B.B.C. Article
Bats provide a service worth an estimated US $1bn (£649m) globally by controlling pests on corn crops, a study has suggested.
Scientists carried out a series of experiments to assess the economic and ecological importance of the nocturnal insect-eating mammals to farmers.
Globally, bat populations are under pressure as a result of habitat loss and the spread of diseases.
The findings appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
"The results of this study are a testament to the value of ecosystem services," said co-author Josiah Maine from Southern Illinois University.

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