Bat Conservation: Threats and How to Help

Bats account for roughly one fifth of mammalian diversity worldwide, yet they remain among the least understood mammals in terms of population status. Over a third of bat species assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature are considered threatened or data deficient, and well over half of all assessed species have unknown or decreasing population trends. That equals 988 species, or 80% of bats assessed by IUCN, needing conservation or research attention (A review of the major threats and challenges to global bat conservation). This article explains the primary threats facing bat populations, describes practical conservation actions you can take, and provides a checklist for assessing your own contribution to bat protection.

At a Glance

Why Bat Conservation Matters

Bats provide measurable benefits to human welfare across multiple asset categories. A systematic review of 235 papers found that bats support human welfare through material and immaterial benefits such as food and income, health applications including treatment of ailments, and social, cultural, and spiritual relations (Socioeconomic benefits associated with bats). These benefits were documented across regions, with the highest prevalence in Asia and Africa.

Insectivorous bats suppress agricultural pests. Research in South African macadamia orchards demonstrated that bats provide pest suppression services, with natural habitat patches at orchard edges enhancing this service. The same study found that narrow space foraging bats, those dependent on dense vegetation, were largely excluded from simplified agricultural landscapes, particularly where natural edge habitats were removed (Bat guilds respond differently to habitat loss and fragmentation at different scales in macadamia orchards in South Africa). This finding connects habitat conservation directly to agricultural productivity.

Bats also play a critical role in subterranean food webs. They frequently inhabit caves and other subterranean habitats, and their guano supports diverse cave ecosystems (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats). Guano from insectivorous bats contains ecological information that can be assessed non-invasively to characterize gut microbiome, diet, and environmental microbes, including pathogens of conservation concern (Microbial, dietary insect, and pathogen communities in fresh and decomposing guano of anthropic little brown bat maternity colonies).

Major Threats to Bat Populations

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

Habitat loss represents the most widespread threat to bat populations globally. The conversion of natural habitats to agricultural or urban landscapes reduces both roosting opportunities and foraging areas. Research in peninsular Malaysia examined bat assemblages on 26 islands and two mainland continuous forest sites created by a hydroelectric reservoir. Forest foragers were positively affected by denser forest structure and negatively affected by distance to the closest neighboring forest patch. Edge foragers increased activity on smaller islands, while forest-specialist species declined (Foraging guild modulates insectivorous bat responses to habitat loss and insular fragmentation in peninsular Malaysia).

The pattern of generalists replacing specialists under habitat degradation appears across taxa. A global analysis of reef fishes found that habitat loss consistently favored generalist species over specialists, with generalists penetrating further into new areas than specialists (Habitat loss and range shifts contribute to ecological generalization among reef fishes). While this study focused on fish, the underlying mechanism of habitat-induced community shifts toward generalists applies to bat communities facing similar pressures.

Habitat loss also disrupts ecological networks. Research on bat-fruit networks demonstrates that habitat loss alters the structure of seed dispersal interactions, with consequences for forest regeneration (The effects of habitat loss on bat-fruit networks). Frugivorous bats disperse seeds for many tropical tree species, and their decline can cascade through forest ecosystems.

Wildfire represents an additional habitat loss pathway. A model-based rapid assessment following a severe wildfire quantified the loss of potential bat habitat, demonstrating that fire can eliminate roosting and foraging resources across large areas (Loss of potential bat habitat following a severe wildfire: a model-based rapid assessment). Climate change is expected to increase wildfire frequency and intensity in many regions, amplifying this threat.

White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome is caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans and has devastated North American bat populations over the last two decades. The fungus grows on bats during hibernation, causing them to wake frequently, deplete fat reserves, and die before spring.

Research on the bat skin microbiome has identified bacteria with antifungal activity against Pseudogymnoascus destructans. A study isolating 2,936 bacteria from the fur and skin of 314 bats across 12 species in Arizona and New Mexico found 61 bat-associated bacteria with activity against the fungus. Ecoregion and bat species were determinant variables associated with inhibition of the pathogen (Bat skin microbiome and the association of ecoregion and bat species that impacted isolation of members with bioactivity against Pseudogymnoascus destructans). This finding suggests that natural microbial defenses vary across landscapes and species, and that some populations may harbor protective bacteria.

Population recovery following white-nose syndrome depends on environmental conditions. A study combining two decades of population, disease, and environmental data found that initial declines were greater and faster in warmer sites, with 88.3% declines compared to 74.2% in colder sites. However, populations in warmer sites recovered more quickly and developed higher resistance, with 1.5 times reduction in fungal loads. Warmer sites served as hotspots of host adaptation because thermal conditions approached optimal growth for the pathogen, favoring the development of resistance. Populations in colder sites experienced weaker selective pressure and remained more susceptible, although bats from larger colonies were more likely to survive (Environmental conditions drive selection and recovery following disease-induced declines).

Decontamination protocols have shown positive effects on bat populations. A meta-analysis of conservation interventions found that decontamination was assessed in two studies and positively affected bat populations, particularly in studies focused on reducing fungal spores associated with white-nose syndrome in North America (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats). Following decontamination protocols when moving between caves is a concrete action that reduces pathogen spread.

Human Disturbance of Roosts

Human disturbance of roosting sites threatens bats through direct abandonment, disrupted hibernation, and reduced reproductive success. A meta-analysis of 345 papers recommending 910 conservation interventions for subterranean-roosting bats found that disturbance reduction positively affected bat behavior, though it was assessed in four or fewer studies (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats). The limited evidence base highlights the need for more rigorous evaluation of disturbance reduction measures.

Gating of roost entrances has been applied to preserve bat populations in 21 studies, but its effectiveness was unclear in the meta-analysis. Gates must be designed to allow bat passage while excluding humans, and poorly designed gates can trap bats or alter cave microclimates. Professional guidance from bat conservation organizations should be sought before installing gates.

Rock climbing near caves presents a growing disturbance concern. Guidance on managing rock climbing near caves emphasizes collaborative conservation approaches that balance recreational access with roost protection (Collaborative conservation of cave-roosting bats: guidance on managing rock climbing near caves). Climbing routes that pass near cave entrances can disturb roosting bats, particularly during sensitive periods such as maternity season and hibernation.

Urbanization and Artificial Light

Urbanization and artificial light reduce bat species richness. A study in San Diego County, California, which contains 22 of the 41 bat species that occur in the United States, found that urbanization, the presence of artificial lights, and areas sampled on unconserved land were all significantly associated with decreases in species richness (Quantification of threats to bats at localized spatial scales for conservation and management). The study prioritized sampling areas for management using species scores that incorporated richness and conservation status, and threat scores that included landscape-level threats.

Artificial light disrupts bat foraging behavior. Many insectivorous bats avoid lit areas because their insect prey remains concentrated in darkness, and because lit areas expose bats to predators. Light pollution also disrupts the circadian rhythms of bats and can delay emergence from roosts, reducing foraging time.

Hunting and Bushmeat

Hunting and killing of bats for bushmeat and other purposes threatens populations in many regions. Bats are hunted for food, traditional medicine, and perceived pest control. The review of global bat conservation challenges identifies bushmeat hunting as a major threat, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific islands (A review of the major threats and challenges to global bat conservation). Hunting pressure is difficult to quantify because it often occurs in informal markets, but it can drive rapid population declines in species with low reproductive rates.

Disease and Zoonotic Spillover

Bats carry coronaviruses, and some of these viruses have zoonotic potential. Seven zoonoses have emerged from the Coronaviridae family in the past century, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. These three viruses, in addition to HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63, are believed to be originally derived from wild bat reservoir species (The zoonotic potential of bat-borne coronaviruses). Bat-borne SARS-related coronaviruses in the subgenus Sarbecovirus present a particularly significant pandemic threat due to the extraordinary viral genetic diversity represented among several sympatric species of horseshoe bat hosts.

Research on the closest known MERS-CoV relative found in bats, NeoCoV, found that it can efficiently bind to and use specific bat angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 orthologues and, less favorably, human ACE2 as entry receptors. A single mutation in the receptor-binding domain allowed the virus to efficiently enter cells expressing human ACE2 (Close relatives of MERS-CoV in bats use ACE2 as their functional receptors). This research underscores the importance of surveillance for bat-associated viruses.

Human threats that contribute to declines in bat populations also lead to increased transmission and spread of bat-associated viruses. Bat research networks and viral surveillance are not at odds, multidisciplinary collaborations between bat conservation researchers and infectious disease experts can tackle shared threats that jeopardize bat conservation as well as human and animal health (Bat Research Networks and Viral Surveillance: Gaps and Opportunities in Western Asia). Western Asia has limited published research on bats and represents a gap for coordinated bat research, limiting capacity to identify and mitigate region-specific threats.

Practical Conservation Actions

Building and Installing Bat Houses

Bat houses provide roosting habitat where natural roosts have been lost. Proper design and placement determine whether bats will use a house.

Design considerations:

• Use rough-sawn wood on interior surfaces to give bats something to grip
• Construct chambers 0.75 to 1 inch wide
• Include a landing area extending below the entrance
• Seal all joints to prevent drafts and water entry
• Paint exterior with dark colors in cool climates and light colors in hot climates

Placement considerations:

• Mount on poles or buildings, not trees, to reduce predator access
• Position at least 10 to 15 feet above ground
• Face south or southeast in cool climates to maximize solar heating
• Ensure 20 to 30 feet of open flight path to the entrance
• Locate within 0.25 miles of water and foraging habitat

Bat houses are most likely to be used in areas where natural roosts are scarce. Patience is required, it may take two or more years for bats to discover and occupy a new house. Monitoring should include checking for guano accumulation and inspecting for predators or wasps.

Protecting Existing Roosts

Protecting existing roosts is generally more effective than creating new ones. Mature trees with cavities, snags, and loose bark provide roosting habitat for many bat species. Retaining these trees during land management activities preserves roosting resources that cannot be quickly replaced.

For cave-roosting bats, restricting human access during sensitive periods protects maternity colonies and hibernating bats. Gates should be designed with input from bat conservation professionals to ensure they allow bat passage while excluding humans. The effectiveness of gating remains unclear from the evidence base, so gates should be installed as part of a broader conservation strategy that includes monitoring (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats).

Reducing Light Pollution

Shielding outdoor lighting and using motion sensors or timers reduces light pollution in bat foraging areas. Lights should be directed downward and away from known roost entrances and flight corridors. Warm-colored lights with lower blue content are less disruptive to insects and bats than cool white or blue lights.

Maintaining Habitat Connectivity

Habitat fragmentation isolates bat populations and reduces foraging opportunities. Maintaining vegetation corridors between habitat patches allows bats to move across the landscape and access multiple foraging areas. Riparian buffers, hedgerows, and tree lines all serve as movement corridors for bats.

In agricultural landscapes, retaining natural habitat patches at field edges supports bat diversity and pest suppression services. Research in South African macadamia orchards found that narrow space foraging bats were largely excluded from simplified agricultural landscapes, particularly where natural edge habitats were missing (Bat guilds respond differently to habitat loss and fragmentation at different scales in macadamia orchards in South Africa). Retaining or restoring edge habitat benefits both bat conservation and agricultural pest control.

Decontamination Protocols

Decontamination prevents the spread of Pseudogymnoascus destructans between caves. Anyone entering caves should follow protocols established by relevant authorities:

• Clean all gear, clothing, and footwear before and after cave visits
• Use approved disinfectants effective against fungal spores
• Dedicate separate gear for use in different cave systems where possible
• Avoid entering caves known to harbor white-nose syndrome
• Report any observations of sick or dead bats to relevant wildlife authorities

Decontamination has positively affected bat populations in studies focused on reducing fungal spores associated with white-nose syndrome (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats). Following these protocols is a concrete action that reduces pathogen spread.

Reporting Sightings and Mortality Events

Reporting bat sightings and mortality events contributes to monitoring and conservation planning. Many regions have community science programs that collect bat observations. Reports of dead bats, particularly during winter months, can indicate white-nose syndrome presence. Reports of large roosts can inform protection efforts.

The bat roost priority index provides a framework for prioritizing roosts for conservation using community science data. The index integrates roost seasonality, uniqueness, and vulnerability, and classifies roosts based on biotic and vulnerability variables. It offers objective quantification of the threats affecting a roost and is available on the Bat Monitoring Programme online platform (Prioritizing bat roosts for conservation with a global multicriteria bat roost priority index based on community science). Participating in such programs provides data that supports conservation prioritization.

Conservation Planning and Prioritization

Assessing Local Conservation Needs

Conservation needs vary by local habitat, and concentrated efforts at small spatial scales can be critical. A standardized approach to prioritizing areas for management provides an asset to bat conservation. The San Diego County study calculated species scores incorporating richness and conservation status, and threat scores including landscape-level threats. Each sampling area was placed into one of four conservation categories ranging from highest priority, with high species score and high threat score, to lowest priority (Quantification of threats to bats at localized spatial scales for conservation and management).

Land managers can apply similar approaches at their own sites:

1. Inventory bat species present through acoustic surveys or mist-netting
2. Identify roosting and foraging habitats on the property
3. Assess threats including habitat loss, light pollution, and disturbance
4. Prioritize actions based on species conservation status and threat intensity
5. Monitor outcomes and adjust management accordingly

Expert Knowledge and Regional Planning

Expert knowledge can identify key threats and conservation strategies where field data are limited. A case study with bats in China used expert knowledge to identify key threats and conservation strategies for wildlife (Using expert knowledge to identify key threats and conservation strategies for wildlife: A case study with bats in China). This approach is valuable in regions where systematic survey data are lacking.

Regional conservation planning requires understanding local bat diversity. Studies of bat diversity and conservation in Jordan documented the species present and their conservation needs (Bat diversity and conservation in Jordan). Similar baseline assessments are needed in many regions to inform conservation planning.

Priority-setting exercises help allocate limited conservation resources. A practical approach to priority-setting for Philippine bats was developed to guide effective species conservation and policy-making (Priority-setting for philippine bats using practical approach to guide effective species conservation and policy-making in the anthropocene). Such exercises identify species and sites where conservation action is most urgent.

Records and Measurements

What to Record

Consistent records support bat conservation at local and regional scales. Land managers and community scientists should record:

• Date, time, and location of bat observations
• Species identification when possible
• Number of bats observed
• Behavior including foraging, roosting, or commuting
• Weather conditions
• Habitat type
• Evidence of disturbance or threats

For bat house monitoring, record whether bats are present, estimated colony size, guano accumulation, and any maintenance needs. Photographs help document observations and support species identification.

Monitoring Protocols

Monitoring bat populations as a conservation strategy was unclear and infrequently tested in the meta-analysis of interventions (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats). This does not mean monitoring is unnecessary, it means monitoring alone does not constitute conservation action. Monitoring should be paired with interventions and designed to evaluate their effectiveness.

Acoustic monitoring using bat detectors provides a non-invasive method for assessing bat activity and species presence. Passive acoustic monitoring can be deployed over extended periods to document seasonal patterns and responses to management actions. The Malaysian study used passive acoustic monitoring with 9,360 hours of recordings to classify echolocation calls into sonotypes and examine responses to habitat fragmentation (Foraging guild modulates insectivorous bat responses to habitat loss and insular fragmentation in peninsular Malaysia).

Evaluating Conservation Actions

Conservation actions should be evaluated to determine whether they achieve their intended outcomes. The meta-analysis of subterranean-roosting bat interventions found that habitat restoration and disturbance reduction positively affected bat populations and behavior, respectively, but were assessed in four or fewer studies (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats). This limited evidence base means that practitioners should monitor outcomes and share results to build knowledge.

Common Failure Patterns in Bat Conservation

Poor Bat House Placement

Bat houses placed in unsuitable locations fail to attract bats. Common errors include mounting on trees where predators can access the house, positioning in shaded areas that remain too cool, and locating too far from foraging habitat. Houses should be monitored and moved if they remain unoccupied after several years.

Inappropriate Cave Gating

Gates that are poorly designed or installed can trap bats inside or exclude them from critical roosts. Gates must be designed with knowledge of the target species and installed with professional guidance. The effectiveness of gating was unclear in the evidence base, so gates should be paired with monitoring to evaluate outcomes (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats).

Disturbance During Sensitive Periods

Human disturbance during maternity season or hibernation can cause bats to abandon roosts. Even well-intentioned monitoring can disturb bats if conducted too frequently or at the wrong times. Disturbance reduction positively affected bat behavior in the evidence base, but only when implemented effectively (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats).

Focusing on Single Threats

Bats face multiple simultaneous threats, and addressing only one may not stabilize populations. Conservation planning should consider the full range of threats affecting a population, including habitat loss, disease, disturbance, and climate change. The review of global bat conservation challenges emphasizes that successful conservation must integrate research and conservation to identify stressors and their solutions and to test the efficacy of actions (A review of the major threats and challenges to global bat conservation).

Limitations and Knowledge Gaps

Data Deficiencies

Compared to other mammals and birds, significantly less is known about the population status of most bat species. This makes prioritizing and planning conservation actions challenging (A review of the major threats and challenges to global bat conservation). Delivering conservation to bat species requires sustained efforts to assess population status and trends and address data deficiencies.

Limited Evidence for Interventions

The evidence base for many bat conservation interventions is thin. The meta-analysis of subterranean-roosting bat interventions found that gating effectiveness was unclear, habitat restoration was assessed in four or fewer studies, and monitoring as a conservation strategy was infrequently tested (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats). Practitioners should treat interventions as experiments and document outcomes.

Geographic Gaps in Research

Bat research is unevenly distributed globally. Western Asia has limited published research on bats and represents a gap for coordinated bat research (Bat Research Networks and Viral Surveillance: Gaps and Opportunities in Western Asia). Sarbecovirus surveillance has been almost entirely restricted to China, and more vigorous field research is needed across a broader global range (The zoonotic potential of bat-borne coronaviruses). Conservation planning in understudied regions should rely on expert knowledge and adaptive management.

Safety and Regulatory Context

Handling Bats

Bats should not be handled without training and appropriate permits. Bats can carry rabies and other pathogens, and handling causes stress that can harm bats. If you find a bat in your home, contact local wildlife authorities for guidance. Do not attempt to capture or handle bats yourself.

Legal Protections

Many bat species are protected by national and international laws. Disturbing roosts, harming bats, or possessing bats without permits may be illegal. Penalties for disturbing bats vary by jurisdiction and species. Before undertaking any activity that might affect bats, consult relevant wildlife authorities to understand legal requirements.

Zoonotic Disease Precautions

Bats carry coronaviruses and other pathogens with zoonotic potential. Research on NeoCoV, the closest known MERS-CoV relative found in bats, found that it can use bat ACE2 orthologues and, less favorably, human ACE2 as entry receptors, and a single mutation allowed efficient entry into cells expressing human ACE2 (Close relatives of MERS-CoV in bats use ACE2 as their functional receptors). This research underscores the importance of avoiding direct contact with bats and following public health guidance in regions where bat-borne viruses circulate.

Human threats that contribute to declines in bat populations also lead to increased transmission and spread of bat-associated viruses (Bat Research Networks and Viral Surveillance: Gaps and Opportunities in Western Asia). Conservation actions that stabilize bat populations and reduce stress may also reduce viral shedding and spillover risk.

Professional Escalation Criteria

Seek professional assistance from bat conservation organizations or wildlife authorities when:

• You find dead or dying bats, particularly during winter months when white-nose syndrome is active
• You discover a large bat roost in a building or structure that requires exclusion
• You are considering installing a gate on a cave entrance
• You observe unusual bat behavior or mortality events
• You need to handle bats for research or management purposes
• You are planning land management activities that might affect known roosts

Professional bat biologists can provide species identification, roost surveys, exclusion services, and guidance on legal compliance. They can also connect you with monitoring programs and conservation networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the bat crisis?

The bat crisis refers to the widespread declines in bat populations caused by multiple interacting threats. Over a third of bat species assessed by the IUCN are considered threatened or data deficient, and well over half of all assessed species have unknown or decreasing population trends. That equals 988 species, or 80% of bats assessed by IUCN, needing conservation or research attention (A review of the major threats and challenges to global bat conservation). White-nose syndrome has caused particularly severe declines in North American hibernating bats, with some populations declining by more than 80%.

What are the fines for disturbing bats?

Penalties for disturbing bats vary by jurisdiction and species. Many bat species are protected by national wildlife laws, and disturbing roosts, harming bats, or possessing bats without permits can result in fines or other penalties. Consult relevant wildlife authorities in your jurisdiction for specific information about legal protections and penalties. Do not rely on general information when planning activities that might affect bats.

How does white-nose syndrome spread?

White-nose syndrome is caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans. The fungus spreads through direct contact between bats and through contaminated cave environments. Humans can also spread the fungus on clothing, gear, and footwear when moving between caves. Decontamination protocols reduce the risk of human-mediated spread (Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats).

Can bats recover from white-nose syndrome?

Some bat populations are showing signs of recovery, but recovery depends on environmental conditions. Research found that initial declines were greater and faster in warmer sites, but these populations recovered more quickly and developed higher resistance with 1.5 times reduction in fungal loads. Populations in colder sites experienced weaker selective pressure and remained more susceptible (Environmental conditions drive selection and recovery following disease-induced declines).

How long does it take for bats to use a bat house?

Bats may take two or more years to discover and occupy a new bat house. Occupancy depends on house design, placement, and the availability of natural roosts in the area. Bat houses are most likely to be used where natural roosts are scarce. Monitor the house regularly and consider adjusting placement if it remains unoccupied after several years.

Are bats dangerous to humans?

Bats can carry rabies and other pathogens, and direct contact should be avoided. However, bats provide significant benefits to human welfare through pest suppression, pollination, and seed dispersal (Socioeconomic benefits associated with bats). The risk of disease transmission is low when bats are left undisturbed. If you find a bat in your home, contact local wildlife authorities for guidance instead of attempting to handle it yourself.

What should I do if I find a dead bat?

Report dead bats to relevant wildlife authorities, particularly during winter months when white-nose syndrome is active. Do not handle dead bats without gloves. Dead bats can provide important information about disease presence and population health. Photograph the bat and record the location and date before reporting.

How can I participate in bat conservation?

You can participate in bat conservation by installing bat houses, protecting existing roosts, reducing light pollution, maintaining habitat connectivity, following decontamination protocols, and reporting sightings to community science programs. The bat roost priority index provides a framework for prioritizing roosts for conservation using community science data (Prioritizing bat roosts for conservation with a global multicriteria bat roost priority index based on community science). Participating in such programs provides data that supports conservation prioritization.

Related Articles

• Human Biology Major
• Viral Genomic Surveillance: Building an Analysis and Reporting Workflow
• Genomics Building
• Genomics Building
• Genomics Building

References and Further Reading

• NCBI Literature Resources. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
• PubMed. National Library of Medicine.
• A review of the major threats and challenges to global bat conservation.. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2020.
• Close relatives of MERS-CoV in bats use ACE2 as their functional receptors.. Nature, 2022.
• Effective conservation of subterranean-roosting bats.. Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology, 2024.
• Socioeconomic benefits associated with bats.. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2024.
• Quantification of threats to bats at localized spatial scales for conservation and management.. PloS one, 2024.
• Bat Research Networks and Viral Surveillance: Gaps and Opportunities in Western Asia.. Viruses, 2019.
• Prioritizing bat roosts for conservation with a global multicriteria bat roost priority index based on community science.. Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology, 2026.
• The zoonotic potential of bat-borne coronaviruses.. Emerging topics in life sciences, 2020.
• Bat skin microbiome and the association of ecoregion and bat species that impacted isolation of members with bioactivity against Pseudogymnoascus destructans.. 2026.
• Environmental conditions drive selection and recovery following disease-induced declines. 2026.
• Microbial, dietary insect, and pathogen communities in fresh and decomposing guano of anthropic little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) maternity colonies. 2026.
• Foraging guild modulates insectivorous bat responses to habitat loss and insular fragmentation in peninsular Malaysia. bioRxiv, 2023.
• Bat guilds respond differently to habitat loss and fragmentation at different scales in macadamia orchards in South Africa. 2021.
• Habitat loss and range shifts contribute to ecological generalization among reef fishes. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2021.
• The effects of habitat loss on bat-fruit networks. Biodiversity and Conservation, 2018.
• Loss of potential bat habitat following a severe wildfire: a model-based rapid assessment. 2018.
• Using expert knowledge to identify key threats and conservation strategies for wildlife: A case study with bats in China. Global Ecology and Conservation, 2023.
• Bat diversity and conservation in Jordan. Turkish Journal of Zoology, 2006.
• Priority-setting for philippine bats using practical approach to guide effective species conservation and policy-making in the anthropocene. Hystrix, 2019.
• Collaborative conservation of cave-roosting bats: guidance on managing rock climbing near caves. Frontiers in Conservation Science, 2025.

This article is educational and does not replace institutional policy, professional advice, or applicable safety and regulatory requirements.