Perceived Public Health Risks Associated with Bats on a Southwest Indian Ocean Island

Area of Science:

• Wildlife disease ecology
• Public health risk perception
• Conservation communication

Background:

• Human-bat interactions pose potential health risks, particularly on Reunion Island with Mormopterus francoismoutoui.
• Understanding public perception of these risks is crucial for effective wildlife disease management and conservation strategies.
• Concerns about olfactory and respiratory impacts necessitate research into bat-related sanitary risk perception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing residents' perception of bat-related health risks on Reunion Island.
• To explore the impact of general opinions and past experiences with bats on perceived sanitary risks.
• To identify key predictors of risk perception in human-bat interactions.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 768 residents on Reunion Island was conducted.
• The study assessed bat-related health risk perception using a 5-point index.
• Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to identify predictors of risk perception.

Main Results:

• The average bat-related health risk perception index (RPI) was 2.87.
• Negative opinions and negative past experiences with bats were associated with significantly higher perceived risks.
• Island nativity, social interactions about bat diseases, and younger age predicted higher risk perception, while trust in science reduced it.

Conclusions:

• Personal experiences, opinions, and social networks significantly shape perceptions of bat-related health risks.
• Trust in science plays a role in mitigating perceived risks.
• Targeted, evidence-based communication strategies are essential for fostering coexistence and managing public health concerns related to bats.