Original version

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

The Documentary

Documentaries

Factual

Investigating global developments, issues and affairs.

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service East Asia

The Documentary: Bats: Friend or foe?

Bats: Friend Or Foe?

06/07/2021 GMT

Bats: Friend or foe?

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Bats: Friend or foe?

They are both feared and revered but what can we learn from bats?

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)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Documentary

Bats: Friend or foe?

Genres

Brand

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

About BBC World Service