The Initiative of building a Bat Conservation Action Network (BCAN) by the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation's Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood Working Group (CBCGDF-BCON) on June 20, 2023, is a species conservation initiative aimed at mainstreaming biodiversity, raising awareness among the media and general public about bat conservation, serving scientific decision-making for China and its NBSAPs, and promoting the establishment of a National Species Action Plan for bat conservation in China.

So why is it important to build the Bat Conservation Action Network? There are several reasons.

First, bats play a crucial role in ecosystems. They are natural allies in insect control, consuming large numbers of pests such as mosquitoes, beetles, and moths every night. This is vital for the health of crops, forests, and human habitation areas. By protecting bats, we can maintain ecological balance, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and protect our environment and food sources. Although there is currently no research on the "ecosystem services" provided by bats in China, international studies suggest that the ecosystem services value of a bat colony may be remarkable.

Second, bats are an important part of biodiversity. The silent disappearance of bats can have negative impacts on ecosystems and potentially lead to cascading effects, affecting the survival and ecological functions of other species. Ecocide, improper killing or handling of bats can have unforeseen ecological consequences and pose risks to public health.

Third, bats are closely linked to human health. While some bat species may carry viruses, proper understanding and protection of bats, along with non-disturbance of their habitats, can help prevent virus spillover and disease transmission. Research has shown that although bats carry various viruses, they themselves do not get sick. In fact, their immune systems and resistance to diseases can provide valuable insights and new avenues for human health. Additionally, bats serve as important research models in medicine, genomics, and biology.

Furthermore, the existence and support of the Bat Conservation Action Network can increase public awareness and understanding of bats. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, bats have been stigmatized and targeted for misguided "ecological extermination" by some individuals. It is essential to rectify the misconceptions and biases surrounding bats. Through education and community engagement, we can eliminate misunderstandings and prejudices, and foster greater knowledge, respect, and conservation awareness of bats among the public. Only through collective efforts and actions can we ensure that bats receive proper protection and preserve these unique creatures for future generations.

Currently, there are over 1,400 species of bats worldwide. While China boasts rich biodiversity, research on bat species is limited, and there is a lack of comprehensive studies on their ecology, behavior, and population dynamics. No bat species has been listed in China's national key protected wildlife catalog. Instead, bats have been subject to various forms of mistreatment. For example, many bat caves have been developed as "tourist attractions" in the past two decades, and the emerging concept of "green building materials" has neglected the ecological impact on bat habitats and biodiversity footprints. Some "scholars" have even proposed "ecological extermination" of bats after the outbreak of the pandemic. In 2023, hundreds of bats in the Rongzhou Ancient City scenic area in Rong County, Guangxi, were captured and "handled" by local firefighters. Such incidents are numerous and concerning.

As some concerned senior scientists have lamented, "No one in China has studied the migration of bats. We lack basic information on the survival status, geographic distribution, habitats, level of endangerment, and necessary measures for the protection of these unique mammals that hold a special place in the ecosystem!" "China's bats only serve a purpose when counting the total number of mammal species nationwide!"

There is an urgent need to conduct in-depth research on the basic information, current status, and endangerment level of bats and initiate national-level species protection actions.

Therefore, supporting the Bat Conservation Action Network is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity, preventing disease transmission, and raising public awareness. This network will provide information, platforms, and resources for the conservation of bats, encouraging people to cherish nature and work together to preserve, protect, and avoid disturbing or harming these remarkable creatures.

Report in Chinese see:

“蝙蝠保护行动网络”倡议于2023年6月20日发起成立 https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1769569373330024119

https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/639277895

Reporter: littlejane

editor:  Tommy

[related report]

The Fire Department in Yulin of Guangxi captured hundreds of migratory bats. Was this the right approach? Calls for bats conservation & awareness promotion

http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/NewsShow/5007/23885.html