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The wonderful world of bats

Bats are an incredibly diverse, fascinating and shy group of mammals. but are largely misunderstood, undervalued and understudied. Bats are the only group of mammals that can fly and they use echolocation to navigate and hunt at night. The vast majority of bats eat insects, including many pest species, but are also important pollinators and seed dispersers and some have quite an unusual diet of fish, frogs or even scorpions.

Did you know that with over 1,420 species worldwide, bats account for roughly 20% of all mammal species?

Over the past few decades bat populations have been declining at alarming rates and many species are now endangered. Globally roughly 25% of bats are considered to be at risk of extinction. Southern Africa has over 120 species but for many of these species we currently know very little about their distribution, ecology and conservation status.

What we do know is that as major insect-controllers and pollinators, bats are important for ecosystem health and hugely beneficial to humans. Evidence is growing of the role of bats as biological control agents; these often voracious predators consume huge quantities of insects.

Bats without Borders is committed to securing a future for bats in southern Africa through applied research, conservation advocacy, capacity strengthening and engagement. There are many ways to get involved, including helping us to promote a positive image of bats.

Learn about the significant benefits bats provide to us and how they are importat for ecosystem health.
Alarmingly an estimated 25% of bat species are considered to be at risk from extinction - why are bats at risk?

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1Bats without Borders is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity number SC044185) | ​© 2013-2021 Bats without Borders
  • Home
  • Bats and COVID-19
  • About bats
    • Role of bats in our ecosystems
    • Threats to bats
    • Bats in southern Africa
  • About us
    • The Team
  • Donate
  • Webinars