Negative Perception of Bats, Exacerbated by the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic, May Hinder Bat Conservation in Northern Uganda

Imran Ejotre (), DeeAnn M Reeder, Kai Matuschewski, Robert Kityo and Juliane Schaer ()
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Imran Ejotre: Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
DeeAnn M Reeder: Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
Kai Matuschewski: Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
Robert Kityo: Department of Zoology, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
Juliane Schaer: Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-18

Abstract: Bats face diverse challenges that cause global bat population declines, including habitat loss and roost disturbance. Additionally, negative perceptions of bats and their potential role in several zoonotic diseases have led to actions against bats. We documented existing knowledge and perception of bats through interviews with 151 participants of fifteen tribes in Northern Uganda in 2020 and conducted a sensitization campaign that prevented planned actions against bats. The interviews revealed distinct firm beliefs, negative perceptions, limited knowledge on bats, and the influence of media in shaping actions against bats. In addition, modified landscapes and habitat loss increased encounters and subsequent deterioration of relations between humans and bats. Targeted threats towards bats were exacerbated by public misinformation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. No deliberate conservation efforts exist, and negative perception largely hampers the implementation of bat conservation in Northern Uganda. Importantly, the study also demonstrates that sensitization campaigns can be effective tools to protect bats in the short term. Regular sensitizations and education are recommended for sustainable changes in attitudes to and coexistence with bats.

Keywords: Uganda; bats; indigenous knowledge; perception; conservation; education; human-bat interaction; public misinformation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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