Did you know?
Bats are the only flying mammals and with 1,450 species worldwide, they account for ~20% of all mammal species. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Africa has an incredible diversity of 300+ species, and across southern Africa we have 130+ species! Most are nocturnal and use echolocation to navigate and hunt at night. The vast majority eat insects, including many pest species, while others are important pollinators and seed dispersers. Some have quite unusual diets that include fish, frogs or even scorpions.
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. Sadly, Africa is largely considered a bat conservation-void with most bats being unprotected outside of protected areas. Habitat loss, land degradation and persecution are major threats to bat populations. While we have a whopping 130+ species in southern Africa we have so much to learn their distribution, ecology and conservation status.
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.
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. Sadly, Africa is largely considered a bat conservation-void with most bats being unprotected outside of protected areas. Habitat loss, land degradation and persecution are major threats to bat populations. While we have a whopping 130+ species in southern Africa we have so much to learn their distribution, ecology and conservation status.
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.
Discover more about bats!
We have an incredible diversity in southern Africa, with over 130 bat species.
This whopping number of bats, are divided into 11 bat families.
This whopping number of bats, are divided into 11 bat families.