Bats are arriving earlier and staying longer due to changes in the climate. That’s according to an ongoing study of bat migration patterns in southern Arizona.
Joel Diamond is research ecologist at Arizona Game and Fish Department. He said the lesser long-nosed bats are vital to certain types of cactus.
“These are the primary pollinators of organ pipe cactus, senita cactus, the saguaro and most importantly for people they’re the primary pollinator of agave," Diamond said. "So generally the way people frame it is no Lesser Long-Nosed bats, no tequila.”
Diamond said because it stays warmer longer, the bats are able to stick around later into the year.
Arizona Game and Fish is also looking for volunteers who are willing to monitor their humming-bird feeders, which are used by nectar-feeding bats.
