Echos in the Night: Anthropogenic Bat Mortality and Its Implications for Conservation

Abstract

Bats are essential for ecosystem functioning, acting as pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest controllers. Their ecological services are critical for agriculture, reducing crop losses and minimising the need for chemical pesticides, thereby supporting food security. However, bat populations face multiple, often synergistic threats, including habitat loss, climate change, diseases such as white-nose syndrome, wind energy developments, and pesticide exposure. These pressures not only threaten bat survival but also disrupt ecosystem processes and agricultural productivity. Despite their importance, bats often receive limited conservation attention due to misconceptions and their elusive behaviour. Recent initiatives emphasize habitat restoration, disease management, public education, and the use of advanced monitoring and genetic techniques to inform targeted interventions. Effective conservation requires integrated strategies combining policy, research, and community engagement. Protecting bats is crucial to maintain biodiversity, ensure sustainable agriculture, and safeguard food systems, highlighting the need for immediate, coordinated conservation action.