of those areas, the bats are critical topollination and seed dispersal, which helps to maintain the diversity ofrain forest plants.

The bats are threatened by habitat destruction in many areas, and in someareas of the world they are a delicacy. Some farmers also consider thefruit-eaters to be agricultural pests.

"Everyone is very concerned about the disappearance of the rain forestthroughout the world, and it turns out that bats are very, very importantin maintaining most normal rain forest ecosystems," Heard said. "If youdon't have bats then you won't have a rain forest."

Captive breeding programs and educational initiatives, like those sponsoredby the Lubee Foundation, are important, Heard said. The Lubee Foundationprovides not only a gene pool but also a source of bats for exhibit andeducation. The foundation also has pledged $40,000 toUF's Institute ofFood and Agricultural Sciences for a fellowship fund in the department ofwildlife ecology and conservation. The fund provides two-year awards tostudents who concentrate on bat research and conservation.

Heard said the bats bust their negative stereotypes once people begin tolearn about them, and the species have their own distinct personalities.The Rodriguez Island flying fox, for example, is skittish and wary ofhumans, but the Malayan flying fox is mellow and very approachable.

"The reputation of bats is changing as people realize they won't harmhumans and don't present a hazard to humankind," Heard said. "The batsthemselves are very good in terms of PR. People find them very interestingand then are willing to learn how beneficial they are to humans."

Institute Of Food And Agricultural Sciences, University Of Florida. "Bats Give Blood