Rationale
Though threatened in some areas by loss of habitat, increasing fatalities due to wind turbines and increasing frequency and duration of droughts in parts of its range, the species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution (estimated extent of occurrence is 943,008 km2), presumed large population, its occurrence in many protected areas and modified habitats, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. While monitoring data show an increase in numbers in some urban and peri-urban areas in KwaZulu-Natal, local declines have also been reported due to drought conditions. We infer that the population is stable. However, with a recent increase in wind farms across the eastern part of the assessment region where this species occurs, monitoring fatalities from wind turbines and subsequent impacts on population numbers is required as this may become a severe threat.
Regional population effects: Its habitat is connected to the rest of its southern African range where it is widespread and common, thus we infer that rescue effects are possible.
Population trend
Trend
Wahlberg's Epauletted Fruit Bat is a common species and numbers appear stable over much of its range and it is well represented in museums, with over 280 specimens examined in Monadjem et al. (2010). For example, monitoring data since 2007 has shown evidence of increasing subpopulations in urban and peri-urban areas in KwaZulu-Natal (C. Schoeman unpubl. data). However, it may be experiencing local declines elsewhere in its range due to a number of threats. For example, declines caused by wind turbines (MacEwan 2016), or extended periods of drought, such as that in KwaZulu-Natal (Bat Interest Group KwaZulu-Natal, unpubl. data). Subpopulations should be systematically monitored so trends can be established.
Threats
While there appear to be no major threats to the species overall, there are several threats that could be causing local declines. The species is threatened by loss of habitat due to dune mining in KwaZulu-Natal. Over the past five years a decline in the population in KwaZulu-Natal has been observed, with the cause suspected to be loss of coastal forest due to dune mining as well as extensive drought (Bat Interest Group KwaZulu-Natal unpubl. data). It is also suspected that the Lagos Bat Virus may be affecting the population as a number of bats caught from Durban and the South Coast have tested seropositive for the virus. Moreover, recent wind farm developments across the eastern portion of the assessment region pose a very serious threat for the species. Bats that fly near to turbine blades, either collide directly with a blade or experience barotrauma, which is the internal bleeding caused by rapid changes in air pressure near the blades Photo 3) (Baerwald et al. 2008; Cryan & Barclay 2009; Rydell et al. 2010). Fatalities from wind turbines for this species were recorded in 2015 and are likely to escalate (MacEwan 2016). The impact that these threats will have on the overall population in the assessment region is currently unknown and the species needs to be monitored especially in relation to mortalities from wind turbines. Roost disturbance and removal of large trees used as roost sites are also plausible threats in some parts of its range.
