Animal Pollinators

Although insects are the main pollinators of flowers there are several species of birds and even mammals that act as pollinators. Some species of bat act as pollinators for flowers that bloom at night. Black and white ruffed lemurs are the primary pollinators for the traveler’s palm. The flowers of the traveler’s palm are very tough to open, ideally suited for the nimble and strong fingers of the lemurs. No other animal can open these flowers within the palm’s native habitat. Once the flower is open the lemur sticks its snout into the flower to collect nectar and receives a snout full of pollen as well.