Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are globally significant sites for conservation. To date, c. 16,600 KBAs have been designated worldwide. Many of these evolved from the network of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and were thus designated because of their value for threatened bird species. Most have yet to be reassessed under the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs, established in 2016 for other taxa. In 2022, the Global Union of Bat Diversity Networks established a global collaboration to proactively include bats, where appropriate, in the KBA initiative.

At the 20th International Bat Research Conference, in Cairns, Australia, in August 2025, we convened a symposium and workshop to promote the inclusion of bats in the KBA network. This was supported with funding from The Rufford Foundation. Over 100 people from 30+ countries participated in both events, at which speakers summarized the current situation regarding bats and KBAs in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua and Uganda. During the workshop we reviewed the KBA designation process and looked at examples of how bats could be included in current and future KBAs. As well as potentially adding bats to the lists of species for current KBAs, there was a discussion of the designation of new KBAs based on their importance for bats. The bat species most likely to qualify as a KBA trigger are those categorized as threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered) on the IUCN Red List, those with restricted ranges or those that congregate in large numbers, typically in caves, mines or trees. As a follow-up to the Conference, an online group has been established to drive forward the formal review of bats in the KBA process.

This collaborative work is ongoing and proposals are starting to be submitted to KBA National Coordination Groups for formal review. The Christmas Island KBA (Australia) was submitted in October 2025 and included the Vulnerable Christmas Island flying fox Pteropus melanotus as a trigger species. In Kenya, Mount Suswa has been proposed as a new KBA for the Vulnerable Harrison’s large-eared giant mastiff bat Otomops harrisoni as this is the largest known aggregation of the species, and steps are underway to identify the species as a KBA trigger across its range in north-east Africa. The KBA initiative is a vital tool in the conservation of threatened bat species and their habitats and will help ensure bats are recognized fully in the Global Biodiversity Framework.