Species distribution models were used to predict bat species richness across southern Africa and
to identify potential drivers of these spatial patterns. We also identified species richness within
each biotic zone and the distributions of species considered of high conservation priority. We used
this information to highlight conservation priorities for bats in southern Africa (defined here as
between the latitudes of 8° S, slightly north of Zambia, to the southern tip of Africa 34° S, an area
of approximately 9781840 km2). We used maximum entropy modelling (Maxent) to model habitat
suitability for 58 bat species in order to determine the key eco-geographical variables influencing
their distributions. The potential distribution of each bat species was affected by different ecogeographic
variables but in general, water availability (both temporary and permanent), seasonal
precipitation, vegetation, and karst (caves/limestone) areas were the most important factors. The
highest levels of species richness were found mainly in the eastern dry savanna area and some
areas of wet savanna. Of the species considered to be of high priority due to a combination of
restricted distributions or niches and/or endemism (7 fruit bats, 23 cave-dwellers, 18 endemic and
near-endemic, 14 niche-restricted and 15 range-restricted), nine species were considered to be at
most risk. We found that range-restricted species were commonly found in areas with low species
richness; therefore, conservation decisions need to take into account not only species richness but
also species considered to be particularly vulnerable across the biogeographical area of interestinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio