Nahkhiired

Nahkhiired is the Estonian term for bats, a diverse group of flying mammals belonging to the order Chiroptera. They are the only mammals capable of sustained powered flight. Their wings are formed by a thin skin membrane, the patagium, stretched between elongated finger bones and the body. Most species use echolocation to navigate and locate prey, though some large fruit-eating bats rely more on vision and smell. Bats occur in a wide range of habitats and climates worldwide.

Bats have varied diets. Insectivorous species consume a large portion of nocturnal insects; frugivorous bats eat fruit; nectarivorous species feed on nectar and pollen. Through their feeding, bats provide important ecological services such as insect suppression, pollination, and seed dispersal, contributing to ecosystem health and crop production.

Most bats are nocturnal and roost in groups, ranging from a few individuals to thousands. Reproduction is typically seasonal; many species mate in the fall, store sperm through winter, and give birth to one pup per year after a gestation of several weeks. Newborns stay with mothers for several weeks and may enter torpor to conserve energy.

Bats are found on most continents, except extreme polar regions. They use a variety of roosting sites, including caves, tree cavities, mines, and buildings. They are sensitive to habitat loss, disturbance of roosts, light pollution, pesticides, and wind turbines. Disease, such as white-nose syndrome in some regions, poses a threat to certain populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting roosts and feeding habitats, reducing disturbances, and supporting monitoring and research.