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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.
Latest News
EMERGING: Recommended suspension of Field Activities for the Protection of Bats.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to animals has been documented. If human-bat transmission is possible, the impact on bat populations and conservation will depend on the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 for bat health and the potential for bat-to-bat transmission. The worst-case scenario considers SARS-CoV-2 circulating in bat populations with the potential to spillover to other wildlife and people. Studies to determine whether humans can spread SARS-CoV-2 to bats, bat morbidity, and transmission are ongoing. Until we have a clearer picture of the magnitude of these risks, the IUCN Bat Specialist Group recommends suspending all field work that involves direct interactions with bats. This includes capture and handling bats, as well as being in sustained proximity (< 3 m) at roost sites.
Posted: 12 April 2020
Latest IUCN Bat Specialist Group Newsletter, Volume 4 2019 is available to view here.
Contents Include: Bats without Borders Members (Zambia), 1st International Conference: Bats of Eastern Europe - Challenges for Conservation (Armenia), The Atlas of European Mammals, Regional symposium “Conservation Status of Bats in the Central Europe and Western Balkan”(Bosnia and Herzegovina), UNEP/EUROBATS 8th Session of the Meeting of the Parties (Monaco), Action Plan for the Conservation of All Bat Species in the European Union 2018 – 2024, and many more articles on the use of new technology in bat conservation.
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