Wild Africa has urged the Federal Government, private sector, and conservation groups to intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s threatened bat species.
In a statement marking the 2025 International Bat Appreciation Day, Nigeria Representative Festus Iyorah noted that the country hosts about 100 bat species.
This is one-third of Africa’s total, many of which face extinction.
The 2025 IUCN Red List highlights several Nigerian bats, including the critically endangered short-tailed round leaf bat, as high-risk.
Threats include deforestation, mining, agriculture, light pollution, and bushmeat trade.
Fruit bats, especially the straw-coloured species are Africa’s most hunted.
They are widely consumed in Nigeria, raising ecological and public health concerns due to their role as zoonotic disease carriers.
Dr. Mark Ofua, West Africa Spokesperson for Wild Africa, emphasized the ecological importance of bats and called for peaceful coexistence.
Ofua also expressed support for the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill pending in the House of Assembly.
Citing studies, the group noted that bats and birds can save farmers up to $478 per hectare annually by reducing pests on cocoa farms under shaded canopies.
The group called on all Nigerians, especially lawmakers, to back the conservation bill and protect the country’s biodiversity.
