My work mainly focuses on the ecosystem service provision by bats, and the effect of landuse change on insectivorous bat species.
Unfortunately, I can see bat species disappearing from intensively managed agricultural landscapes in northern South Africa. This will likely effect the ecosystem service provision by bats such as pest control and therefore decrease not only the value of crops but also increase the amount of pesticides applied.
An initiative led by the Center for Sustainability Transitions (CST) at Stellenbosch University, in partnership with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and made possible through the JWO research grant.
The development of the BII depends on the input of experts across the continent to adequately represent African biodiversity. The index will be presented in a usable form for decision making. Join our network to get involved or to stay updated as the project progresses.