Reverses long-held assumption that origin was in Asia, Africa or North America
WCS Scientists contributed to landmark study
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A landmark study, the largest combined bat genome and fossil study ever undertaken, finds that bats most likely originated in Europe around 65 million years ago, before spreading across the world. The work also reveals that echolocation, like flight, evolved near the dawn of bat evolution, and lays the groundwork for research into the genetic basis of bats' exceptional longevity and disease resistance, with potential relevance to human health.
The hammer-headed bat (Hypsignathus monstrosus) is the largest bat species in mainland Africa. Photo credit: Sarah Olson ©️WCS Canada
BRONX, NY (September 23, 2026) — A landmark study published in Nature reveals that bats, the only mammals capable of powered flight, most likely originated in Europe approximately 65 million years ago. The international Bat1K consortium, comprising 137 researchers from 64 countries, combined genomic data from 103 bat species with 44 fossils to reconstruct bat evolution, revise the bat family tree, and shed new light on the early development of flight and echolocation.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) scientists Dr. Sarah Olson, Director of Health Research, and Dr. Alain Ondzie, Congo Field Veterinarian, contributed biological samples from the hammer-headed fruit bat (Hypsignathus monstrosus) to this groundbreaking research.
“We're proud that WCS's fieldwork helped bring the hammer-headed fruit bat into this global investigation of bat evolution. Findings like these, on bat origins, flight, and disease resistance, only happen when field conservationists and scientists work side by side,” said Dr. Sarah Olson.
“This is a proud moment for our Congo team. The samples we collected on the ground are now part of one of the largest bat genome studies ever done, alongside contributions from dozens of countries,” added Dr. Alain Ondzie.
Beyond resolving longstanding questions about bat origins and evolutionary relationships, the study establishes a foundation for investigating the genetic basis of bats’ remarkable disease resistance and longevity. With more than 1,500 species playing essential roles in ecosystems worldwide, bats offer valuable opportunities to advance conservation science and potentially inform future research into human immunity, ageing, and disease resistance.
Read our news release.