Understanding human-bat interactions and risk perceptions in rural Thailand: a qualitative study from Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to determine characteristics of human-bat interactions, community beliefs, and mitigation strategies in the Banphot Pisai district of Nakhon Sawan province, Thailand. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a total of 35 respondents, comprising guano collectors, local authorities, and residents residing near bat-inhabited areas. The findings indicated various interactions with bats, including guano collection, occasional bat consumption, and indirect exposure due to proximity to caves. Economic benefits, including guano trade and ecotourism, were significant; however, respondents also noted signs of risks, such as skin irritations, problems with breathing, and zoonotic diseases such as histoplasmosis. Respondents recognized three bat species in the area: Javan Pipistrelle, Noctule, and Intermediate Flying Fox, each linked to specific habitats and behaviors. Cultural beliefs, including rituals for spiritual protection, significantly influenced interactions with bats. Although villagers implemented strategies, such as wearing protective clothes, utilizing insect repellents, and maintaining proper hygiene to mitigate risks, issues like insufficient awareness and irregular application of preventive measures were observed. These findings suggested the need for targeted health education, behavioural change communication, and community interventions to promote safer practices. The study emphasized the importance of community education, building the capacity of local leaders and health workers, and utilizing mass media to promote safer practices and awareness of zoonotic risks. Future research should focus on occupational risks associated with guano collection, zoonotic disease transmission patterns, and culturally sensitive and co-developed interventions to promote safer interactions with bats.