**2.1 Study sites**

In this project, field activities were conducted in 2 ecological sites; 1) Mount Elgon slopes, and 2) Mabira forest reserve in Eastern and central Uganda; respectively (**Figure 2**). The Mt. Elgon and Mabira forest areas are selected based on the availability of the surviving *BAT* species specimens, and relative climate suitability to regenerate the BAT species; respectively.
