They are the only mammals capable of self-powered flight, but they’re by no means rare. Bats account for about one in five of all mammals living on the planet and there are around 1,300 bat species worldwide. They are, however, threatened by loss of natural habitat and hunting, and many species of bat are considered endangered or threatened.
Though they’re the only mammals to have developed the ability to fly, they’re extremely good at it. The Mexican free-tailed bat can achieve speeds up to 99 miles per hour in the air and fly as high as 10,000 feet, as high as a bald eagle.
They’re the only flying mammals and are extremely diverse