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Bats are primarily found in forests and savannas. Colonies of bats roost together in tall trees.

In some parts of Africa straw-colored fruit bats are considered a delicacy. Elsewhere they are considered pests and killed to prevent the destruction of fruit crops. Studies, however, have shown that bats only eat very ripe and unmarketable fruit and may even help reduce fungi and fruit flies in commercial plantations. Bats are also slaughtered because of superstitions and the musky odors and noise emanating from their roosting places.

Bats, like most wild animals, will bite if handled, but if left alone they normally will avoid contact.

Bats are versatile. The insect-eating type is a natural pesticide. Bat excrement, called guano, is sold as fertilizer. And seed dispersal and pollination activities of certain bats help tropical forests survive.

Some bats have evolved a highly sophisticated sense of hearing.

Gestation 40 days - 6 months

Litter Size Mostly one pupFor their size, bats are the slowest reproducing mammals on Earth.

Male bats do not help to raise the pups.

The greatest threat to bats is people.

8,500 to 11,500 feet in elevation

solitary animals

pandas do not hibernate

move to lower elevations to keep warm

do not have permanent homes

4,000 square miles and over 45 percent of remaining giant panda habitat

around 61 percent of the population, or about 980 pandas, are under protection in reserves

1,600 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.

white coat with black fur around their eyes, on their ears, muzzle, legs and shoulders

The unique physical features of the species include broad, flat molars and an enlarged wrist bone that functions as an opposable thumb

Giant pandas are classified as bears

5 feet long from nose to rump, with a 4-6 inch tail

adult panda can weigh about 220-330 pounds

habitat is found at the top of the Yangtze Basin