From the tropical rainforests of South America to the deciduous woodlands of the United Kingdom, bats live in highly complex social groups. Whether attracting a mate, forming bonds with their young or maintaining life-saving friendships, they exhibit a huge variety of fascinating social behaviour.

Bats sometimes get a bad press. They have been associated with disease, vampires or evil spirits. However, there is far more to these intriguing mammals than is apparent from a brief glimpse on a moonlit night. Many bats have intricate societies and can even demonstrate an altruistic approach to life.

In this ground-breaking book, a unique group of scientists brings together their wide-ranging experiences of researching bats to tell the story of these animals’ social lives. Each chapter focuses on a particular aspect of sociality, written by a specialist in the area. With over 1,400 bat species identified worldwide, many being crucial to ecosystem function, understanding their social structure is essential for effective conservation strategies. The reader will appreciate the current state of knowledge and gain an insight into the people behind the research. Important outstanding questions are also highlighted.

Accessibly written for a wide audience, this thought-provoking and surprising book is ideal for those with an interest in wildlife, but also for anyone who has simply seen a bat and been curious to learn more about its life.