Wildlife Weekly28 Apr 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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