When the sun sets over the rolling hills and rugged coastline of the Overberg, a different kind of wildlife takes to the skies—bats! These fascinating nocturnal creatures are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and even pollinate plants. With around 56 species of bats found in South Africa, the Overberg is home to several, from the tiny Cape Serotine Bat to the impressive Egyptian Fruit Bat as well as the Cape Horseshoe Bat. Whether they’re swooping through the fynbos or roosting in old barns and caves, bats play a crucial role in keeping nature in balance.

Despite their spooky reputation, bats are anything but scary! They’re intelligent, social, and some species can eat thousands of mosquitoes in a single night—making them nature’s very own pest control. But these winged wonders face threats from habitat destruction and misinformation. By learning more about them, we can help protect these fascinating mammals and the important role they play in our environment. So, let’s bust some bat myths and dive into the world of the Overberg’s night-time flyers!

RESOURCES
iNaturalist

Wikipedia

“Bats of the Western Cape” by the Zandvlei Trust

“Red List of South African Species” by SANBI

“Egyptian Free-tailed Bat” article on DeWetsWild

“Rhinolophus capensis” profile on the Animal Diversity Web