Responses of bats to climate change: Learning from the past and predicting the future

Abstract

Climate change is widely regarded as being of major and growing importance for influencing the future distribution and abundance of organisms. However, the potential effect on bats has received little attention. Herein we provide some general background for climate change and its broader context to biodiversity. We use predicted climate-induced 'universal responses' by organisms and data from historical (Holocene) events to better predict how bats may respond. We also outline how climate change effects on bats will create challenges for populations in the future, how best to mitigate impacts and current research needs.