Bats are a 'silent signal' there's a healthy ecosystem in your yard, says biology professor – he explains why these nocturnal mammals are key biodiversity indicators

What bats in the yard mean.

Bats are extraordinary animals that certainly divide opinion. Its true that many find their nocturnal habit and unique appearance a little disconcerting, but experts say spotting them in your yard should actually be taken as a positive sign.

This is because bats are an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, which is why so many gardeners make the effort to attract bats into the backyard. 'Having spent several years studying bat populations in both urban and wild landscapes, I’ve come to see their importance as an early indicator of ecological balance and not the frightening, rabies-infested, shape-shifting vampires that many think they are,' says Dr Bobby Fokidis, professor of biology at Rollins College.