Balancing risk and reward—Perceptions of bats and their ecological role in Reunion island

Context : Bats provide vital ecosystem services but can also generate disservices or sanitary concerns, particularly where human–bat interactions are frequent. Understanding public perceptions of bats is essential for effective conservation and risk communication.

Objectives : This study investigates the drivers of public perceptions of bats on Reunion Island, focusing on knowledge, perceived ecosystem services and disservices, and bat‐related sanitary risk perceptions.

Methods : An online questionnaire was completed by 768 residents. Structural equation modelling was used to examine relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, Nature‐relatedness, personal experiences with bats, bat knowledge and perceptions, allowing assessment of both direct and indirect effects on risk perception.

Results : Residents most frequently associated bats with insect pest control and biodiversity maintenance, whereas guano accumulation and noise disturbance were the most cited disservices. Higher Nature‐relatedness and education level correlated with greater bat knowledge and agreement with ecosystem services. Positive encounters with bats were linked to higher knowledge and lower perceived disservices. Negative perceptions of disservices and bat interactions were associated with elevated sanitary risk concerns.

Conclusions and Implications : Perceptions of bats are shaped by both cognitive and experiential factors. Context‐specific public education, promoting positive bat interactions and targeted outreach can reduce misconceptions, support risk mitigation and foster coexistence. In island ecosystems such as Reunion, integrating perception‐based strategies into conservation and public health planning is essential.