Bats are particularly important in their role of seed dispersal due to the long distances that they travel. This is especially crucial in the present day when deforestation and fragmentation of tropical forests is rampant, threatening the survival of many animal-dispersed plants.

Effective seed dispersal will therefore require animals to travel relatively long distances to more favourable sites for seed establishment. Yet, many seed dispersers that eat fleshy fruits prefer to stay within forest cover and are unlikely travel long distances. Even animals that traverse long distances are likely to drop most seeds near the source or defecate immediately after feeding, preventing seeds from dispersing to further areas. Bats, with their ability to fly over long distances during foraging then become pivotal contributers in seed dispersal. Moreover, long-distance seed dispersal by bats can be important for the regeneration of forested habitats, especially in regions facing severe deforestation.