Volunteers work to protect displaced bats at an Italian Bat Conservation, in photos

Alessandra Tommasini, background and Alessandro Paggi evaluate the flying g capabilities of Common Pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) in a shelter for displaced bats run by the "Tutela Pipistrelli" Italian Bat Conservation Association, in Rome, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Posted Thursday, August 6, 2026 4:30 am

By ANDREW MEDICHINI

Often misunderstood and largely invisible, bats are emerging as a key frontline species in Italy’s biodiversity crisis, with volunteers and scientists working to protect them from habitat loss, climate pressures and human disturbance.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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Volunteers work to protect displaced bats at an Italian Bat Conservation, in photos

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