Diversity and Conservation of Cave-Roosting Bats in Central Ghana

Abstract

Background Ghana is one of the six bat diversity hotspots on the African continent, yet its caves have not been fully explored for the bats they host. Research Aims We aimed to assess the species composition and diversity of five caves in central Ghana and identified those needing immediate conservation attention. Methods Using mist-nets, we captured bats over 102 full nights between October 2010 and July 2012 from the Upper Guinean forest and Savannah regions in central Ghana. Results A total of 10,226 bats belonging to nine species were recorded. PERMANOVA suggested significant variation in species composition among the caves. A SIMPER analysis revealed Coleura afra and Hipposideros jonesi to be the main discriminating species between caves, with a dominance of Hipposideros cf. ruber in all caves. The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) revealed Mframabuom cave from the Upper Guinean forest region as a high priority cave hosting threatened species, yet highly disturbed. The remaining caves were identified as medium priority caves. Conclusion The results of the study suggest the need for further research and an immediate conservation strategy as essential for approaching national conservation goals.