One seeks silver linings to dark clouds and there seems to be an emerging optimism that just maybe the current pandemic humanity faces might lead to an overdue reassessment of our relationship with, and knowledge of, some of the millions of other species on this planet.
Epidemiologists do not all agree as to whether or not the sale of bats for human consumption in horribly filthy animal markets is responsible for COVID-19, the disease now so disruptive to all our lives. All of that has been explained ad nauseum in mainstream media. But, the mechanism by which such transference occurs is entirely human controlled.
It is not the bats that are, or may be, to blame for the pandemic, or pangolins, or civets, or whatever; it is us. Ironically, while bats don’t need us, we need them, and yet we abuse them in so many ways. As has also been reported widely, bats perform two major functions that serve human interests; they pollinate a wide variety of the foods we eat and they consume vast amounts of insects deleterious to our own interests. While those facts, alone, justify bat conservation, I would hope that we could respect them regardless because they are just so darn, incredibly, wonderfully, and utterly fascinating.
While some have gargoyle-like faces full of folds and wrinkles, and others have adorable big eyes and a sweet expression, there is something in me that loves to explore the range of variations to be found within this huge group of animals who, when you get to know them, can be like dogs, cats, rabbits, and other mammals¬– quite charming.
There are approximately 1,300 species of bats worldwide and yet most people can’t accurately name one! Living in North America or Europe may give a skewed impression of bats, since most temperate species of bat are small and insectivorous. But, many species, especially in the tropics, are large and frugivorous (fruit and nectar eating), while the vampire bats do, indeed, lap up blood. All bats fly, but otherwise it is often difficult to find commonalities. The variability in their appearances, behavior, distribution, and so on that make them so fascinating to people like me, are often hidden by virtue of their secretive habits and nocturnal way of life. Even their vocalizations are often pitched too high for us to hear.
Fear, even loathing, of bats is not quite as widespread as it was when I was young, but still the problem is that encounters with bats are often seen as negative; people fear what they don’t know, even in the absence of risk. It is time to get to know bats better! Now, with time to socially isolate, is a good time to learn just how amazing these animals are. I strongly recommend reading Bats: A World of Science and Mystery, by M. Brock Fenton and Nancy B. Simmons, The University of Chicago Press, 2014. And for kids, well, a perfect book is Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night, by Rob Laidlaw, Pajama Press, 2018. Full disclosure: Brock Fenton and Rob Laidlaw are long-time, valued friends and I illustrated the centerfold for Rob’s book, but I assure you, these books are both totally fascinating to read. I can think of no better time than now to curl up with such good books and learn about some of the other creatures with whom we share this world.
And, finally, while it is priced far beyond most household budgets for books, there is this book, published just last year, which describes and illustrates every single known species of bat in the world. For me, all three are invaluable additions to my library and all are very highly recommended.
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
Barry
