But animals that people don't perceive to be 'pretty' in an anthropomorphic way are frequently neglected in terms of research, bats being a classic example of that. Fortunately, people have been finding that bats are a very important component of many ecosystems of the world. Old World fruit bats are found in Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean islands. In the rain forests of those areas, the bats are critical to pollination and seed dispersal, which helps to maintain the diversity of rain forest plants. The bats are threatened by habitat destruction in many areas, and in some areas of the world they are a delicacy.
Some farmers also consider the fruit-eaters to be agricultural pests.
If you don't have bats then you won't have a rain forest. Captive breeding programs and educational initiatives, like those sponsored by the Lubee Foundation, are important, Heard said. The Lubee Foundation provides not only a gene pool but also a source of bats for exhibit and education. The fund provides two-year awards to students who concentrate on bat research and conservation. Heard said the bats bust their negative stereotypes once people begin to learn about them, and the species have their own distinct personalities.