Assessing the extent of land-use change around important bat-inhabited caves
Abstract
Modification and destruction of natural habitats are bringing previously unencountered animal populations into contact with humans, with bats considered important zoonotic transmission vectors. Caves and cave-dwelling bats are under-represented in conservation plans. In South Africa, at least two cavernicolous species are of interest as potential zoonotic hosts: the Natal long-fingered bat Miniopterus natalensis and the Egyptian fruit bat Rousettus aegyptiacus. Little information is available about the anthropogenic pressures these species face around important roost sites. Both bats are numerous and widespread throughout the country; land-use changes and urban expansions are a rising concern for both conservation and increased bat-human contact.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 20, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1186/s40850-021-00095-5
Entities
People
- Mariëtte Pretorius
- Mark Keith
- Wanda Markotter
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- National Research Foundation