Bats: the puzzling formation of a popular imagination that transformed prejudice into an environmental issue

Abstract

The popular imagination is shaped by symbols, concepts, and memories that contribute to the formation of ideas, whether real or fictitious, within particular social groups. Often, these representations transcend real-world circumstances and become unfounded beliefs, resulting in prejudice. Among the animals most affected by the popular imagination are bats, which, despite their importance to the ecosystem, have their role obscured. A large part of the population considers them repulsive and terrifying because they are nocturnal, which associates them with the supernatural, with evil connotations. One of the most frequent associations is the relationship between bats and vampires, which dates back to the 16th century. Stories about blood-sucking animals in South and Central America produced between 1500 and 1900 may have contributed to this. On the other hand, some literary works that later turned into films reinforced this view. All of this threatens the existence of these animals. However, some films have contributed to a more positive perception of these mammals. More recently, although there are publications that present bats as transmitters of diseases, including the COVID-19 virus, there are several studies that do not corroborate this view and draw attention to the importance of preserving bats for various reasons, including ecological ones, and suggest forms of management that allow their preservation and coexistence with other animals, including humans.