Bats are in Trouble - Please Help to Save Them!

Why are bats in trouble?

It is generally believed that bat populations worldwide, as well as in South Africa have declined worldwide in recent decades. Worldwide many bat species have become extinct or are on the verge of extinction.

South Africa has 56 recorded species of bats. Of the 75 species found in the sub region of southern Africa, 20 species of insectivorous bats and 2 species of fruit-eating bats are listed as Threatened in the IUCN Red List of threatened Animals. Of these, 9 are listed as either Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable, meaning that they face a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Because bats have low reproductive rates, populations are very susceptible to elevated mortality or depressed recruitment. There is scientific concern about the conservation status of bats as many species of bats are increasingly affected by multiple actions of humans such as ignorance, suspicion, pesticide poisoning, roost destruction and closure, habitat loss, over-exploitation, and extermination as pests.

Some bats have moved into residential areas because human expansion has resulted in loss of habitat, forcing bats to look for alternative roosts in which to live and raise their young. Due to misconceptions and ignorance, some residents would utilize unacceptable and senseless methods to get rid of these bats, even if it means killing them.

Some of the factors threatening the survival of bats are:  

• Ignorance.

Probably the greatest worldwide threat to the survival of bats is human ignorance. Because many people misunderstand bats, they fear them and consider them dangerous, or worse - view them as supernatural beings! Our lack of knowledge results in many people destroying or harassing them. Even organizations committed to the environment have been reluctant to save bats because they are not "charismatic" mega animals.  There is a definite correlation between level of knowledge of bats and the degree of concern for them!

• Habitat Loss.

Deforestation and human encroachment of natural habitats has lead to roost destruction and loss of foraging areas.

• Extermination and Over-exploitation.

Mindless and senseless killing of bats has massively destroyed beneficial bat colonies.

The following factors have pushed many species into extinction:

• In Third-World countries they are slaughtered for food or killed to prevent their so-called 'supernatural' powers;
• In the tropical Americas, many species of bats are exterminated in vampire bat control projects;
• Fruit Farmers are exterminating bats to protect their crops;
• Over-collection of bats by the scientific community for research and by animal dealers to satisfy the pet industry

• Pesticide Use.

Bats are poisoned by eating pesticide-contaminated insects and plants. As fellow mammals, the impact of chemicals on bats should alarm us. Even more alarming is the irresponsible use of pesticides against bats residing in our homes. The same poison that exterminates the bat is also likely to make us sick. No pesticide in South Africa is registered for use against bats, which makes it illegal to poison bats. In practice, fumigation of bats by pest control companies still continues, fuelled by public ignorance.

• Human Disturbance.

Millions of bats have died by people exploring caves in winter. Entry into bat hibernation caves causes bats to awaken and lose valuable energy reserves. Bats are also disturbed by people, often children, by accidentally finding them during hibernation or roosting.

Loss of bats increases demand for chemical pesticides, can jeopardize whole ecosystems of other animal and plant species, and can harm human economies.

Save our Bats! Here's How!

KIDS:

• Do what you are doing now...learn more about bats.
• Tell your family and friends what you know about bats so they will respect them too.
• Have your family become members of GNoR BIG, or your local Bat Interest Group.  Click here to find out more on memberships.
• Tell your teachers what you have learned about bats and ask if learning more about bats can become a  classroom project.
• Do not disturb bats where they live.  Stay out of their homes.  Don't go into caves where they live, or under bridges where they are, or in buildings where you might find bats.  Leave them alone!
• Never try to keep bats as pets. They will die due to the lack of the correct food. They are only happy being free in nature.
• Never chase, catch or handle any bat. You may injure its delicate structures or it may bite you trying to protect itself

HOME OWNERS & PARENTS

• Get all the facts about bats and teach your children everything about them and their benefits.
• Stop ignorance! Share your knowledge with your neighbours, friends and relatives!
• Become involved in the conservation of bats by joining GNoR BIG, or the local Bat Interest Group in your area and join us on our outings or educational talks. Encourage your friends to do the same.
• Make a point of watching bats at dusk at your home or while on holiday.
• Try to identify the bats in your area and put up bat houses for them. If you send us clear photographs, we will try to identify them and advise you on the correct type of bat housing;
• Encourage game reserves to put up bat houses so that guests can view their departure at dusk;
• Never use lethal poisons such as fumigation with methyl bromide or timber treatments such as lindane, and fungicides such as pentachlorophenol (PCP) in your house.
• Never use lethal poisons in your garden to get rid of insects. Allow the birds and bats to feast on them.
• If you have to get rid of bats roosting in your home, put up bat houses before evicting them. Never evict them during daylight, hibernation or while the babies are too young to fly.
• Do not use pest control companies who are not 'bat friendly'. Get free advice from GNoR BIG when you are experiencing bat problems.
• If you find a bat in your home, never kill it. Open all windows and doors and give it time to escape without chasing it. Injured bats may be taken to FreeMe or contact us for advice. 
• Children should be taught to appreciate but never handle bats or any other wild animals.
• Plant indigenous trees to provide food and shelter for bats