Our results align with the so-called “One Health” approach. It suggests that there is a close link between the health of environment, animals and humans,’ says Sommer. The study shows how changes in the species composition of wild animals – triggered by human encroachment into their habitats – could promote the spread of pathogens.
Besides guarding for future pandemics, protecting bats is also important for ecological reasons since this diverse group of animals provides a wide range of ecosystem services: they regulate insect populations, pollinate plants and spread their seeds. Preserving and protecting their habitats is therefore not only vital to maintain such ecosystem services, but aids in pandemic prevention.
I gave up use of my barn/garage as a garage because I didn’t want to disturb the brown bat colony that lives upstairs. Cute little dudes, and they’ve been fantastic at staying in the barn, rather than taking advantage of the breezeway and coming into the house. Even the cat doesn’t mind them, and leaves them alone entirely.