South African National Parks: Removal of bat houses in Kruger National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that, following consultation with internal divisions such as tourism operations, scientific and conservation services, it has started a project to remove all bat houses in Kruger National Park. The operation aims to minimise the number of bats that roost inside the National Park's Rest Camps. According to SANParks, the removal of bat houses is starting at Lower Sabie Rest Camp, which is mainly affected by bat influx.
The bat houses provided alternative accommodation for bats and in most cases the bats move onto nearby structures when the bat houses fill up. This is a long-term process as it can be affected by weather conditions such as rainfall events.
Over the years, Lower Sabie Rest Camp has experienced an unpleasant odor of bat droppings and bat noise in some of its buildings including guest accommodation, which led to visitor complaints. SANParks hopes to delicately manage the situation to the satisfaction of both nature and the guests.
SANParks is aware that it is a complicated matter to keep bats out of buildings as they originate from the surrounding natural bush. However various other mechanisms will be explored after the bat houses removal to deter bats from taking up residence in the tourist accommodation units. We'll keep you posted!

also read: Kruger National Park: Project to minimise bat infestation at rest camps to be rolled out! >>

Kruger National Park: Project to minimise bat infestation at rest camps to be rolled out!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that it is aware of the infestation of bats in some units at rest camps in Kruger National Park. As a protected area, Kruger National Park is managing biodiversity as naturally as possible and as such has to find a delicate balance between wildlife and the many visitors that enjoy nature.
The infestation is seasonal between April and October and SANParks' scientists and conservation management teams are rolling out a project to minimise the bat infestation in a safe and humane manner. The proposed solutions include sealing unit roofs so that the mammals can't gain access to the buildings and other methods to discourage the animals from roosting on the verandas. The project will commence on 08 April 2024 at Lower Sabie Rest Camp and move to other camps.