The presence of bats in the taxidermy space is not only an exceptionally horrific and cruel practice, but it is directly affecting bat populations across the globe - several species are now recognized as Near Threatened by the IUCN. These bats, culled in the thousands, also pose a direct threat to be exposed to any viruses or disease they may be carrying as they are often not traditionally 'taxidermied', they're mummified whole with all their bones and organs intact.

Why do we NEED Bats?!

Like any creature, bats have an important role to play in their local ecosystems; they're excellent pollinators and distributors of seeds, not to mention save farmers literally billions of dollars in pesticides by feasting on the insects destroying their crops. Less nasty insects + Less nasty pesticides = much healthier crops, right? The more farmers can keep their costs down, the more affordable their produce can be sold on.

Why is taxidermy a direct threat to bats?

I'm sure we all know what poaching has done to zebras, elephants, and other traditional 'trophy' animals. Most of these are now protected under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) The same thing is happening to bats right now. In 2024. TODAY. In something I would call a modern-day holocaust.

Bats in the wild have a lifespan of up to 30 years, in which they will have a maximum of 2 offspring a year. To source the bat specimens you see used in taxidermy, poachers gas caves of entire colonies of thousands of bats at a time. The rate at which they're being killed greatly outweighs the rate at which they're able to reproduce.

Pictured is the Kerivoula picta bat; commonly known as a wooly bat, or a painted bat. These are available to be purchased on many major marketplace websites, or independent sellers, they are also one of the bats that have been recognized as Near Threatened almost entirely due to their poaching for taxidermy.

Why BAN the import of bats into Australia?

Thankfully in Australia, our bats and flying foxes are all generally protected and illegal to possess as taxidermy, but there is no restrictions on the importation of mummified bats. By banning the import of bats we can directly contribute to their survival, and reduce Australian's risk of being exposed to any viruses or diseases the specimens may be housing.

These bats sold wholesale as low as $8-20, are imported in the thousands each year. Some retailers have stated spending upwards of $25,000 annually on these specimens. Thats 1250 bats at a minimum for one store. Banning the import of bat specimens, skulls and skeletons has a very real potential to have a positive impact on the populations of these creatures. It's all about supply & demand. Take away the supply, and there is no need to slaughter hundreds of thousands of bats anymore.

These bats come from countries such as China & Indonesia, their hygiene and sanitation laws and regulations are nowhere near that of ours. The rate in which the bat specimens are 'processed' is much too rapidly to ensure proper and thorough sanitation and preservation. We all know the chaos Coronovirus caused.. all from a bat. Here in Australia our flying foxes carry their own viruses too. It's the same with the taxidermy bats. Bats are important to our ecosystem and beautiful to look at, but shouldn't be touched by humans.

By signing this petition, you're saying NO to the importation of bats and URGE the Australian Government to ACT NOW and BAN their importation immediately.

EDUCATIONAL LINKS & RESOURCES:

Australian National Geographic: Stop buying these bats, scientists and conservationists plead

Yahoo News: Australian trade in exotic bats continues despite disease risk: 'Repulsive.'

Research Gate: Bat E-Commerce: Insights into the Extent and Potential Implications of This Dark Trade

Newsweek: Thousands of Bats Slaughtered Annually in Asia End Up on eBay and Etsy for Artsy Americans

University of Adelaide: Buying bats on eBay? Your health could be at risk

New York Times: Bats Were Already Struggling. Now They’re Selling on EBay.

National Geographic: Etsy and eBay are selling dead bats - and scientists are disturbed

Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD: Reminder Bat Taxidermy is NOT Ethical

Research Gate: Dying for decor: quantifying the online, ornamental trade in a distinctive bat species, Kerivola picta

Mirage News: E-Sales Of Wild Bat Sold As Décor Threaten Species

Research Gate: List of bat species advertised from listings retrieved from eBay Australia, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, UK, USA between 11th and 25th of May 2020.

PressReader: Sales of stuffed bats further threatening species

The Week: The 'frivolous' trade in taxidermied bats

The Verge: Please stop buying taxidermied bats online

Mongabay News: ‘Senseless’ U.S. trinket trade threatens distinctive Asian bat, study shows

Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724003896?

UPDATES:

14 August 2024: Etsy updates their "Endangered, Threatened, or At-Risk Wildlife Products" Policy to specifically prohibit the sale of bats or bat parts on their platform. 

September 2024: Whilst no policies have officially been updated. eBay has been actively removing listings of bats & blocking them from appearing in search results.