Bats face mounting threats from habitat loss, wind turbine collisions, and disease. Roost protection and disease management strategies must balance conservation needs with individual bat welfare.
Bats experience significant welfare impacts from multiple human activities. White-nose syndrome causes bats to starve to death during hibernation through repeated arousal — a prolonged and distressing end. Wind turbine barotrauma causes internal haemorrhage in bats flying near turbines even without direct blade strike. Roost destruction displaces maternity colonies during pup-rearing, causing maternal-offspring separation and pup mortality. Conservation responses with direct welfare benefits include antifungal treatments for white-nose syndrome, wind turbine curtailment during peak bat activity, and roost protection legislation. Insect-rich gardens and reduced pesticide use support bat foraging and population health.