This image captures the Lesser Long Nose Bat feeding on nectar and pollen of the agave flower. Much maligned as a species, bats are actually extremely intelligent and provide important benefits to natural ecosystems and humankind. The rapid die-off of bats from white nose syndrome, specifically in the northeastern part of the U. S., has been the most serious threat to bats ever recorded. As of 2014, eleven bat species have been proposed for endangered species listing.