Loading
Glossy Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus refulgens) — Asia. Photo: Charles Francis

Toolkit

Everything you need to talk about bats clearly, accurately and positively — whether you’re writing a press release, a school lesson, a social post or a festival programme.

Slogan and hashtags

Connecting the world through bats.
#IYBats   #IYBats2027

Key messages

Bats are amazing

Nearly 1,500 species have evolved a staggering array of adaptations, giving bats a critical role in ecosystems worldwide. New species are still being described.

Bats benefit people

Over 300 species of fruit depend on bats for pollination. Insect-eating bats protect crops, reduce pesticide use and consume mosquitoes.

Bats need attention

Habitat destruction, climate change and persecution threaten many species. Over a third of assessed species are threatened or data deficient.

Living safely with bats

Bats are shy, non-aggressive animals and no more likely to spread disease than other animal groups. Avoid handling them, follow local health advice, and respect wildlife.

Working together

Global bat networks and scientists are making progress: conflict reduction, science-based roost and habitat management. You can help by joining, donating or volunteering.

One Health, one future

Bats, people and ecosystems are connected. Protecting healthy bat populations safeguards biodiversity and invests in a healthier future for everyone.

Communication guidelines

Five principles from the Let’s talk about bats, people and health toolkit:

  • Real talk. Use clear, simple language. Drop the jargon and acronyms.
  • Celebrate bats. Use images, video and stories that inspire people.
  • Talk about issues. Be clear about the low health risks and big benefits of bats.
  • Don’t repeat the myth. State the facts; don’t build your message around what you’re arguing against.
  • Make change feel possible. Point to past successes rather than overdoing the threat.

Download the toolkit

Let’s talk about bats, people and health: a communications toolkit — a framework, talking points and example statements for communicating about bats and public health. Published by the Bat Conservation Trust and shared here with permission.

Brand guidelines

Colours, fonts and logo usage for partners producing IYBats materials. Logos and templates are in Resources.

Midnight Indigo
#2A0A4A
Sunset Violet
#A42095
Twilight Teal
#2A9D8F
Thermal Gold
#F5C242
Moonlight Gray
#E8E8E8

Fonts: Poppins (headings), Oswald (subheadings), Atkinson Hyperlegible Next (body). All free on Google Fonts. Logo by Kata Kerekes.