Why conserve bats?
“First and foremost, for a reason we do not see stated as often as we should in conservation arguments: simply because they are, like all other organisms, part of our astonishingly rich biosphere. Bats are part of a global ecosystem, with a part to play in its continuing evolution. Must we justify their existence only in terms of what they can do for humans?” (Altringham 2011).
“First and foremost, for a reason we do not see stated as often as we should in conservation arguments: simply because they are, like all other organisms, part of our astonishingly rich biosphere. Bats are part of a global ecosystem, with a part to play in its continuing evolution. Must we justify their existence only in terms of what they can do for humans?” (Altringham 2011).
Threats to bats
Sadly, many bats are under severe threat from increasing human pressure. Habitat loss, climate change, roost destruction, disease, deforestation, bushmeat trade, guano mining, disturbance and persecution, and increasing numbers of wind farms are all causes of bats declining globally. Some bat species are classified as threatened as the black rhino (Critically Endangered) or cheetah (Vulnerable). In southern Africa there are 14 bat species that are considered by IUCN to be Data Deficient - in other words, so little is know about these species that they cannot be assessed. At least 18% of bats are considered to be threatened globally, and bats are currently being reassessed using updated information to determine their extinction risk. With increased human-induced impacts it is likely that we are going to see this figure grow.
The world is changing at an unprecedented rate - habitat destruction and climate change are considered to be the biggest threats to wildlife globally. Additionally, bats are unfortunate in being a largely misunderstood group - often persecuted and disliked wherever they occur. Despite accounting for roughly 20% of mammals species, Africa largely remains a bat-conservation void with limited research and conservation efforts that is further confounded by lack of funding and resources.
So why do bats get such bad press?
Traditional fears of bats are based on exaggerated negative portrayals of bats, such as vampires gorging on human blood and false information about bats such as them bats being blind or getting stuck in your hair. Most bats have good eyesight, and are incredibly agile using echolocation calls to navigate - so will not get tangled in your hair! Even if you were stood in a roost with bats swarming around you they would still avoid you – ask any bat researcher who has been trying to catch them! If you are out walking and a bat flies around you most likely it will be foraging on the insects attracted to your body heat, so consider them your mozzie protector!
There are no vampire bats in Africa, vampire bats are found in Central and South America (there are three species but only one feeds on mammalian blood - e.g. livestock and recently observations have been made of vampire bats feeding on sea lion blood). People also fear contracting rabies from bats, rabies is no more prevalent in bats than most other animal-eating mammals but people are far more likely to catch rabies from a domestic or wild carnivore than a bat. The only time bats in Africa will bite people is if they are trapped and being handled. If you find a bat stuck inside a building or injured outside please wear gloves if you handle the bat.
The world is changing at an unprecedented rate - habitat destruction and climate change are considered to be the biggest threats to wildlife globally. Additionally, bats are unfortunate in being a largely misunderstood group - often persecuted and disliked wherever they occur. Despite accounting for roughly 20% of mammals species, Africa largely remains a bat-conservation void with limited research and conservation efforts that is further confounded by lack of funding and resources.
So why do bats get such bad press?
Traditional fears of bats are based on exaggerated negative portrayals of bats, such as vampires gorging on human blood and false information about bats such as them bats being blind or getting stuck in your hair. Most bats have good eyesight, and are incredibly agile using echolocation calls to navigate - so will not get tangled in your hair! Even if you were stood in a roost with bats swarming around you they would still avoid you – ask any bat researcher who has been trying to catch them! If you are out walking and a bat flies around you most likely it will be foraging on the insects attracted to your body heat, so consider them your mozzie protector!
There are no vampire bats in Africa, vampire bats are found in Central and South America (there are three species but only one feeds on mammalian blood - e.g. livestock and recently observations have been made of vampire bats feeding on sea lion blood). People also fear contracting rabies from bats, rabies is no more prevalent in bats than most other animal-eating mammals but people are far more likely to catch rabies from a domestic or wild carnivore than a bat. The only time bats in Africa will bite people is if they are trapped and being handled. If you find a bat stuck inside a building or injured outside please wear gloves if you handle the bat.