Bats are the ancestral reservoir of lyssaviruses including RABV and a remarkable diversity of species perpetuate distinct lyssavirus lineages across the world (see Classification). Unfortunately, much less is known regarding transmission of lyssaviruses in bat reservoirs (see Bats and Conservation). Sympatric bat species may contribute to lyssavirus circulation within one or more reservoir hosts.

Bats are fascinating highly specialised animals. They are the only mammals capable of true flight. With more than 1,200 bat species throughout the world, they count for a quarter of all mammal species. Bats are often considered “keystone species” because they are essential for ecosystems across the world. For example, the majority of bats are insectivorous species and feed exclusively on night-flying insects, including many agricultural pests. Therefore, as main predators of night-flying insects, bats play a significant role in controlling insect populations.