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Giving Wings to Sustainability: Brazil Needs to Consider Bats as Suppressors of Agricultural Pests and Tropical Disease Vectors

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  • William D. Carvalho

    (Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
    Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
    Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Tropical, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil)

  • Elizabete C. Lourenço

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, RJ, Brazil
    Piper 3D—Pesquisa, Educação & Consultoria Ambiental LTDA, Rio de Janeiro 22450-060, RJ, Brazil)

  • Júlia L. Luz

    (Piper 3D—Pesquisa, Educação & Consultoria Ambiental LTDA, Rio de Janeiro 22450-060, RJ, Brazil)

  • Bruna S. Xavier

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, RJ, Brazil)

  • Angélica V. Yantén

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Tropical, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil)

  • Luciana M. Costa

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, RJ, Brazil
    Piper 3D—Pesquisa, Educação & Consultoria Ambiental LTDA, Rio de Janeiro 22450-060, RJ, Brazil)

Abstract

Insect-eating bats play a crucial role in agriculture and public health by suppressing populations of agricultural pests and disease vectors. These ecosystem services promoted by insect-eating bats are essential in a world that seeks sustainability in agricultural production and the management of urban areas. Despite Brazil’s status as one of the largest agricultural producers globally, research using insect-eating bats for pest control is lacking. This review underscores the importance of filling this knowledge gap and provides guidelines for future research. Bats exhibit diverse feeding habits and consume significant quantities of insects, including agricultural pests. While studies in the USA and Europe have highlighted insect-eating bats’ role in reducing agricultural losses, research in Brazil is limited. Challenges include the need for more advanced diet analysis techniques, such as DNA metabarcoding, and understanding bat habitat use in agricultural and urban landscapes. Research on natural and artificial roosts’ effectiveness and population dynamics is also essential. Integrating bat conservation into agricultural sustainability requires investment in technological methods, valuation of ecosystem services, population monitoring, habitat use studies and environmental education. Financial incentives and collaboration between sectors are crucial for advancing research and implementing bat-friendly practices in agriculture, ultimately enhancing biodiversity conservation and production sustainability in Brazil.

Suggested Citation

  • William D. Carvalho & Elizabete C. Lourenço & Júlia L. Luz & Bruna S. Xavier & Angélica V. Yantén & Luciana M. Costa, 2024. "Giving Wings to Sustainability: Brazil Needs to Consider Bats as Suppressors of Agricultural Pests and Tropical Disease Vectors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:5858-:d:1431960
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Fuchs & Calum Brown & Mark Rounsevell, 2020. "Europe’s Green Deal offshores environmental damage to other nations," Nature, Nature, vol. 586(7831), pages 671-673, October.
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