2-minute read

Although hanging out in tightly packed clusters comes naturally to fruit bats, apparently, proximity breeds crankiness in the furry night fliers. Tel Aviv University scientists studying the purpose and meaning of Egyptian fruit bat chat have concluded that they’re big on bickering, routinely calling out their roost mates on personal boundary violations. While the highly social and vocal animals may be a universally quarrelsome bunch, the researchers found that the fruit bat’s everyday disputes have to do with four specific intraspecies deal breakers. Analysis of close to 15,000 vocalizations recorded over 75 days showed that the winged mammals frequently engage in squabbles about food, roosting spots, sleeping arrangements, and unwanted advances.

Bats air their grievances face to face, directing tiny tongue-lashings at perceived offenders—no passive-aggressive, behind-the-bat grumbling for these creatures. Using state-of-the-art acoustic processing techniques, researchers were able to identify who was complaining, what they were complaining about, and who they were complaining to. Based on the tone and intensity of the confrontation, they were also able to predict the outcome with a fair degree of accuracy. As you might expect, the animal’s arguments ended in one of two ways: reconciliation or separation. It seems that even between fruit bats, when it comes to effective conflict resolution, it’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it.

So to cut back on bat bickering: paws off the personal mangoes, respect the roosting space, one bat per bunk, and romance by invitation only. Because fruit bats have feelings too, and they’re not shy about expressing them.

In addition to being eager, albeit cranky communicators, bats are also very important pollinators. Over 300 species of fruit depend on them for pollination. If you’re a tropical fruit-o-phile, you have bats to thank for your mangoes, bananas, guavas, and agave. You can get more bat facts and learn what scientists are doing to make sure that the only mammals capable of true flight live to pollinate another day at The Nature Conservancy.

By the way, if you’re in need of some nature-based soul soothing, the talented artists at Shika Shika music collective have produced another mood-boosting birdsong mix to help you get your groove back. The non-profit, crowd-funded digital album was created to raise awareness of the plight of some of our planet’s most threatened winged inhabitants. A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean features the black catbird, the Jamaican blackbird, the bearded screech owl, and other tropical beauties on background vocals. Have a listen!