This group includes bats and shrews and primarily consumes insects. Bats are separated from all other mammals by
possessing the power of true flight. To escape the heat and avoid competition with birds, they are active only at
night. Seldom using their vision, they rely on echo location to find prey and avoid obstacles. To echo locate, the
bat emits a series of chirps and clicks from its throat. These sounds reflect off nearby objects, informing the bat
of moving insects or stationary obstacles. The odd facial structures of many species aid in the reception of the
reflected sound. Although the majority of
bats eat insects,
a few feed on the nectar of
flowers. These bats have
long tongues with hair or bristles on the tip to allow them to reach in to gather nectar. Thus, bats serve not only
to control disease-carrying insects, but act as pollinators as well.
Shrews are very small mammals which spend most of their lives underground. They have reduced eyes and rely on
their sense of smell and touch to locate insects. A voracious eater, the shrew is also a ferocious hunter, for
to be without food for more than six or seven hours means certain death. Being an underground dweller, they are
rarely seen. Many more mammals live in the conservation area. Each has it own interesting
adaptations for desert survival. Take
the time to observe and learn about the mammals and other life forms in the area. Only through
close observation can the desert and its associated plant and animal life be truly appreciated.