Susceptibility of bats to ecological and evolutionary traps

Human-induced environmental changes have contributed to a decline in species populations worldwide. Some species have adapted because of behavioural plasticity, but many now face ecological and evolutionary traps (EETs), which exacerbate extinction pressures. The ability of bats to exploit various habitat types makes them susceptible to anthropogenic triggers of traps. Yet, understanding the mechanisms and consequences of traps in bats remains challenging. Our study aimed to understand the susceptibility and risk of bats to various triggers of potential ecological and evolutionary traps on a global scale by analysing taxonomical correlates, geographical distribution, and risk drivers. We examined the relationships between bat ecological traits, conservation status, and the risk of potential traps and their consequences. We identified 318 bat species, primarily insectivorous, that are at risk from anthropogenic traps. These species are less specialised, highly gregarious, and have a wide geographical distribution. Urbanisation, energy development, agriculture, and industrialisation are key anthropogenic triggers of EETs in bats. Ecological traps pose serious conservation challenges for bats by luring them into seemingly favourable habitats that ultimately reduce their survival or reproductive success. These traps accelerate population decline, particularly in bats that are already affected by habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change, and other human activities. However, a clear understanding of the mechanisms and impacts of these potential traps remains limited for bats, and conservation efforts may inadvertently focus on areas with high bat densities, overlooking the fact that these habitats may be ecological traps, thus undermining recovery efforts.