Red List of South African Species

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

Rationale

This species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution (estimated extent of occurrence in the assessment region is 75,424 km2), and its occurrence in several large protected areas. It is locally very common in Limpopo and is able to use human structures as roost sites. Savannah habitats in the assessment region are well protected. Though locally hunted and persecuted, the species is not likely to be declining. However, as it is patchily distributed across its range and considered to be generally rare, data on subpopulation sizes and trends are needed and this species should be reassessed once such data are available.

Regional population effects: Although patchily distributed through southern Africa, the distribution of this species probably extends into southern Mozambique and Zimbabwe through transfrontier parks. Given its high wing-loading (Monadjem et al. 2010), dispersal capacity is assumed to be sufficient for rescue effects.

Distribution

The Midas Mops Bat is widespread but patchily distributed across the lowland and savannah regions of West and East Africa (including Senegal, Nigeria, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda), Madagascar, and into southern Africa (Monadjem et al. 2016). In Madagascar, this species is generally restricted to the drier western and southern habitats at altitudes below 150 m asl (Ratrimomanarivo et al. 2007). The species has been recorded from northeastern South Africa, through the Kruger National Park in South Africa to Zimbabwe, northern Botswana, northern Namibia, southwestern Zambia and southern Malawi (Monadjem et al. 2010). Habitat models suggest that suitable conditions occur in the western parts of southern Mozambique, but it is yet to be collected there (Monadjem et al. 2010). In the assessment region, it only occurs in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. The estimated extent of occurrence in the assessment region is 75,424 km2.

Population trend

Trend

It is generally considered to be rare across its range (Monadjem et al. 2016). In the eastern regions of the species’ distribution, it is considered to be locally abundant, where it roosts communally in small to large groups that may number in the hundreds (Monadjem et al. 2010), but globally the population is thought to be declining (ACR 2015; Monadjem et al. 2016). No population trends are available for the assessment region.

Threats

Globally, the Midas Mops Bat is believed to be locally vulnerable to general persecution (pest control), collection for food and habitat loss (ACR 2015; Monadjem et al. 2016). The impact of these threats should be investigated within the assessment region.

Uses and trade

There is no evidence to suggest that this species is traded or harvested within the assessment region. However, it is hunted for bushmeat in other parts of its range (ACR 2015).

Conservation

Within the assessment region, this species occurs within protected areas, such as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. No specific conservation efforts have been identified for this species at present. However, more research on population size and trend is needed. It is likely to benefit from enhanced protection of key roost sites, especially large trees (Monadjem et al. 2016).

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Reduce pesticide use in agricultural landscapes.
  • Protect large trees in conservancies and ranch lands.
Research priorities:
  • Studies detailing subpopulation distribution, sizes and trends are urgently needed (Monadjem et al. 2016).
  • Taxonomic resolution of M. midas, and the genetic relationship between southern and northern African populations, as well as the Malagasy population.
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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