Wildlife Weekly28 Huhti 2025

International Bat Appreciation Day: The Role of Bats in Nigeria’s Ecosystem

Bats play a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control; however, they are often

misunderstood and persecuted because of superstitions and fears. In Nigeria, bats are frequently

hunted for bushmeat, and some species are at risk from deforestation and cave destruction. For this

episode, and in honor of International Bat Appreciation Day, the presenter will discuss debunking myths

and highlighting the ecological importance of bats.

Nigeria has 100 bat species, one-third of Africa’s bat diversity. Dedicated bat conservation in Nigeria

began in 2012, with monitoring and roost protection of the Straw-colored Fruit bat. Since then, bat

conservation in Nigeria has expanded to include two additional species: the Egyptian roulette fruit bat

(Rousettus aegyptiacus) and the Short-tailed round leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros curtus).

Intense hunting of large-bodied fruit bats for food is reported across West Africa, and Nigeria allows bat

hunting.

Efforts to protect roosts and conservation outreach programs to involve communities in conserving bats

are ongoing. Both fruit bat species are primary seed dispersers and pollinators, so steep population

declines jeopardize valuable ecosystem services, forest regeneration, and ecosystem health.

Additionally, Nigerians have a negative perception of bats. They see them as witches, and sometimes

say bats represent a bad omen.

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Jaksot(37)

Ibadan Malimbe- The Endangered Songbird originally from Ibadan

Every November, the international Bird festival celebrates birds. This year's event focuses on creating awareness about an extremely rare songbird, The Ibadan Malimbe at IITA.The bird is only found ne...

13 Tammi 23min

Enhancing Wildlife Protection Laws in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s current wildlife law is old and inconsistent with international standards. Besides, it has weak penalties and provides little or no deterrence for wildlife criminals. This story will examine...

9 Joulu 202525min

World Vulture Day: Why Are Vultures Vanishing in Nigeria?

Vulture populations on the African continent have plummeted catastrophically over the last 50 years,with some species declining by as much as 97%. Seven of the eleven African vulture species are at ri...

25 Syys 202521min

World Rangers Day

July 31 is World Ranger Day, which honors the dedication and crucial work rangers do daily around theglobe. The day offers an opportunity to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty a...

30 Elo 202521min

World Zoonosis Day - Protecting humans from zoonotic diseases

Every July, the world observes World Zoonoses Day, a special day to create awareness about diseases that originate in animals and can be transmitted to humans. It is estimated that 60% of infectious d...

21 Heinä 202526min

World Parrots Day - Why are parrots disappearing?

Parrots are among the world's most intelligent and traded wildlife species. In Nigeria, they are affectedby habitat loss, a bustling pet trade online, and wildlife markets for their parts. Their f...

12 Kesä 202530min

International Turtle Day: Protecting Nigeria’s Sea Turtles from Extinction

Nigeria’s coastal waters are home to five species of sea turtles, including the critically endangeredHawksbill and Leatherback turtles. Yet, they face severe threats from poaching, plastic pollution, ...

26 Touko 202530min