It's wrong to blame bats for the coronavirus epidemic

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Peter Alagona, University of California, Santa Barbara

(THE CONVERSATION) Genomic research showing that the COVID-19 coronavirus likely originated in bats has produced heavy media coverage and widespread concern. There is now danger that frightened people and misguided officials will try to curb the epidemic by culling these remarkable creatures, even though this strategy has failed in the past.

As an environmental historian focusing on endangered species and biological diversity,...