Ecotourism Pressure and Conservation Gaps in Cave-Dwelling Bat Habitats of Southern Africa: A Policy and Biodiversity Perspective

Cave ecosystems are biologically rich yet ecologically fragile environments that host specialised fauna, notably cave-dwelling bats. These species provide critical ecosystem services, including pollination, seed dispersal, and insect regulation. However, the expansion of cave-based tourism across Southern Africa poses growing threats to subterranean biodiversity, particularly through habitat degradation and behavioural disruption of bat populations. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the ecological roles of cave bats and evaluates the impacts of tourism-related activities on species richness, abundance, and roost fidelity. Drawing on regional data and comparative international case studies, it identifies patterns of vulnerability and resilience among bat communities, and highlights conservation strategies that integrate scientific monitoring with community engagement. The review underscores the importance of policy-driven cave management, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks, ecological baselines, and public awareness to mitigate anthropogenic pressures. Key challenges include insufficient monitoring, fragmented governance, and limited integration of cultural values into conservation planning. By proposing a science-based, socially inclusive approach to cave-tourism development, this review contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism and biodiversity protection. The findings aim to inform policymakers, conservation practitioners, and tourism stakeholders on best practices for safeguarding cave ecosystems while enhancing socio-economic benefits in biodiversity-rich regions.