Biodiversity belongs to everyone, not to the National Parks!

Kruger National Park (KNP) has released a statement that they have "embarked on the removal of all bat houses in the park" with the aim being to "minimise the number of bats that roost inside the rest camps".

This is extremely concerning as it is currently the bats' breeding season. Removing houses now will result in the deaths of many unflighted bat pups and will cause bats to flee to nearby buildings in an attempt to seek shelter. This will result in more bats inside of rest camps, not less.

KNP is not being proactive in their approach, stating that "other mechanisms will be explored after the bat houses removal to deter bats from taking up residence in the tourist accommodation units". 

They also state that they have been in consultation with "internal divisions" which begs the question - why not external divisions too? Other bat conservation organisations are invested in this matter. Please KNP, engage with all concerned parties, including the public.

The KNP is home to 80% of South Africa's bats. If this nonsensical operation is allowed to continue, we ask what is the future of our wildlife?

Bats = Biodiversity. There is no such thing as "just a bat".

Take a stand. Request the immediate halt of the removal of the KNP's bat houses until a more comprehensive approach can be explored.