The aim of this project is to assess how bats respond to habitat perturbations and ascertain the differences among bat community within different habitat types in the Mbam and Djerem National Park. This protected area is under threat due to human encroachment, deforestation and fragmentation. Bats shall be captured using standard mist netting in different habitat types and identified to species level using morphometric measurements. Roost sites in the study area will be mapped using a GPS. Finally, a questionnaire survey will be administered among the locals in order to understand knowledge and altitude about bats. The bat assemblages within these habitats will provide valuable information to predict future trends in bat diversity in light of increasing encroachment and land use in the area.
This award was supported by the US Fish and Wildlife Foundation.