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The Bat Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (BSG) is one of a number of specialist groups formed within the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of IUCN-The World Conservation Union (IUCN). We are a collaborative multidisciplinary network of bat biologists and conservationists providing support and promoting bat conservation activities throughout the world.
Bats make up one fifth of all terrestrial mammals (1,293 species, N. Simmons 2013). They are among the most endangered of the world's creatures, primarily because much of their habitat has been eliminated by human development or because they are persecuted. Because bats are important seed dispersers and pollinators for many native plants, and key insect predators globally, their loss has serious consequences for the ecosystems to which they belong.
Bats make up one fifth of all terrestrial mammals (1,293 species, N. Simmons 2013). They are among the most endangered of the world's creatures, primarily because much of their habitat has been eliminated by human development or because they are persecuted. Because bats are important seed dispersers and pollinators for many native plants, and key insect predators globally, their loss has serious consequences for the ecosystems to which they belong.
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IUCN SSC Bat Specialist Group (BSG) Recommended Strategy for Researchers to Reduce the Risk of Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from Humans to Bats MAP: Minimize, Assess, Protect
Living Document Version 1.0 Released 19th June 2020
On 13 April 2020 the IUCN Species Survival Commission Bat Specialist Group recommended the suspension of all field work that involves interactions with bats while it considered the risk of human-bat transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Subsequently, the Bat Specialist Group convened a global panel of experts with expertise ranging from bat ecologists to virologists who have assessed the scientific evidence for human-to-bat transmission and efficacy of risk mitigation strategies. It is the opinion of the panel that there is a credible risk of human-to-bat transmission of SARSCoV-
2, but this risk can be reduced using appropriate mitigation strategies. This guidance document has been developed primarily for researchers. The panel recognises that at this time its recommendations may not be suitable for all stakeholders that come into close proximity or contact with bats. The panel continues to work with those groups to assess their needs and produce stakeholder-specific recommendations. The panel further recognises that our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 is changing rapidly, and advises researchers that this is a living document with updates anticipated.
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Posted: 19 June 2020
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