Bat species richness and modelled distribution of bats in Ghana

Abstract

Bats are amongst the most diverse mammal group with over 1400 species; however, they are also understudied. Ghana, in West Africa, forms part of the Guinean Forest biodiversity hotspot which makes the country a diverse area. There has been little information about bat diversity, richness and distribution in Ghana for the last known publication on this topic was in Grubb et al. (1998). Forests are being degraded and depleted by the increase in human population and anthropogenic disturbances, such as climate and land-use changes. Wild stretches of forests are being converted to agricultural lands to help feed the ever-growing human population and to assist developing nations, like Ghana, sustain their economies. In the process animals, like bats, which are known to assist in seed dispersal, pollination and biological pest control, are being disturbed in their natural habitats. This study investigated which of the agro-ecological zones in Ghana had the highest species richness and diversity (Alpha and Beta-diversity), and to determine which variables (climate or land-use) have influenced the distribution of bats in Ghana, using species distribution modelling (SDM). This study also aimed to identify which agro-ecological zone had a high modelled species richness. The results showed that the Moist Semi-deciduous biotic zone was the most diverse in bat species. The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index between agro-ecological zones, detailed that the Moist Semi-deciduous biotic zone is dissimilar to all the other agro-ecological zones, with high levels of richness. The SDM results also revealed that the land-use variable contributed to 31of the 42 models and determined that the modelled species richness estimate was highest in the Moist Semi-deciduous agro-ecological zone in Ghana. Findings from this research point to the Moist Semi-deciduous zone of Ghana requiring further investigation, as the agro-ecological zone was predicted to have high species richness and diversity, thereby, indicating a high species richness. Agricultural sites and degraded forests vi within the Moist Semi-deciduous zone of Ghana can likely have extensive effects on bat communities, therefore, mitigation of this land transformation to boost the regeneration of degraded forests, as well as assist in biological pest control. This would prevent the use of harmful pesticides that pose a threat, not only to the survival of bat species, but other wildlife as well.