Many bat conservationists know that Kasanka National Park in Zambia is an exceptional place for bats, but it is also the place that sparked my passion for these animals.
In 2022, my colleague Alison Simpanzye and I participated in a conservation internship offered by Bats without Borders (BwB). This internship was aimed at providing early career professionals with conservation training and mentorship.
One of the highlights of my internship was the opportunity to attend a workshop led by Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC). Through this workshop, I gained my first hands-on experience with bats!
The workshop, led by MTBC and Daniel Hargreaves, focused on sampling methods to study bats. This program taught me how to set up mist nets, safely handle bats, and use key characteristics for identifying different species. We captured both insectivorous and fruit-eating bats, and I was amazed by the differences. We also carried out surveys at dawn, watching straw-colored fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) as they returned to their roosts. The survey team consisted of 14 people, and it was great interacting with such a large group of like-minded individuals.
One of my favorite experiences was witnessing millions of straw-colored fruit bats filling the sky. It was truly spectacular and was the largest congregation of wildlife I had ever seen. I felt proud of Zambia’s commitment to protecting such a unique place. I was also impressed by the number of tourists visiting the park to see this incredible spectacle.
Meeting leading bat conservationists, Merlin Tuttle and Daniel Hargreaves, was also incredible. It was inspiring to hear about their experiences and all the projects they have been involved in around the world, as well as how they use photography to showcase the beauty and diversity of bats to improve people’s attitudes towards these animals.
My experiences with MTBC, Kasanka National Park, and BwB greatly enhanced my passion for bat conservation and my knowledge about these incredible animals. This internship allowed me to learn more about bat behavior and ecology, as well as the threats they face. Thanks to people like Merlin, I became particularly interested in research and community engagement.
Currently, I am working for BwB as a Junior Conservation Officer and am involved in education and community engagement. I believe that including the community in bat conservation efforts is essential to promote positive attitudes towards bats and facilitate peaceful co-existence between bats and people. Additionally, I am a postgraduate student at the University of Malawi. I am studying Epauletted fruit bats’ roost ecology, diet, and ecological role in seed dispersal in the Mangochi District.
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Bats are among the most fascinating yet misunderstood creatures in the natural world, and for many conservationists, a single experience can ignite a lifelong passion
The Kasanka Trust is a non-profit charitable institution, which secures the future of biodiversity in Kasanka National Park in Zambia. They welcome internships for students
MTBC’s Antoniya Hubancheva Award was established in honor of Antoniya Hubancheva—the recipient of our first student scholarship (thanks to a generous gift from our first director,
Merlin and MTBC team members spent 19 days in Costa Rica last November on a filming trip for “Bat City” with its Director and Emmy
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Madelline Mathis has a degree in environmental studies from Rollins College and a passion for wildlife conservation. She is an outstanding nature photographer who has worked extensively with Merlin and other MTBC staff studying and photographing bats in Mozambique, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Texas. Following college graduation, she was employed as an environmental specialist for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She subsequently founded the Florida chapter of the International DarkSky Association and currently serves on the board of DarkSky Texas. She also serves on the board of Houston Wilderness and was appointed to the Austin Water Resource Community Planning Task Force.
Michael Lazari Karapetian has over twenty years of investment management experience. He has a degree in business management, is a certified NBA agent, and gained early experience as a money manager for the Bank of America where he established model portfolios for high-net-worth clients. In 2003 he founded Lazari Capital Management, Inc. and Lazari Asset Management, Inc. He is President and CIO of both and manages over a half a billion in assets. In his personal time he champions philanthropic causes. He serves on the board of Moravian College and has a strong affinity for wildlife, both funding and volunteering on behalf of endangered species.
