“Safi Quarry Bats Project” Unsuspected cryptic bats biodiversity in the Safi quarry as a potential roost and foraging habitat; better understanding to better protection
Despite their ecological importance, bats often lack sufficient scientific and public support, as evidenced by their absence from biodiversity inventories in your descriptive file. In Morocco, 31 insectivorous bat species have been identified, with eight species recorded in Safi province, representing 26% of the country’s bat diversity (Dbiba et al., 2023). The “Safi Quarry Bats Project” aims to inventory the bat assemblages frequenting the Safi quarry, either as a hunting habitat or as a refuge, mainly cracks and abandoned structures.
Given the significant anthropogenic pressures on natural habitats known in the Safi region, such as El-Haouiya, Sidi Benkrara, and Gora’an caves, which host important bat colonies, including two endangered species. This project seeks to evaluate the potential of the Safi quarry as an alternative sanctuary. The quarry, with its unique geological features, may offer an important refuge from human disturbance that is affecting natural habitats.Key species of concern include Rhinolophus mehelyi (VU), Myotis punicus (DD), Miniopterus schreibersii/maghrebensis (VU/NT), Pipistrellus pipistrellus (LC), and Eptesicus isabellinus (LC). The project will assess whether the quarry’s existing cracks, tunnels, and abandoned structures can be adapted to provide a safe habitat for these bat species. It will also explore opportunities to improve the quarry’s suitability as a long-term sanctuary by mitigating the effects of anthropogenic pressures.
Furthermore, “Safi Quarry Bats Project” aims to foster local and public awareness about the importance of bat conservation. By involving the local community in monitoring efforts and conducting outreach programs, we aim to promote a broader understanding of how such sites can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Ultimately, the Safi quarry could become a model for the rehabilitation of former industrial sites, balancing ecological needs with community engagement and sustainable management.
