The Pemba flying fox Pteropus voeltzkowi: status, distribution and increasing urbanization

Abstract

Conservation of the Pemba flying fox Pteropus voeltzkowi, endemic to Pemba, Zanzibar, has been a success story. Low numbers last century prompted a local conservation response that likely resulted in a 400% increase in the population. But, with project funding having been gradually reduced over 15 years, it is unclear whether the population has maintained its recovery. Here we report findings from a new survey, in 2024, showing that the population size is that of the recovered population in 2008. However, many P. voeltzkowi have moved to urban centres, probably to avoid disturbance, primarily hunting by children. Only half the people interviewed remembered the earlier conservation campaign, but nearly all would support an environmental education campaign aimed at children in schools.