Bats in Sri Lanka: Rethinking their role in pest control and public health (Bat Appreciation Week: October 24-31)
In Sri Lanka, bats are often misunderstood, associated with fear due to their appearance and tendency to roost in trees or abandoned buildings. However, these ancient mammals, some of the oldest on Earth, play a crucial role in our ecosystem, benefiting both agriculture and public health.
The benefits of bats in agriculture
Bats are natural insect predators, consuming pests like moths, beetles, and weevils that damage essential Sri Lankan crops, including rice, vegetables, and fruits. By feeding on these insects, bats help protect food supplies and reduce dependency on chemical pesticides, offering an environmentally friendly approach to pest management. This service is invaluable to Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, making bats an unsung ally to farmers.
A potential ally in Dengue prevention
Sri Lanka’s tropical climate fosters the breeding of mosquitoes, which transmit diseases like dengue fever. Bats’ natural consumption of mosquitoes could make them an important element of public health strategies. With effective management, bats could play a key role in reducing mosquito populations in an environmentally sustainable way.
Technology solutions for sustainable coexistence
To effectively manage and enhance our relationship with bats, technology can offer innovative solutions that are both accessible and affordable, supporting conservation, public health, and traditional practices. Here are some feasible approaches for Sri Lankan conservationists, academics, and nonprofits to consider:
- Ultrasonic deterrents
Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that discourage bats from roosting in unwanted areas, such as residential buildings. These devices offer a humane way to guide bats to suitable habitats, keeping residential and public areas safe. In Sri Lanka, low-cost, locally manufactured deterrents can be an affordable solution for community conservationists. Nonprofits could partner with local tech innovators to create and distribute these devices to areas most in need. - Bat monitoring Apps and Data collection
Bat monitoring apps, such as Echo Meter Touch, enable conservationists and academics to gather valuable data on bat species and behaviors. With this data, communities can better understand which bat species are beneficial for pest control and how to protect these bats’ habitats. For Sri Lanka, leveraging open-source data collection tools or collaborating with universities could make this approach affordable for nonprofits and academics. - Drone Technology for habitat mapping
Drones equipped with thermal imaging can be used to identify bat roosts in urban and rural areas, enabling conservationists to protect essential bat habitats while maintaining safe distances from human dwellings. Additionally, drone habitat mapping can support farmers by identifying optimal agricultural practices that benefit from natural pest control. In Sri Lanka, partnerships with academic institutions could make drone-based habitat mapping feasible, with students trained in drone operation to reduce costs for conservation programs.
In the image above, our CTO operates a drone to map habitats—a snapshot from our Technobrain International repository. - Incorporating traditional practices and community knowledge
Integrating traditional practices can bridge community acceptance and conservation goals. Many communities in Sri Lanka have long-standing beliefs about wildlife, including bats, that may help in promoting sustainable practices. Conservationists can engage local elders to share these practices, aligning them with new conservation methods to foster a better understanding and coexistence with bats. Local folklore and cultural beliefs can also be shared as part of educational programs to demystify bats and highlight their benefits. - Educational Virtual Reality (VR) modules
VR modules can educate communities on the ecological benefits of bats while addressing concerns like disease transmission. Through interactive sessions at schools and community centers, VR experiences can change perceptions, helping people understand bats’ contributions to pest control and ecosystem health. Universities and NGOs could lead pilot VR programs in targeted areas, potentially securing grants or local sponsorship to reduce costs.
Affordability and feasibility of implementing these solutions in Sri Lanka
For Sri Lankan conservationists, academics, and nonprofits, affordability is crucial. Collaborations with local universities, grants from environmental organizations, and partnerships with technology companies can make these solutions more accessible. Traditional practices, paired with modern technology, offer a pathway to conservation that resonates with Sri Lankan communities while staying cost-effective.
A call to appreciate bats’ True Value
As we celebrate Bat Appreciation Week, let’s look beyond myths to appreciate bats’ role in promoting agricultural health, biodiversity, and public health. By using both innovative and traditional approaches, we can foster a balanced relationship with bats protecting both our communities and our ecosystems.
