How did the reduction in the number of bats affect the cacti?

The reduction in the number of bats negatively affected cacti populations by disrupting the crucial pollination process. Bats are significant pollinators for many cactus species, and their decline led to decreased reproduction rates in these plants. As a result, fewer cacti were able to produce fruit and seeds, which can impact the overall biodiversity and health of the desert ecosystem. This illustrates the interconnectedness of species within their habitats and the cascading effects of losing a key pollinator.