Data from: Citizen science for bat research and conservation: An international scoping review dataset

Citizen science can play an important role in bat research and conservation, providing valuable ecological data while engaging the public in bat research and monitoring efforts. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature to assess: who is studying or using citizen science for bat research and where; what methods are used in citizen science research for bats; and whether research on bat citizen science has demonstrated impact on participant engagement and scientific outcomes. Fifty-one bat citizen science projects were published between 2014 and 2025. University-led research constitutes 68% (n = 26), underscoring the increasing recognition of citizen science within academic research. However, significant geographical gaps persist, with 67% (n = 35) of studies conducted in Europe, 19% (n = 10) in North America, and limited representation from Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania. Acoustic surveys dominate bat citizen science, accounting for 63% (n = 32) of studies. A lack of region-specific automated acoustic classifiers potentially hinders expansion into biodiversity-rich regions. Studies also varied in their evaluation of participant engagement and conservation outcomes, highlighting a need for more consistent reporting and stronger links between research and conservation action. Addressing geographic and methodological gaps requires broader institutional collaboration, including partnerships with not-for-profit organisations, museums, and government agencies. Such collaborations can strengthen links between public participation, scientific outcomes, and conservation action, and in turn, increase support for bat conservation, habitat protection, and biodiversity policy objectives. # Data from: Citizen science for bat research and conservation: An international scoping review dataset Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.2rbnzs842](doi.org) #### Description of the data and file structure The data were collected as part of a scoping review examining the use of citizen science in bat research and conservation. Peer-reviewed literature published between 2014 and 2025 was systematically searched, screened, and compiled to identify studies that involved public participation in bat monitoring or research. #### Files and variables **File: Bat_CitSci_Lit_Database.xlsx and Bat_CitSci_Lit_Database_csv.csv** **Description:** Citizen science is increasingly used in bat research and conservation, generating ecological data while engaging the public in monitoring and education. This dataset contains information related to the studies included in a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature on bat citizen science published between 2014 and 2025. The dataset provides a structured list of published studies and basic descriptive information extracted during the review process, including geographic location, institutional leadership, and survey methods used. In total, 51 studies were identified, with most conducted in Europe and North America and relatively few from Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania. Acoustic monitoring was the most commonly reported method. This dataset provides an overview of the current distribution and characteristics of published bat citizen science studies and may be used to support future reviews, comparative analyses, and the design of citizen science programs. **Code/software** Any program that will open a spreadsheet, such as Excel, is recommended. **Access information** Data was derived from the sources listed in the references list in the information provided.