On Estimating the Economic Value of Insectivorous Bats: Prospects and Priorities for Biologists

摘要: Bats are among the most economically important nondomesticated mammals in world. They well-known pollinators and seed dispersers, but crop pest suppression is probably valuable ecosystem service provided by bats. Scientific literature popular media often include reports of pests diet bats anecdotal or extrapolated estimates how many insects eaten However, quantitative services agricultural systems rare, few that available limited to a single cotton-dominated system Texas. Despite tremendous value for conservation economic security such information, surprisingly scientific efforts have been dedicated quantifying Here, we outline types information needed better quantify ecosystems. Because complexity ecosystems involved, creative experimental design innovative new methods will help advance our knowledge this area. Experiments involving may be sooner than later, before population declines associated with white-nose syndrome wind turbines potentially render them impossible.