Iron Ore Cave in Carajas National Forest, Brazil.Bats once lived
Atariba Coelho
Bat-roosting iron ore caves in Brazil have grown much larger than bat-free caves due to guano weathering over thousands of years.
The iron-rich plains beneath the Carajas National Forest in the Brazilian Amazon contain more than 1,500 caves, of which only 10 are currently or once inhabited by hordes of bats.
Most other cave-dwelling organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates such as beetles and scorpions, do not emerge from their underground habitats. …
Article modified on May 25, 2023
Corrected the description of the number of caves inhabited by bats.
