Bat Diversity in Nigeria

Nigeria is located in a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot with its southeastern rainforests   forming part of Africa's most diverse region for bat species. 

Hosting about a third of bat species known to occur in Africa, Nigeria’s bat richness comprises about 100 recorded bat species from 8 families. These interesting flying mammals are important pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect pest controllers, but they are among the least studied and highly valued groups of animals in Nigeria.

Families of Bats Found in Nigeria

Nigerian bats consist of several families that have unique characteristics:

• Pteropodidae (Fruit Bats): These are old-world fruit bats that are highly efficient seed dispersers and important pollinators. Examples are the Straw-colored Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum) and Woermann's long-tongued Fruit Bat (Megaloglossus woermanni).

• Rhinolophidae (Horseshoe Bats): These insectivorous bats are characterized by horse shoe-shaped nose leaves for echolocation e.g. Hills horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hillorum)

• Hipposideridae (Leaf-nosed Bats): Close relatives of the Rhinolophidae, the leaf-nosed bats are insectivorous bats also known to have advanced echolocation. An example from this family is the rare and endangered Short-tailed Roundleaf bat (Hipposideros curtus) which was rediscovered in Nigeria after 40 years of not being seen in the wild.

• Nycteridae (Slit-faced Bats): These bats are distinguished by a deep furrow down the face and are successful night-time insectivores. 

• Molossidae (Free-tailed Bats): They are fast-flying and high-flying insectivorous bats, commonly known to roost in buildings, bridges and caves example is the Angolan Free-tailed bat (Mops condylurus)

• Miniopteridae (Bent-winged Bats): These insectivorous bats are characterized by their bent wings as their name implies and members include Miniopterus inflatus in Nigeria.

• Vespertilionidae (Vesper bats): A family of small insectivorous bats, they are the most diverse and widespread of all bat families with simple facial features. Example of these bats are the lesser woolly bat (Kerivoula lanosa)

• Emballonuridae (Sheath-Tailed Bats): These are typically small to medium-sized bats that roost in tree hollows and caves. The Mauritian tomb bat (Taphozous mauritianus) , is found in parts of Nigeria and is known for roosting in buildings.

Why Bats Matter in Nigeria

Bats might not be the first animals that come to mind when we think about healthy ecosystems, but they should be. Often active at night and rarely seen up close, bats quietly provide services that benefit both people and the environment.

• Forest Regenerators Fruit bats like the straw-colored fruit bat (Eidolon helvum) are key seed dispersers. As they feed and travel, often covering long distances, they also scatter seeds that help forests grow back and stay diverse. 

• Pollinators of Valuable Plants Some bats also act as pollinators, helping plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. This includes crops like bananas, dawadawa, and shea butter that are not only ecologically important but also vital to local livelihoods.

• Natural Pest Managers Insect-eating bats are powerful allies to farmers and communities. A single bat can eat over 1,000 insects in one night, including mosquitoes and crop pests. This natural pest control helps protect crops and reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

Threats and Conservation Efforts

Despite their ecological importance, Nigerian bats face significant threats:

• Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural development.

• Hunting

• Persecution due to negative perceptions

• Human-caused wildfires