Red List of South African Species

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Least Concern (LC)
Assessors: Ara Monadjem Lientjie Cohen David Jacobs Kate MacEwan Leigh Richards Corrie Schoeman Theresa Sethusa Peter Taylor
Contributors: Matthew Child Domitilla Raimondo Samantha Page-Nicholson
Reviewers: Ara Monadjem Lientjie Cohen David Jacobs Kate MacEwan Leigh Rosanne Richards Corrie Shoeman Theresa Sethusa Peter Taylor

Rationale (Changed due to Same category and criteria)

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution (estimated extent of occurrence is 481,288 km2), its occurrence in multiple protected areas across its range and because there are no identified threats that are thought to be causing widespread decline. The previous assessment in 2004 was Near Threatened due to Chiropteran experts rarely observing this species. Since then it has been discovered that it avoids mist nets and is more easily sampled using harp traps. As there is no restriction to its habitat availability in the assessment region, it is widespread across the continent, and due to this species having been recorded a number of times in harp traps since 2008, the population is considered stable. However, further field surveys are required to collect more comprehensive data on population size, trends and local threats. If research estimates a mature population size of < 10,000 and a net declining population trend, then this species will qualify as Vulnerable C2a(i) and will thus need reassessment. Additionally taxonomic resolution is required.

Regional population effects: This species occurs as one continuous subpopulation within the assessment region and into the neighbouring countries of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. However, it has low wing loading (G. Delcros, P.J. Taylor & M.C. Schoeman unpubl. data) so rescue effects are assumed to be insignificant.

Distribution

This bat is widely but sparsely recorded across sub-Saharan Africa (Cotterill 2013), from Liberia and Guinea in the west, to Ethiopia and Kenya in the east, and ranging as far south as southern South Africa. Habitat models indicate it could occur in Namibia (Monadjem et al. 2010). In the assessment region, the species ranges from Knysna in the Western Cape, northwards through eastern KwaZulu-Natal, through Swaziland and eastern Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and into Zimbabwe, northern Botswana, Zambia, southern Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi (Monadjem et al. 2010). The type material is from Knysna (Monadjem et al. 2010). The estimated extent of occurrence is 481,288 km2.

Population trend

Trend

Abundance is uncertain and poorly represented in collections possibly because their day roosts are hard to find and they seem to be able to avoid being captured in mist nets (Cotterill 2013). For example, only 37 specimens were examined in Monadjem et al. (2010). It does not form large colonies but rather breeds in pairs in old nests and other roosts, making quantification of the population difficult. However, it is likely that, similarly to K. argentata, it has been overlooked because it avoids mist nets (Monadjem et al. 2010). Surveys using harp traps are needed. Research is needed to quantify population size and trends.

Threats

There appear to be no major threats to this species (ACR 2015). However, within the assessment region, deforestation may cause local declines but the severity of deforestation on the population overall is unknown. For example, habitat loss resulting from crop cultivation and afforestation is occurring in KwaZulu-Natal (Jewitt et al. 2015). Logging of indigenous trees may lead to localised loss of roosting sites.

Uses and trade

There is no evidence to suggest that the species is traded.

Conservation

This species is recorded from numerous protected areas within the assessment region, such as Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and Motlatse Canyon Provincial Park in Limpopo; iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal and Garden Route National Park in the Western Cape. While no specific interventions are possible until further research has assessed the severity of local threats and identified important subpopulations outside protected areas, this species would benefit from further protected area expansion, such as that being planned to link Maputaland to the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area (Smith et al. 2008).

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Use harp traps (instead of mist nets) for field surveys (Monadjem et al. 2010).
  • Reduce pesticide use in agricultural landscapes.
  • Identify new colonies and roost sites.
Research priorities:
  • Surveys are needed to identify further subpopulations, quantify the size of the population and determine population trend in the assessment region.
  • Further studies are needed to better understand its taxonomic status (ACR 2015).
  • Further studies are also required on the species’ feeding ecology and reproductive behaviour.
Encouraged citizen actions:
  • Citizens can assist the conservation of the species by reporting sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iSpot and MammalMAP), and therefore contribute to an understanding of the species distribution.

References 

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,]
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