African Bat Conservation

Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABC's main field research center is located in Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve (VMWR). VMWR is a national game reserve located in the Northern District of Malawi, it covers an area of 1,000km2 of flat terrain, its water source being the Nyika plateau which lies to the north and east. It is home to a wide variety of large mammals in Malawi and a fascinating range of lowland bird species.

Our research aims is to establish a long-term biodiversity monitoring project (BMP) to determine and monitor bat population trends, assess species threats and provide conservation recommendations.

The VMWR research camp is rustic but very comfortable with canvas safari tents, equipped with beds, mattresses, linen, comfy sofas and generator/solar power, flushing toilets and working showers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lilongwe City

2016 sees ABC establish another workbase in Lilongwe city, in coordination with CRA's new project; the Urban Wildlife Project. This exciting study focuses on urban roosts, human-wildlife conflict and carrying out BMPs in a heavily disturbed environment.

 

Lilongwe is the largest and capital city of Malawi with an estimated population of 1,077,116 for 2015.

The aim of the Urban Wildlife Project is to assess the behavioural ecology of focal species, which includes bats, to inform human-wildlife conflict management and promote human wildlife coexistence. Visit the Urban Wildlife Project page for more information.

The staff house and office in Lilongwe is near the centre of 'Old Town' close to main roads and amenities. Accommodation is a shared 3-bedroom house with living area, kitchen, hot showers and flushing toilets.