Bat Uses Pitcher Plant as Toilet

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/110202-bats-feces-carnivorous-plants-toilets-animals-science/

A simbiosis has been deiscovered in between a Hardwicke's woolly bat and a subspecies of the Nepenthes rafflesiana pitcher plant. In Borneo the little mammal gains protection in the plant while the carnivorous plant receives nutrients from the bats droppings.

Scientist frist discovered a bat sleeping in a pitcher plant, and then decided to track their habits. And soon all the plats that harbored bats were found to contain more nitrogen than others, and they were healthier. This specific type of pitcher plant contains enough digestive fluid to let the bat not fall in but stay put.

It is supposed that this relation has evolved independently, and it is the only known relation between bats and these plants. It is the only species on both sides that does this.

I found this article interesting because it reflects the volatility of our biological knowledge. One day every knowledge about the specific animal is changed. Also so many of these animals have such complex lives, that we are only beginning to discover. It is fascinating.