Vietnam’s Protected Areas Fail to Safeguard Most Bats, Study Finds
Bats, furry and feisty creatures often seen on the wing, are difficult to observe and even harder to protect. Their diverse lifestyles—some hibernating deep in caves or tree cavities for months, others migrating long distances seeking food, shelter, and mates—complicate efforts to include them in conservation strategies.
Designing and situating protected areas with bats in mind presents a significant challenge. Research shows that these small winged mammals are frequently ignored in conservation zones across many biodiverse regions, including Africa, Brazil, and now Vietnam.
Limited Protection Within Vietnam’s Conservation Network
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that only about 6% of the land inhabited by bats in Vietnam falls within the country's current protected area system. Vietnam hosts nearly one-third of all bat species known from Asia, residing in its tropical forests, mountain valleys, and limestone karst formations.
Threats Facing Vietnam’s Bats
These bats encounter numerous threats, leading to population declines for many species. The study, conducted by a team of biologists from Vietnam, Hungary, and Taiwan, modeled the spatial distribution of 81 bat species, including insectivores, frugivores, and eight species classified as globally threatened.
"Designing and locating protected areas with bats in mind is a particular challenge."
"Only about 6% of the land where bats are found in Vietnam is included within its existing protected area network."
Conclusion
Vietnam’s existing protected areas are insufficient for conserving its rich bat diversity, highlighting an urgent need to rethink conservation planning to better include these vital mammals.
Author's summary: Vietnam’s protected areas cover only a small fraction of habitats critical for bats, leaving many species vulnerable despite their ecological importance and varied lifestyles.