1/5 #WBTC2 #Con1
Zoonotic diseases, especially those associated with bats are hot topic, even more so since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there has been an increasing amount of misuse of key terms, which has led to widespread miscommunication and misunderstandings.
2/5 #WBTC2 #Con1
Such miscommunication & misunderstandings hinder effective research & public policy. It can also have devastating effects for #conservation, provoking unnecessary fear in the public & lead to persecution of wildlife species, such bats during the COVID-19 pandemic
3/5 #WBTC2 #Con1
We identify 5 types of miscommunication driven by misuse or misinterpretation of terminology regarding bats & zoonotic diseases. We provide a general framework for addressing miscommunication based on its root cause that can be applied to other topics/disciplines
4/5 #WBTC2 #Con1
We can develop more effective research strategies & public policy, and help conserve bats by following simple guidelines, like using terms correctly, providing definitions when needed, avoiding sensationalism, and collaborating with experts across disciplines
5/5 #WBTC2 #Con1 This project emerged from IUCN Bat Specialist Group discussions and we thank all members of that group, everyone who commented on our manuscript & of course #WBTC2! This work was supported in part by the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program @stem_program
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