By Dimitri KOTO, Executive Director of the NGO Groupe d’Action pour le Développement à la Base, Project Manager at the NGO Agriculture Biologique au Service de l’Environnement, expert in Water- and Climate-Related Crisis and Disaster Management, and specialist in Wildlife Ecosystem Conservation (Bats).
Often misunderstood and overlooked, bats play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance. In Benin—particularly in the city of Parakou—their conservation is emerging as a strategic priority for forest regeneration, urban biodiversity, and sustainable territorial management.
While conservation policies frequently focus on emblematic species, bats remind us that ecosystem resilience also depends on less visible but equally essential species.
A Major Ecological Role in Tropical Ecosystems
Bats are fundamental actors in the dynamics of tropical ecosystems.
They contribute to:
- seed dispersal,
- pollination,
- natural forest regeneration.
In many tropical regions, bats are among the primary seed dispersers. Their nocturnal activity supports the recolonization of degraded landscapes and helps maintain plant diversity.
Without bats, the natural capacity of ecosystems to regenerate would be significantly weakened.
Urbanization and Habitat Fragmentation: Growing Threats
Urban biodiversity is declining and becoming increasingly homogeneous. In Benin, expanding agricultural and pastoral activities, combined with rapid urbanization, are leading to:
- habitat fragmentation,
- destruction of daytime roosting sites,
- reduced food resources,
- degradation of water sources.
Bats are particularly sensitive to the availability of roosting sites. In many environments, their presence is more limited by the availability of safe shelters than by food resources.
In Parakou, as in many rapidly growing African cities, integrating biodiversity considerations into urban planning is becoming essential to ensure the survival of these species.
Conservation Efforts Still Focus Too Heavily on Flagship Species
Conservation strategies often prioritize large mammals that are more visible and attractive for tourism.
However, small mammals, including bats, are equally vulnerable to habitat degradation. Their ecological importance is frequently underestimated, which limits their inclusion in public conservation policies.
Rebalancing conservation priorities requires acknowledging the strategic ecological role of these discreet yet indispensable species.
Parakou: Toward a Local and Participatory Approach
A recent diagnostic study conducted in Parakou and surrounding areas highlights several encouraging findings:
- the existence of local knowledge related to bats,
- their use in traditional medicine,
- community openness to establishing a local bat protection unit.
Effective bat conservation in Benin cannot succeed without the involvement of local communities. Integrating socio-cultural dimensions and traditional knowledge into conservation strategies is essential to ensure long-term sustainability.
What Actions Can Strengthen Bat Conservation?
Three priority areas emerge:
Strengthening Forest Monitoring and Enforcement
Improving control systems to limit illegal logging and habitat destruction.
Restoring Key Habitats
Including bat habitat restoration in urban and rural land-use planning strategies.
Preventing Vegetation Degradation
Reducing human activities that damage the vegetation forming bats’ living environment.
Integrating Bats into Protected Area Strategies
Protected areas play a central role in biodiversity conservation across West Africa. However, their effectiveness also depends on the inclusion of less visible species.
Bat conservation in Benin illustrates the importance of a comprehensive approach: protecting habitats, supporting scientific research, and strengthening community engagement.
Protecting bats means safeguarding the natural processes that sustain forest regeneration and enhance ecosystem resilience in the face of increasing environmental pressures.