Human-Bat Interactions in Rural Southwestern Madagascar through a Biocultural Lens

摘要: Human-bat interactions are common in rural areas across the tropics. Over 40 bat species occur Madagascar, most of which endemic. Forest loss is changing distribution bats throughout island, with potential increases both abundance synanthropic and human-bat interactions. We set out to study knowledge of, with, attitudes towards including reports food ethnomedicinal uses bats, their cultural representations folklore, existence culturally enforced taboos relation them. administered 108 surveys open- closed-ended questions adults from Tanala Betsileo ethnic groups living around Ranomafana National Park. Most interviewees mentioned at least two types bats. 10% had consumed ∼20% used guano as a fertilizer. Around one-fifth recognized inhibiting hunting consumption considered not be dangerous. However, some informants that could carry diseases complained about bad smell noise associated roosts houses public buildings. Nearly 25% respondents identify local folklore. Malagasy communities interact closely but severely underestimate diversity Taken together, our results greatly increase understanding social-ecological complexities relationships offer possible pathways for biocultural approaches conservation, yield insights applicable other coexisting humid