INTERACTIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY OF AN URBAN PROTECTED AREA REGARDING BATS

Abstract

 Bats maintain intense interactions with human populations and are often subjected to prejudice, persecution, and killing, despite playing essential ecological roles. This study investigated the perceptions and interactions between residents and bats in a community located near an Atlantic Forest protected area in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires administered to 210 residents of the Estrada dos Macacos community, located near the Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos. Overall, respondents did not consider bats aggressive and did not report fear of these animals, although women more frequently expressed positive responses regarding these aspects. Limited knowledge about the ecological importance of bats was observed and was associated with the respondents’ educational level. Residents mainly associated bats with fruit consumption and reported problems such as dirt accumulation and the entry of bats into houses. The study highlights the strong interaction between bats and the local community, emphasizing the need for environmental education and awareness-raising actions.