Red List of South African Species

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Data Deficient (DD)

Rationale (Changed due to New Information)

This species is sparsely distributed in the arid habitats of Namibia and is also known from a single, isolated subpopulation found in the Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It roosts in inaccessible rock faces that are unlikely to be transformed, and thus the locality does not represent a location. Because no information is available on population size and it is not abundant from elsewhere in its range, we assume there are fewer than 1,000 mature individuals in the assessment region and hence list it as Vulnerable D1. Currently, there is still uncertainty whether L. namibensis and L. wintoni are distinct species or geographical races (molecular research is needed to resolve specific status). Here we assume L. namibensis is a distinct species. Further field studies are needed to identify additional subpopulations and to estimate population sizes and trends. Once such molecular and field data are available, both species should be reassessed.

Regional population effects: Although it has intermediate wing loading (Jacobs et al. 2005; Schoeman & Jacobs 2008), and thus is possibly capable of effective dispersal, the South African and Namibian populations have a disjunct distribution and thus we assume no rescue effects are possible.

Distribution

Endemic to South Africa and Namibia, this species is restricted to the arid, western regions of the countries (Kearney & Seamark 2005). This little known species has been recorded from a few localities in the Namib Desert (Kuiseb River, Gobabeb, Zwartmodder, Klein Aus and Helmeringshausen), and a single area in the Western Cape, South Africa (Algeria in the Cederberg Mountains) (Skinner & Chimimba 2005; Monadjem et al. 2010), where it has been recorded regularly (for example, Jacobs et al. 2005; Sirami et al. 2013). Recent acoustic survey data suggest this species is more widely distributed across the Western Cape than current capture data suggests, with activity recorded in the Cederberg, Agulhas, Franschhoek, Malmesbury, Riviersonderend and Wellington areas (Sirami et al. 2013). However, these data need validation.

Population trend

Trend

Although the species appears to be naturally rare in the Namib Desert, it is commonly sampled in mist-nets set around water tanks outside of the Namib (ACR 2015). Its abundance within the assessment region is unknown, but is regularly caught in mist nets over water in the Cederberg (for example, Jacobs et al. 2005; Sirami et al. 2013).

Threats

Across its full range, no major threats have been identified for this poorly known species (ACR 2015). However, agricultural expansion in the Western Cape may be reducing the prey base of this species by removing natural vegetation and through the use of pesticides. Additionally, climate change has been identified as an increasing global threat to other bat species (Sherwin et al. 2013), and may similarly impact L. namibensis. The Fynbos biome is projected to experience a loss of area of between 51% and 65% by 2050 (depending on the climate change scenario) (Midgley et al. 2002).

Uses and trade

There is no evidence to suggest that this species is traded or harvested within the assessment region.

Conservation

Much of the range of this species is protected within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Similarly, in the assessment region, the species is recorded from the protected Cederberg Wilderness Area. No specific interventions can be implemented until further studies into the distribution and general natural history of this species are completed. This species would benefit from the long-term protection of additional key roost sites when identified, as well as holistic land management that reduces pesticide use and conserves buffer strips of natural vegetation.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Reduce pesticide use in agricultural landscapes and maintain buffer strips of natural vegetation.
Research priorities:
  • Taxonomic revision of the species and its relationship with L. wintoni to determine whether they may constitute different races of the same species.
  • Surveys to determine geographical distribution and identify key roost sites.
  • Systematic monitoring to measure population size and trends.
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.

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