Brazil, a global biodiversity hotspot, is home to an incredible 178 bat species, and surprisingly, nearly half of these species (84) have been documented in urban environments. In major cities like São Paulo to the urban forests in Rio de Janeiro, bats have found ways to coexist with humans in cities across the country.

Bats adapt by roosting in urban forest fragments, trees, and even man-made structures. Forest fragments are vital, especially for the third of species that rely solely on these green pockets for survival. Meanwhile, the flexible bats make use of a variety of human structures, from ceilings to abandoned buildings, proving their resilience in modified environments.

With 31 different plants supporting at least twelve species of bats, urban green spaces become essential food sources, offering fruits, nectar, and insect populations. Streetlamps attract insects, providing an easy meal for insectivorous bats, while others feast on the fruit-bearing trees of the city.

Bats, as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases, bring a unique public health dimension to urban wildlife. With parasites like rabies virus and Leishmania, monitoring urban bat populations becomes essential for public health. The study identifies 27 species carrying these zoonotic pathogens, highlighting the need for policies that balance bat conservation with public safety.

The authors emphasize that as urbanization expands, we need a conservation strategy for bats. Preserving urban green spaces and creating awareness about bats’ role in ecosystems—like pollination and pest control—are critical for harmonizing urban life with wildlife conservation.

Nunes, H., Rocha, F. L., & Cordeiro-Estrela, P. (2016). Bats in urban areas of Brazil: roosts, food resources and parasites in disturbed environments. Urban Ecosystems, 20(4), 953–969. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-016-0632-3