Human Dimensions of Bat Conservation Working Group
Our Vision
A world with evidence-based measures to foster coexistence between bats and people.
Our Mission
To conduct and facilitate multidisciplinary research to gain a better understanding of the full spectrum of human-bat relationships (i.e. positive and negative) in different contexts. We apply social-science theories and concepts to the antecedents of human- bat conflicts and to provide, based on this knowledge, practical recommendations to solve human-bat conflicts.
The Human Dimensions of Bat Conservation Working Group meets weekly and still welcomes scholars with a background in social sciences and an interest in bat conservation.
The Human Dimensions of Bat Conservation Working Group meets weekly and still welcomes scholars with a background in social sciences and an interest in bat conservation.
Our Leadership (Co-Chairs)
Prof. Dr. Joanna L. Coleman
Prof. Dr. Tigga Kingston
Dr. Ewan Macdonald
Dr. Tanja Straka
Prof. Dr. Tigga Kingston
Dr. Ewan Macdonald
Dr. Tanja Straka
Our Members
Dr. Ricardo Rocha
Dr. Kristen Lear
Prof. Dr. Will Tuladhar-Douglas
Dr. Kristen Lear
Prof. Dr. Will Tuladhar-Douglas
Research
The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated the formation of the BSG OneHealth Working Group, which developed and disseminated guidelines describing best practices to mitigate the spread of pathogens in all directions when working with bats. The set of guidelines that specifically target bat researchers doing fieldwork with bats are considered field hygiene (FH). The goal being universal adoption of these FH practices, it is important to understand their rate of uptake. We recently completed a social-science study of this, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a conceptual framework. This study is now in the final stages of preparation for submission.
2024: Beyond biophobia: positive appraisal of bats among German residents during the COVID-19 pandemic - with consequences for conservation intentionsassets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3495844/v1/d1ff0f1a-e042-4e1a-97ef-885bb3850365.pdf?c=1698703695
2021: Human dimensions of bat conservation–10 recommendations to improve and diversify studies of human-bat interactions
2024: Beyond biophobia: positive appraisal of bats among German residents during the COVID-19 pandemic - with consequences for conservation intentionsassets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3495844/v1/d1ff0f1a-e042-4e1a-97ef-885bb3850365.pdf?c=1698703695
2021: Human dimensions of bat conservation–10 recommendations to improve and diversify studies of human-bat interactions
