Ecosystem Services from Bats: The State of Knowledge in India

Kadambari Deshpande, Baheerathan Murugavel, Kasturi Saha  | April 2026

Abstract

Ecosystem services to people are usually assessed at the level of entire ecosystems or of large groups of organ- isms. However, the direct and indirect contributions of biodiversity to ecosystem services, especially at the species level, are complex to understand. Additionally, elements of biodiversity can be both beneficial and harmful to people. This may lead to biodiversity-driven ecosystem services as well as disservices, creating both synergies and trade-offs for people. Bats are one such element of biodiversity, with the potential for simultaneous bene- ficial and harmful effects on human well-being.