Bats: Friend or foe?

What is it about bats? Do we love them or hate them? They are depicted in some cultures as devil-like vampires: images of death and Halloween. But in others they are the opposite and are believed to bring luck and good fortune in China. Fear of bats has been exacerbated in the past 18 months by the Coronavirus pandemic and a blame game, pointing the finger at bats as a potential source of Covid-19. But environmentalists love them for being natural pest controllers – hoovering up harmful insects. Scientists love them too - as a vital source of medical research. How can they carry viruses without getting ill and what is their anti-ageing secret? For their size they live a very long time and they have developed mechanisms to ward off the diseases of old-age.
Caroline Bayley talks to scientists, environmentalists, bat lovers and an eminent philosopher, all trying to uncover the secrets of these extraordinary mammals.

(Photo: Rhinolophus hipposideros (lesser horseshoe bat), Credit: Getty Images)