African Bat Conservation (CRA Project)

African Bat Conservation (ABC) was set up in 2011 by Dr Emma Stone as part of UK Charity Conservation Research Africa. ABC conducts work in Malawi with a focus on applied research, outreach and education, capacity building, and conservation. Despite its rich biodiversity, pressures such as changing agricultural practices, deforestation, development and several other interconnected factors have caused Malawi to be highlighted as an area of concern for bat populations.

I started off as a student with ABC in 2017 conducting my MRes research and then in 2019 I joined the ABC Team as the Research Manager. As part of my role, I led the Team on activities including the collection of valuable data to advise stakeholders; as well as contributing to influencing policy and conservation practices for bats in Malawi. Some of the research studies we conducted during my time was the 'Urban Eidolon Project', 'Roosting Requirements of Nycteris bats', 'Impacts of Habitat Fragmentation' and working on the 'Bats of Malawi' guide book.

In addition to line managing and training the ABC staff, I supported and supervised both international and national students as well as overseeing the volunteer mentorship program. ABC work in partnership with the Bath University Bat Conservation Research Lab (UK), The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Malawi, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Lilongwe City Council.