It’s well recognised how mosquitoes play a role in the spread of disease, but not much is known about their importance to coastal ecosystems.
Researchers have conducted an Australian-first radio-tracking study of a small (4g) bat species, Vespadelus vulturnus. The studies were undertaken during two periods of contrasting extremes of mosquito abundance. The bats shifted from foraging in endangered coastal saltmarsh to endangered coastal swamp forest communities.
These shifts were the result of mosquito numbers and no other species. It is hoped this information will assist in strategies for minimising mosquito-borne diseases while protecting mosquito-eating animals.
Read more at University of Sydney