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Life Without

Life Without Bats

Oct 16, 2026 · 15m

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On this episode

About this episode

No bats in the night sky. In this episode of Life Without, Alan Davies imagines a world where bats suddenly disappear. From tiny insect-eaters to fruit bats, what would humanity miss when these remarkable mammals are gone? Alan explores the role bats play in controlling insects, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. He also examines their surprising social lives, their unusual immune systems, and what they might teach us about disease and ageing. Featuring Professor Kate Jones, Professor of Ecology and Biodiversity at UCL, and Dr Christina Stanley, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Chester. An ITN production for BBC Radio 4