Innocent Onoh
Nigeria could significantly reduce its malaria burden, save millions of naira in healthcare costs, and support ecosystem regeneration by prioritizing the conservation of bats, according to Dr. Bennett Obitte, a bat expert and PhD researcher based in the United States.
Speaking during a virtual media roundtable to commemorate the 2025 International Bats Appreciation Day, Dr. Obitte emphasized the critical role bats play in controlling mosquitoes—vectors of malaria—and other disease-spreading pests.
“Mosquitoes are a major problem in Nigeria. The reason we’re not completely overwhelmed may be due to bats,” he said. “Bats feed on mosquitoes and other harmful vectors, contributing immensely to disease control.”
International Bats Appreciation Day, observed every April 17, seeks to raise awareness about the ecological importance of bats and foster appreciation for these often-misunderstood mammals.
Dr. Obitte noted that bats are among the most economically beneficial animals, offering vital ecosystem services such as pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal.
“Bats save farmers millions of dollars every year by consuming insects,” he said, citing data from developed countries. “A single bat can eat between 500 to 1,000 insects in one night.”
Ecological Powerhouses: Tree Planters and Pollinators
Obitte explained that fruit bats, by carrying fruits away from trees and dispersing seeds over long distances, contribute to natural reforestation. Some bats can travel hundreds of kilometers in a single night.
“They are perhaps the most efficient seed dispersers. Their role in forest regeneration is unmatched,” he said.
Bats also play a key role in pollinating plants like the shea tree, which blooms at night and depends on bats for fruiting.
Threats to Bat Survival in Nigeria
Despite their ecological importance, bats in Nigeria face widespread threats including habitat loss, hunting, and use in traditional medicine. Obitte revealed that Nigeria is home to around 100 bat species, many of which are now endangered.
He condemned Incidents like the mass killing of 4,000 bats in a single hunting expedition in Cross River State, describing it as a major conservation setback.
“The main threats are habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and construction. We are essentially bulldozing their homes,” he warned.
While hunting for food affects primarily larger fruit bats, cave-dwelling bats are also being targeted, threatening entire colonies.
Call for Action: Enforcement and Education
Obitte called for stricter enforcement of Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws, especially those governing forests and endangered species. He emphasized the need to protect natural ecosystems and designated conservation areas.
“There are sufficient policies in place, but enforcement is lacking. Protected areas like national parks must be truly off-limits to hunting and logging,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of changing negative cultural perceptions that associate bats with witchcraft or bad omens.
“I have handled thousands of bats across continents—none were possessed,” he joked, countering common myths.
Grassroots Conservation Efforts
Since 2012, Obitte has led awareness and research initiatives through the Small Mammals Conservation Organization. His team supports student research and community engagement in states like Cross River and Edo to deepen understanding and protection of bats.
“We’re building local capacity and supporting the next generation of bat scientists in Nigeria and West Africa,” he said.
However, he lamented limited funding, low public awareness, and insufficient ecological data as key obstacles to conservation progress.
Media’s Role in Awareness
The virtual roundtable was convened by Festus Iyorah, Nigeria Representative of Wild Africa, who emphasized the role of journalists in shaping public understanding.
“The media is essential in bridging the gap between science and society,” Iyorah said. “Bats are vital to Nigeria’s ecosystem, yet they remain misunderstood and threatened.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s rich bat biodiversity—over 90 species—and called for more storytelling and advocacy to protect these ecologically vital creatures.
“Bats are essential for our forests, our farms, and our health. It’s time we saw them as allies, not enemies,” he concluded.