Bats without Borders was set up as an NGO by Rachael Cooper-Bohannon  in 2013. Growing up in rural KwaZulu Natal (South Africa) as part of a wildlife-loving family, it was her father’s infectious passion for all things in the natural world which led Rachael into conservation.

Rachael first realised bat conservation across Africa was urgently needed after hearing Professor Paul Racey given a passionate talk in which he stated that 'most of Africa remains a bat conservation-void'. It wasn't until a few years later that she realised the magnitude of bat persecution and bat conservation challenges during her PhD fieldwork in southern Africa, 
Rachael completed her PhD at the University of Stirling in 2015, titled: ‘Assessing the distribution of bats in southern Africa to highlight conservation priorities’. The findings of this research, as well as ongoing in-country partner engagement and input from our Scientific Advisors have translated into our key priorities and informs all of the activities of the charity.
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Our colony is incredibly proud of the work that has been achieved, especially as Bats without Borders essentially runs on volunteer time and has very limited funding. This determination comes from Rachael's passion for bats and their conservation in southern Africa and would not be possible without our operational volunteers, interns, partners, Scientific Advisors, Board and Ambassadors!

Future Plans
Watch this space for our 2026 - 2030 strategic plan!