Public Talks and Walks

Bats KZN volunteers give many talks to schools and clubs each year. Sometimes for clubs these are scheduled for the late afternoon so that the talk can be followed by a Bat Walk – an evening of mist netting and listening to bats with bat detectors to identify and record details of local bats. We plan our program of talks many months in advance, if you would like to arrange a bat talk for your school or club, and have a suitable room that can be darkened and has electricity available, then please contact secretary@batskzn.co.za  giving your full contact details and, if possible, 3 alternate dates at least 6 months in advance.

Introduction To Bats

Batss KZN holds a one day intensive Introduction to Bats course at Shongweni Dam, near Durban. The course covers bat biology, identification of KZN bats, bat roosting habits, myths and truths, problem bats, and handling and working with live bats. A field visit to the Shongweni Dam tunnel, a major roosting site for at least seven bat species, is included. he course is invaluable for biology teachers, zoology students, vets, pest controllers, wildlife conservationists, and anyone generally interested in bats. The next course will be held on Saturday 18th February 2017. Introduction to Bats Courses can also be arranged for private groups of 10 or more participants.

Pest Control Workshops

periodically Bats KZN holds workshops for the Pest Control operators in KwaZulu Natal. The workshop covers bat biology, identification of KZN bats, bat roosting habits, myths and truths, problem bats, bat exclusion techniques and the applicable laws and regulations. The workshops are conducted in English and are aimed at foreman level and above, they are particularly useful for staff and management who visit premises to quote for pest control work to be undertaken. We maintain a database of pest control companies and attendance at these workshops is by invitation.

Bat Rehabilitation

ats KZN hold a 4 day specialist course for bat rehabilitators. It is the only course of its kind held on the African continent and past participants have not only come from other African countries but also from Europe. This highly intensive “hands on” course covers bat biology, first aid and examining injured bats, handling live bats, feeding, transport, short and long term housing, release protocols for treated bats, antibiotics and other medications, baby bats, permits and the long term care of non releasable bats. The course is invaluable for both bat and general rehabbers, SPCA staff, vets and veterinary staff. Numbers are extremely limited so as to give as much practical experience as possible to all delegates. he course days are very long 08h30 to 22h00 being quite normal, meals are provided and we try to make things as enjoyable as possible. This is a specialist course for people dedicated to caring for bats. We also do ad hoc training of rehabbers on a mentorship basis.

Volunteering Training

During the course of 2010 Bats KZN re-launched their volunteer training program. For six months volunteers dedicated one weekend a month to learning about bats, not only in the classroom but on weekend field trips to roosts around the province. The course culminated in a weekend at Nagle dam where the trinees did their final practical and wrote their exam. They were then joined by other bat group members for a costume Halloween party. We shall run more courses like this in years to come.