Applying the Metacoupling Framework to Multi-Scalar Conservation Planning: An Analysis for the Endangered Indiana Bat

The ongoing biodiversity crisis, driven by human activity, climate change, and disease spread, is reflected by the rapid decline of animal populations across all phylogenetic groups. Bats exemplify a group highly susceptible to these threats. While threats to bats are often studied locally, global interactions remain overlooked. Using a literature-based analysis and the metacoupling framework (including the telecoupling framework), which analyzes human–nature interactions across local to global scales, we take a holistic approach to understanding how conservation strategies can support both biodiversity and ecological and socioeconomic sustainability. Focusing on the Indiana bat (an endangered species with an accelerating population decline for which such a comprehensive analysis is urgently needed), we find how local, regional, and global factors contribute to the shrinking population. Results indicate that local factors include habitat disturbance, cave tourism, and public perceptions. Regional factors include inconsistent regulations and land-use change (e.g., suburban sprawl). Global factors include ecotourism, distant consumer demand (e.g., the timber market), and climate change. White-Nose Syndrome affects bats across scales. The results also suggest that conservation strategies limited to local interventions alone are insufficient. This paper advances sustainability research by applying the metacoupling framework to species conservation, demonstrating how local-to-global human–nature interactions can inform more effective and sustainable management strategies.