The Genius Bat

Understanding Our Most Mysterious Mammal

Yossi Yovel

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Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Oneworld Publications
16 October 2025

Animal behaviour; Zoology: Mammals; Conservation of wildlife & habitats; Wildlife: mammals

Step into the shadows and listen

Usually, you’ll hear a bat before you see it – the gentle flutter of wings, their high-pitched chatter as they dive and roll for insects. Only occasionally do you spot them, a blur against the evening sky, quickly fading into the dark.

Despite their elusiveness, bats are some of the most successful animals on Earth with nearly 1,500 known species. From the tiny bumblebee bat – who could rest comfortably on your index finger – to the giant golden-crowned flying fox, whose wingspan stretches well over one and half metres, they are evolutionary marvels, adapted to practically every environment. Reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, they leave cheetahs in the dust. And, while the notorious vampire bat feasts on blood, others are vegetarian, subsisting on fruit and nectar, pollinating vital crops – mangoes, bananas, guavas – in the process. Most remarkably, they are the only mammal that can fly.

Yossi Yovel, an ecologist and a neurobiologist, has spent his life trekking through muddy rainforests and camping in star-covered deserts in pursuit of bats’ secrets. Only recently have we begun to understand the lives of these majestic and oft-maligned creatures and The Genius Bat draws on the latest research to shed light on their mysterious nocturnal lives – as well as the obsessive and eccentric people who study them. Eye-opening and entertaining, you’ll never think of bats the same way again.

By: Yossi Yovel
Imprint: Oneworld Publications
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 135mm, Spine: 29mm
ISBN: 9781836432036
ISBN 10: 1836432038
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 16 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Yossi Yovel is an ecologist and neurobiologist – a rare combination of disciplines. A professor at Tel Aviv University and the head of the School of Neuroscience, he has conducted research all around the world. His work has been covered by major media outlets including the New York Times, Guardian, Financial Times, Economist, NPR, BBC and National Geographic. A sought-after public speaker, he is currently a visiting scholar at McGill University in Montreal.

Reviews for The Genius Bat: Understanding Our Most Mysterious Mammal

'A marvellous book. If you are at all curious about bats and the scientists who study them, this is the book for you.' —Nancy Simmons, Curator of Mammalogy, American Museum of Natural History 'You will never think of bats (or zoologists) in the same way. The book is a masterpiece of storytelling.' ―Ron Milo, author of Biology by the Numbers 'Fascinating... Yovel clearly explains bats' vital contributions to a healthier planet... and provides an insider view of what motivates scientists to study bats.' ―Merlin Tuttle, author of The Secret Lives of Bats and founder of Bat Conservation International 'In this excellent book, Yovel draws you into the lives of bats. He provides many astonishing details of what bats do and why.' ―Brock Fenton, author of A Miscellany of Bats 'Accessible, engaging and inspiring.' ―Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist, Bat Conservation International 'Yovel's passion and curiosity will leave readers with a greater appreciation for the wonders and mysteries of the bat world. This is a revelation.' ―Publisher's Weekly (starred review) 'Yovel’s enthusiasm for these little creatures is infectious.' ―Library Journal