The African continent and Madagascar and its associated islands contain about 258 extant species of bats, which comprises about 25% of the global bat diversity. Bats are an important component in ecosystem health and condition. They occupy a critical niche, the insectivorous species being primary nocturnal predators and are susceptible to increased levels of pesticides, while frugivorous species a
re critical for forest regeneration. Many plants are dependent on these night time visitors (e.g. Baobab), for both pollination and seed dispersal. Both groups of bats are also greatly susceptible to environmental change. The effects of habitat and climate change on these species are unknown, and if so, there is much speculation as to the impacts, both positive and negative. These impacts on bats have a direct impact on food security and human related zoonotic diseases. What is of primary concern is that we know very little about the distribution, abundance or the biology of the various species. Also from a cultural perspective, bats are perceived by most African cultures as associated with dark and evil magic, and are persecuted.
