Annotated Bibliography 10: Improving public perception of Bats

Hoffmaster, Eric, Jennifer Vonk, and Rob Mies. “Education To Action: Improving Public Perception Of Bats.” Animals (2076-2615) 6.1 (2016): 1-9. Academic Search Complete. Web. 25 Mar. 2016.

Bats are generally seen as disease carriers which has given the public a negative image of them. Their connection to vampire lore has also made some people fearful of them.  The article is trying to change the peoples perception of bats buy stating how they are a vital and valuable part of the ecosystem, providing a variety of essential services like pest control and plant pollination. Bats belong to the Chiropteran order which is large and diverse, these creatures can be found at seaside or desserts. These amazing creatures are estimated to save corn farmers 1 billion USD globally by preying on agriculture pests. Researchers have believe that bat boxes would be economically viable for farmers to use compared to pesticide. Yet bats are the victim of turbines, human encroachment, and pesticides. The articles points out how people showed be trying to protect bats considering their important to the environments and how they might if their perception of bats changes.