Biology
Thermoregulatory Benefits of Communal Roosting in Tree-Roosting Bats
Quick fact
By clustering together, tree-roosting bats can reduce their metabolic rate and heat loss, with some species saving up to 30% of their daily energy expenditure—energy that can be crucial for survival, especially during cold spells or for pregnant females.
Why this is interesting
On a chilly morning, you might see a group of bats huddled together in a tree, resembling a fuzzy cluster. But does this tight packing actually help them stay warm, or is it just a social preference?