Welcome to PacBat!
PacBat is a collaboration between the Australasian Bat Society (ABS), the Global Union of Bat Biodiversity Networks (GBatNet), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and a range of local, regional, and global conservation organisations.
PacBat is an inclusive network committed to promoting diverse representation and direct involvement from local leadership.
PacBat integrates Oceania into the growing tapestry of bat diversity networks (GBatNet) to help leverage the collective knowledge and expertise of this global consortium for improved local conservation outcomes. The network is working towards establishing an effective unified bat conservation strategy for Oceania to help catalyse much-needed community-led conservation actions.
OceaniaOceania is a culturally diverse region encompassing Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia. It has a poor record for extinctions, particularly for island endemic birds and mammals, including bats. Major threats include habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, and overexploitation. |
Oceania batsOceania is home to 191 species of bat. They have great cultural-historical significance, as totems, food, and currency. They are also of key biological significance due to the important ecological services they provide, especially on isolated islands. Yet, they are disproportionately under threat, as many are island endemics with small ranges. |
Bats under threatThe 191 bat species in Oceania include 7 of the world’s 9 Extinct bat species and 28 of the world’s 106 Endangered and Critically Endangered bat species. 83 species are imperriled in some way. There is an urgent need for an effective, unified approach to bat conservation throughout the region! |
OUR GOALIdentifing priorities and impediments, and helping implement solutions, for effective, community-led bat conservation in Oceania |