Bats: Their biology and behaviour

Tony Hutson's book "Bats" provides an in-depth look at the nocturnal world of bats, covering their adaptations, life cycle, diet, foraging strategy, breeding, roosting, migration patterns, predators, parasites, and man-made threats. It also explores the viruses harboured and tolerated by bats and their impact on humans.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: The Natural History Museum

Tony Hutson delves into the enigmatic realm of bats, shedding light on their nocturnal existence and the remarkable ways in which they have adapted to diverse habitats across the globe. Beginning with a comprehensive examination of the fossil record, Hutson explores the intricate relationship between bats and other mammals, shedding light on their unique aerodynamics and extraordinary abilities in echolocation. He delves into the intricate details of their life cycle, diet, foraging strategies, breeding patterns, roosting habits, and migration patterns, as well as the various threats they face from predators, parasites, and human activities.

Bats, remarkable creatures, possess an exceptional longevity, enabling them to form enormous colonies that can house tens of millions of individuals. These colonies rival the density of human cities, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of these mammals. The book delves into various topical aspects, including the viruses harbored and tolerated by bats and their potential impact on human health. Additionally, the book includes an appendix that provides detailed information about bat families and subfamilies, encompassing their number of genera or species, distribution, size, roost habitat, and diet.

Through his captivating narrative and scientific expertise, Tony Hutson offers a profound understanding of the world of bats, highlighting their ecological significance and the importance of preserving their habitats for the well-being of our planet. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone interested in wildlife, biology, and the wonders of the natural world.

Dimension: 230 x 183 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780565095284