About AfricanBats NPC
Bats account for one-quarter of all mammalian diversity on the globe. The African continent, Madagascar, and its adjacent islands are home to over 349 extant bat species, accounting for approximately 25% of world bat diversity. Bats play a crucial role in the health and condition of ecosystems. They occupy a key niche, with insectivorous species serving as principal nocturnal predators and frugivorous species supporting forest renewal.
Many plants, such as Baobab, rely on their nighttime visitation for pollination and seed dissemination. Both groups of bats are also highly vulnerable to environmental change and rising pesticide levels. The consequences of habitat and climate change on these species are unknown, and if there are, there is significant discussion about the positive and negative repercussions. These effects on bats have a direct impact on food security and zoonotic infections in humans.
The fact that we know so little about the distribution, abundance, and biology of the numerous species is critical. Most societies associate bats with dark and evil sorcery or as carriers of deadly diseases, and they are unfairly persecuted.
In July 2004, the open access quarterly magazine African Bat Conservation News (ISSN 1812-1268) was launched with the goal of creating a venue where observations, notes, ideas, and conversations on bat conservation may be voiced in a written format. The inaugural edition of the African Chiroptera Report (ISSN 1990-6471) was published in July 2006, with annual updates. The publication of the African Chiroptera Report coincided with the launch of the African Chiroptera Project, whose aim at developing a holistic program to aid in the conservation of Africa's bats.
The establishment of a Non-Governmental Organisation was one of the goals of the African Chiroptera Project indicated with the objective to coordinate an integrated approach. As a consequence, AfricanBats NPC was registered as a Not-For-Profit Company (Reg# 2012/007836/08) on 18 January 2012, in accordance with Section 10 of the South African National Companies Act (71 of 2008), which governs Not-For-Profit Companies. In 2015, AfricanBats NPC was registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (930 049 527) under Section 30(3) of the South African Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 (the Act) on March 1, 2012, and as a Nonprofit Organisation (155-917 NPO) under Section 70 of the South African Nonprofit Organisation Act 70 of 1997.
"For as the eyes of bats are to the blaze of day, so is the reason in our soul to the things which are by nature most evident of all." - Aristotle
Our Mission
Our mission is to protect and conserve bat populations across Africa through monitoring, education, and management strategies. We believe that by promoting the importance of bats and their role in the environment, we can create a sustainable future for these vital species and work towards living in harmony.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see healthy and thriving bat populations across Africa. We hope to create a future where bats are recognized and appreciated for their ecological importance and are protected from threats such as habitat loss, disease, and persecution.
We rely on the generous support volunteers, associates, donors and sponsors to carry out our important work. Your support will help us continue our efforts towards bat conservation and ensure a sustainable future for these important species. Thank you for supporting AfricanBats NPC!