Abstract:

Background & Aim: Chiroptera, the only mammalian order capable of true powered flight, has attracted significant attention from researchers due to its unique biological characteristics, such as echolocation, complex niche adaptability, and diverse dietary habits. In recent years, the precipitous decline in bat populations has posed a potential threat to ecosystem stability, making Chiroptera a key focus in conservation biology. As a crucial component of modern socio-economic development, road infrastructure exerts profound impact on plant and animal populations, becoming a major research hotspot in conservation biology. This study focuses on bats, systematically reviewing relevant research and proposing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of roads on bat populations while improving their habitat quality. 

Summary: This study focuses on Chiroptera, conducting a systematic review of 108 representative studies from both domestic and international sources. Through in-depth analysis, we systematically summarized the effects of traffic noise and road lighting on bats during road construction and use. The results indicate that traffic noise and light pollution universally and diversely affect the acoustic structure and foraging behavior of bats, with species-specific responses. Based on these findings, we propose a series of targeted strategies. First, we recommend establishing and enhancing road assessment and regulatory systems, integrating ecological impact assessments into the entire process of road planning and construction to ensure that economic development aligns with ecological conservation. Second, we suggest increasing noise-blocking facilities, implementing sound barriers and green belt, and other noise-mitigation measures to minimize traffic noise on bat habitats. Additionally, optimizing road lighting design by using low-intensity, low-frequency flickering lights to reduce light pollution and its disruptive effects on bats. 

Perspective: These strategies aim to mitigate the negative impacts of roads on Chiroptera, improve their living conditions, and provide scientific and practical guidance for the conservation of this unique and ecologically important mammalian group.

Key words: echolocation, road ecology, traffic noise, road lighting