Agaves and bats

This large format print story was part of the March 2023 issue of National Geographic magazine. It received an Award of Excellence from the Society for News Design.

Agaves and nectar-feeding bats have coevolved and depend on one another: through massive, nectar-rich flower displays, the plants lure hungry flying mammals that carry pollen from agave to agave. This relationship is being disrupted by the booming mezcal and tequila markets, for which agaves are the primary raw material.

The online version (which may be behind a paywall) explores the pressure that spirit production is placing on both plants and animals. Conservation organizations and tequila-certification programs are working to protect agaves, benefiting both bats and farmers.