INSECTIVOROUS BATS AS NATURAL PREDATORS OF INSECT PESTS

摘要

Bats are thought to play an important role in influencing insect populations in agricultural habitats, urban areas and forests. Bats consume the equivalent of their own body weight of insects each night. Different species of bats show an apparent preference for particular groups of insects. However, in general, the types of insects taken is normally influenced by availability. Although most species of bats occur in small groups, not in big roosts, and take only a limited range of insect prey, it is likely that the cumulative effect of Malaysia's bat fauna, each with it's own dietary range has a significant influence on insect populations. Bat populations can be encouraged by protecting existing roosts or establishing new colonies.