Every evening in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, an estimated 2 million Wrinkle-Lipped Bats fly from their cave to feed on insects.
Five or so birds linger around waiting to feed. A bird catches a bat in this video.
It took approximately 20 minutes for all of the bats to leave. You could hear a hum as they flew overhead.
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If you're a nature lover and happen to be planning a visit to Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, one of the fascinating species you might come across is the white-lipped bat (Saccopteryx leptura). These bats are a sight to behold and are known for their unique characteristics.
Firstly, the white-lipped bat is relatively small in size, weighing only about 10 grams and measuring about 5 cm in length. Their fur is a dull grayish-brown color, with a distinctive white patch above their lips, which gives them their name.
One of the most intriguing things about these bats is their social behavior. They are known to live in colonies consisting of up to several hundred individuals, which is quite impressive considering their small size. The colonies are typically made up of females, their offspring, and a few males. The males only join the colonies during the breeding season and then leave again, returning to their solitary lifestyle.
White-lipped bats are nocturnal animals and spend most of their time in caves or abandoned buildings during the day, emerging at night to forage for food. They have a varied diet that includes insects, fruit, and nectar. They are also known to play an important role in pollination, particularly of the durian fruit, which is famous for its strong odor and is a significant source of food for the bats.
Another notable aspect of the white-lipped bat's behavior is their use of echolocation to navigate and locate their prey. They emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects in their surroundings, allowing them to form a mental image of their environment. This helps them to avoid obstacles and find their prey, even in complete darkness.
Sadly, white-lipped bats, like many other bat species, are facing threats to their survival. One of the most significant challenges is the loss of their natural habitat due to human activity. The destruction of forests and caves where they live and breed, as well as the use of pesticides that kill off their food sources, has led to a decline in their populations.
In conclusion, the white-lipped bat is a fascinating species that plays a vital role in the ecosystem of Khao Yai National Park. Despite facing numerous challenges, they continue to thrive in their natural habitat, and if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures during your visit to the park. Remember, if you do encounter these bats or any other wildlife, it's essential to respect their space and observe them from a distance to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
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