Introduction

Bats play a large role in the environment. This includes pest control, pollinating, and seed dispersal. However, human development often disturbs their migration. Renewable energy systems contribute to a disturbance of migration patterns. This leads to higher bat mortality. In North America, it is estimated that 90 percent of bat populations will see a large population decline within the next 15 years. Conservation is vital to their survival. However, sustainable development cannot halt completely. As humans continue to face climate change, these sources of renewable energy become more important. Leaders must consider the impact of these crises on various species, such as bats. The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) plays a key role in the future of these species.

Technology Inaccessibility 

One of the primary drivers of rising bat mortality rates is the global disparity in conservation technology. Many countries lack tools to analyze migration patterns, conduct predictive modeling, or pre-evaluate risks of urban development. While advanced tools like infrared sensors and lightweight GPS trackers exist, they remain inaccessible to many countries due to a lack of funding and the growing global wealth gap. While some regions can track every wingbeat, others are left “blind” to the needs of their local ecosystems.

In 2025, the University of Florida used chemical tracking to map migration routes of bats and their collisions with energy infrastructure. This was effective as it provided accurate data that could be used to study migration routes. Despite possible uses of this method, it has not yet been widely developed. This leads to a gap in knowledge regarding bat migration. The consequences can be catastrophic. Without mapped routes, essential green energy projects, like wind turbines, are often built directly in the path of migrating bats. This leads to catastrophic population losses.

On the same note, bat data is vital to conservation. While it can help with migration paths, it also indicates successes in efforts. For example, in 2025, a tricolored bat was caught in the USA for the first time in six years. This indicated to researchers that a population was present in that region. It also filled in gaps with mapping, allowing the focus to shift toward areas of lower bat populations.

As urban areas expand, a lack of migration data could become a death sentence. New buildings and infrastructure can physically block flight paths or destroy rest stops bthat ats need to survive long journeys. Without these sites, bats suffer from fatal fatigue. Ultimately, the technological divide is a root cause of bat mortality. To save these species, the international community must bridge this gap, ensuring that every state has the tools to protect the biodiversity within its borders.

Lack of Enforcement

Today, CMS is key to wildlife protection. However, there is a large lack of global enforcement. Current collaboration depends on voluntary participation. It is also made of non-binding agreements, meaning that it is not legally enforceable. This leaves gaps in protection for many species.

Even though states and countries may commit to reaching a certain goal, many fail to uphold their commitment. This may be due to costs, resources, or a lack of concern. The 2025 CMS monitoring report noted that over 80 percent of participating countries failed to progress toward the Rome Strategic Plan. This plan aims to reduce the illegal killing of flying animals by 2030. However, only eight out of the 46 assessed countries are on track to meet this goal. These are primarily European countries. This gap shows how a lack of enforcement and support allows many to fall behind.

This issue is particularly visible in regions like Yucatán, Mexico, where a major controversy erupted in late 2025. The state government launched a pest control initiative aimed at protecting livestock from diseases like screwworm. The program involved the large-scale, non-specific netting of bats using mist nets. However, conservation groups and federal authorities quickly condemned the project. They argued that because the netting was indiscriminate, it would accidentally capture and kill beneficial species, thereby threatening both biodiversity and public health.

Despite these concerns and the presentation of scientific alternatives, the initiative was fueled by local tourism and agricultural interests. This case study highlights a recurring theme in international debate: When high-tech monitoring and enforcement are absent, governments may default to low-tech, high-impact solutions that favor immediate economic development over the hidden value of a healthy ecosystem.

CMS provides space for cooperation. However, the monitoring report notes that it has minimal enforcement. Because of this, discussions must include sharing information and accountability. For migratory bats, the continuation of their species is highly dependent on coordinated protection.

Conclusion

Today, bats face the risk of extinction. This is mostly due to interruptions during their migration. Habitat loss and increased mortality rates are products of human development. Solving these issues requires cooperation. This is vital to protect bats. Without closing gaps, global progress towards sustainable energy and urban development will continue to harm biodiversity. Delegates in CMS must discuss how to preserve bat populations while protecting key industries.

Bibliography

1. Barbas, Lillia. The Killing 3.0. Cambridge: Birdlife, May 2025. https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/document/cms_mikt6_Inf.8.3a_The%20Killing%203.0%20-%20Full%20report_0.pdf.
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4. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. “Mist Net Survey at Preserve Lays Groundwork for Bat Conservation.” August 19, 2025. https://www.nwcildlife.gov/blog/bat.
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7. Yucatan Magazine. “Yucatan’s ‘Bat Sweep’ Called Illegal and Dangerous.” September 8, 2025. https://yucatanmagazine.com/campaign-to-kill-bats-in-yucatan-is-condemned/.