Suggestions on Formulating a National Action Plan for Bat Conservation and Taking Concrete Protective Measures (First Edition) | CBCGDF Bat Conservation Action Network Working Group

Bats are indispensable components of ecosystems, yet they have long been misunderstood, neglected, and inadequately studied. As a result, bats have been unfairly stigmatized, and their ecological value and conservation needs remain under-recognized.

There are 1,483 known bat species globally, with 143 species identified in China. However, bat research in China is still in its infancy, lacking systematic studies on their migration, survival status, geographical distribution, endangerment levels, and conservation measures. Currently, no bat species in China are listed in the List of key protected wild animals in China, and only eight species are included in the Catalogue of Terrestrial Wildlife with Important Ecological, Scientific, and Social Value, updated in 2023.



Incorporating bats into the national key protection list is of great significance. As nocturnal insectivores, bats effectively control insect populations, protecting crops and forests. Moreover, bats play crucial roles in pollination and seed dispersal, contributing significantly to plant reproduction. Protecting bats means safeguarding ecological balance and biodiversity.

Although bats carry various viruses, their unique immune systems rarely cause illness in themselves. Direct contact or consumption of bats, however, can pose risks of viral transmission to human. Listing bats in the national protection catalogue can enhance their management, reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases, and ensure public health security.



Globally, Bats are facing threats such as habitat loss, reduced food sources, pollution, and prejudice. Listing them in the national protection catalogue can raise public awareness and mobilize societal efforts for their conservation, creating better conditions for their survival. Internationally, bat conservation has gained consensus, with many species included in the CITES Appendices and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals adopted the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats in 1991 and established the Energy Task Force Bat Impact Mitigation Working Group in 2024 to strengthen international cooperation.

Therefore, including bats in the national key protection list will not only protect their ecological value but also enhance public health security, promote public awareness, and foster international cooperation, providing a more solid foundation for their survival and reproduction.

Recommendations:

1.    Develop a National Species Conservation Action Plan.

1) Strengthen the protection of bat habitats by designating and strictly managing bat nature reserves, limiting human disturbances.

2) Enhance scientific research on bats to gain a deeper understanding of their ecological habits, migration patterns, and interactions with other species, providing a scientific basis for conservation measures.

3) Intensify public education and awareness campaigns to raise public understanding of bat conservation.

4) Explore sustainable conservation models in line with local economic development, such as eco-tourism and ecological compensation, to achieve a win-win situation between ecological protection and economic growth.

2.    Incorporate bats into the List of key protected wild animals to provide legal support for their conservation.

3.    Enhance international cooperation by signing international conventions and agreements to clarify responsibilities and obligations of countries in bat conservation, jointly advancing bat protection efforts. Moreover, it is suggested to strengthen transboundary research and monitoring of bats, sharing information and data to improve the scientific and targeted nature of conservation efforts.

 

Original Chinese Article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/g_sckKSsXxs48hRtwL1cLA

Translator: Sara

Reviewed by: Richard

Editor: Sara    

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776





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