. However, 349 species are listed as threatened, with 182 species listed as endangered and 167 species listed as vulnerable.
The main threats to bats include habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and pollution. Habitat loss is a major problem for bats, as many species rely on specific habitats for roosting and foraging. Climate change is also a major threat, as it can lead to changes in the distribution of prey species and the availability of roosting sites. Hunting and pollution are also significant threats to bats, as they can lead to direct mortality and population declines.
Despite these threats, bats play a vital role in many ecosystems. They are important predators of insects, and they also help to pollinate plants and disperse seeds. Bats also provide economic benefits to humans, as they can help to reduce the need for pesticides and they can provide guano, which is used as a fertilizer.
It is important to protect bats from the threats they face. This can be done through a variety of measures, such as protecting their habitats, reducing climate change, and stopping the hunting and killing of bats. By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that bats continue to play an important role in our ecosystems for generations to come.