In this episode, we chat with Emeritus Professor Paul Racey, one of the best-known figures in bat ecology and conservation. Paul talks about how his interest in bats began when he was at school, watching dusk fall and becoming curious about the animals that emerge after dark. He shares how early teachers, university life, and time in the field helped shape what became a lifelong career.

We look back over Paul’s many years of work, including his role in helping to establish the Bat Conservation Trust. He reflects on how bat conservation has changed, why public interest and understanding really matter, and the moments that shifted the field forward—particularly the arrival of full-spectrum bat detectors.

Paul also discusses some of his key research, from discoveries about bat breeding to the work of his students, and why mentoring the next generation has always been so important to him. The conversation touches on his work afield too, covering his research in Madagascar, where working closely with local scientists led to the discovery of a new bat species Pipistrellus raceyi.

Listen to our episode with Sue Swift here.

Listen to our episode with Jon Russ here.

Take a look at Pipistrellus raceyi.

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