The bats in OAU are actually one of the most fascinating and unique features of the university. Many people see them as a nuisance, but scientists from OAU and other institutions have studied them for decades because of their ecological importance.
What species of bats are they?
The bats commonly seen in OAU are known as the Straw-coloured Fruit Bat
They are among the largest fruit bats in Africa and are easily recognized by:
Their straw or yellowish-brown fur around the neck.
Large wingspans that can reach up to about 70–90 cm.
Their habit of roosting in very large colonies.
These bats feed mainly on:
Fruits,
Nectar,
Flowers,
Pollen.
They do not feed on blood and are not vampire bats.
How did the bats come to OAU?
Interestingly, the bats were not introduced by humans.
They naturally migrated to the area because OAU provides ideal conditions for them:
Numerous tall trees for roosting.
Relative safety from hunters.
Abundant food sources within and around Ile-Ife.
A stable environment with less disturbance.
Researchers describe them as migratory animals that move across parts of sub-Saharan Africa following seasonal food availability.
How long have the bats been in OAU?
The bats have been part of the OAU environment for several decades
Evidence suggests they have been present since the early years of the university, likely from the 1960s and 1970s OAU scholars were already conducting bat research by the early 1980s, indicating that the colonies had become well established long before then. Professor Eyo Okon even devoted an inaugural lecture titled The World of Bats to their study in 1984.
Today, many OAU alumni regard the bats as one of the university’s unofficial symbols.
Where are they mostly found in OAU?
Studies have shown that they prefer areas with tall mature trees, particularly around:
Faculty of Science,
Faculty of Administration,
Some hostel environments,
Other tree-lined sections of the campus.
Recent mapping studies confirmed that the largest concentrations occur around these areas.
Advantages of the bats in OAU
1. Seed dispersal
As they eat fruits and fly long distances, they spread seeds across forests and surrounding areas.
This helps:
Regenerate forests,
Maintain biodiversity,
Support natural vegetation growth.
2. Pollination
They help pollinate flowering plants, especially those that bloom at night.
This contributes to:
Plant reproduction,
Agricultural productivity,
Ecosystem stability.
3. Scientific research
The OAU bat population has become valuable for:
Zoological studies,
Ecological research,
Veterinary and microbiological investigations.
Many academic papers have been produced from studying these bats.
4. Tourism and identity
For many visitors and students, the evening sight of thousands of bats leaving their roosts is unforgettable.
The bats have become part of OAU’s identity and uniqueness.
Disadvantages of the bats
1. Noise pollution
Large colonies produce loud sounds, especially during the day.
Students and staff near roosting areas sometimes complain about this.
2. Droppings (guano)
Their droppings can:
Dirty vehicles,
Stain walkways,
Create unpleasant smells,
Damage surfaces over time.
3. Public health concerns
Studies have shown that bats can carry microorganisms capable of causing disease, although direct transmission to humans is uncommon.
Researchers in OAU found bacterial organisms in bat faecal samples, emphasizing the need for proper hygiene around roosting sites.
4. Tree damage
Very large colonies can stress trees through:
Continuous roosting,
Accumulation of droppings,
Breaking of branches.
Why hasn’t OAU removed them?
Despite the inconveniences, the bats are protected largely because:
They perform important ecological functions.
They are part of ongoing scientific research.
Eliminating them could disrupt local ecosystems.
They have become an iconic feature of the university.
Conclusion
The bats of OAU are much more than flying animals hanging on trees. They are long-term residents of the university ecosystem, likely present for over half a century. They contribute positively through seed dispersal, pollination, and research opportunities, yet they also pose challenges such as noise, droppings, and potential health concerns.
For better or worse, the Straw-coloured Fruit Bats have become one of the living symbols of Obafemi Awolowo University, making OAU one of the few university campuses in Africa famous for hosting such a remarkable bat colony.
NOW YOU KNOW THAT THE FAMOUS BATS IN OAU HAVE BEEN PART OF THE UNIVERSITY FOR OVER 50 YEARS? 🦇
Love them or hate them, they’ve become one of the unofficial symbols of Great Ife. While some see them as a nuisance because of their noise and droppings, others believe they play an important role in nature by dispersing seeds and pollinating plants.
*Credit: Great Ife Students