Bats of Nigeria
The Bats of Nigeria Project is our flagship research project at SMACON. Here, we seek to document the country's bat fauna, distribution and ecology. A critical component of this work also involves developing local capacity. As interest in bat research and conservation develops among Nigerian students, we aim to encourage sound science that generates reliable datasets and publishable in reputable journals, contributing to fundamental bat biology, broader ecology and evidence based conservation.
With support from the Harrison Institute, UK and the Museum Naturelle d'Historia, France, we have been working to update the list of Nigerian bats since 2013. More on this coming soon.
Climate Monitoring
Climate monitoring is essential for understanding the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. Through monitoring changes in temperature, rainfall, and wind pressure, we can better understand the risks they pose and take action to protect our forest and its inhabitants.
Socio-ecological Research
We conduct socio-ecological research to assess the influence of human behaviour and anthropogenic activities on bat habitat and biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Our research explores the effects of changes to the environment on bats and helps to inform conservation strategies which protect bats, their habitats, and the wider forest ecosystem.
Ecological Monitoring
The Straw-colored Fruit bat Eidolon helvum is Africa's second largest bat, forming large colonies in wild and urban areas. With a pan-African distribution, the species faces multiple threats including intense hunting in West Africa. We manage five teams of volunteers (students and citizen scientists) working across the country. This is part of the Pan-African population monitoring network! Visit Eidolon website.
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​The project has provide an incredible opportunity for many students and citizen scientists to engage with bats and nature in general. Many Nigerian bat scientists and conservationists got their start as volunteers under this program.
5
Sites across Cross River
12
Ro
10
Fa
12
Counts annually