Science Friday A Toast To Bats That Pollinate Agave, And Tracking Monarchs
Dec 4, 2025
Kristen Lear, Director of the Agave Restoration Initiative at Bat Conservation International, discusses the vital role of bats in pollinating agave plants, linking their conservation to tequila production and ecosystem health. Meanwhile, Dan Fagin, science journalist and director at NYU, reveals groundbreaking technology that tracks monarch butterflies' migrations using solar-powered tags. The conversation highlights the interdependence of species and the innovative approaches needed to protect them in the face of climate change.
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Bats Power Long-Distance Plant Pollination
- Three migratory nectar-feeding bat species fuel long journeys by feeding on agave nectar across Mexico and the U.S. southwest.
- Those bats carry pollen across tens of kilometers, preserving agave genetic diversity and linking distant plant populations.
Sexual Pollination Sustains Agave Resilience
- Some agave species clone via pups, producing genetically identical offspring that reduce population resilience.
- Sexual reproduction via bat pollination sustains genetic diversity and protects agaves from pests and disease.
Protect Agave By Managing Land Use
- Manage agave harvests sustainably and reduce overgrazing to maintain nectar sources for migratory bats.
- Implement land-use practices that limit cattle grazing and protect native grasses to support agave populations.