Red List of South African Species

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

Rationale (Changed due to Other)

Although only recorded from a few localities in a restricted range within the assessment region (extent of occurrence estimated as 35,706 km2), recent records from the Eastern Cape coast indicate a wider distribution than previously known and the species is believed to be widespread (they are not often caught in mist nets but are not rare). While deforestation from agricultural expansion and mining is a threat to this species, it is well protected in the north of its range and can occur in modified landscapes. Further field surveys are needed to more accurately delimit its southern distribution and to determine subpopulation trends. Currently, in the absence of any evidence for decline, we list as Least Concern. Given its rarity in southern Africa, this species should be reassessed once further population data are available.

Regional population effects: Although this species has low wing loading (Norberg & Rayner 1987), and thus dispersal is presumably limited, there is assumed to be an inflow from Mozambique as the habitat is mostly connected and thus rescue effects are probably possible.

Distribution

This species has a wide range, encompassing much of sub-Saharan Africa in forest and savannah habitats (Skinner & Chimimba 2005), with the exception of the Horn of Africa and parts of southern Africa (ACR 2015). While sparsely distributed in South Africa, Mozambique and northern Zimbabwe, niche models indicate suitable habitat over much of central Mozambique (from where it has not been recorded) and along the eastern coastline of South Africa (Monadjem et al. 2010). Indeed, while only having been recorded from northern KwaZulu-Natal Province in the previous assessment (Friedmann & Daly 2004), recent records from the Eastern Cape Province extend the extent of occurrence for this species within South Africa (ACR 2015). The estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is now 35,706 km2. It may occur more widely in the assessment region but further field surveys are needed to confirm this. Just including the northern KwaZulu-Natal records yields an EOO of 8,304 km2.

Population trend

Trend

This is a very common bat in most parts of its range. However, it is not common in southern Africa (Skinner & Chimimba 2005), where only 28 specimens were examined in Monadjem et al. (2010). However, it may be under-sampled as it is rarely caught in mist traps. It is largely a solitary species but colonies range in size from individuals and pairs up to c. 20 bats (Skinner & Chimimba 2005; ACR 2015). The number of individuals present in colonies in the assessment region is unknown.

Threats

Overall, no major threats have been identified. However, it is potentially threatened by loss of habitat in KwaZulu-Natal Province, due to deforestation from agricultural expansion, titanium mining, firewood and charcoal production (Friedmann & Daly 2004; ACR 2015). Pesticide use will presumably reduce its prey base in agricultural landscapes.

Uses and trade

This species has not been found to be traded or utilised.

Conservation

In the assessment region, the species has been recorded in the protected Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. No direct conservation measures are currently needed. However, further protected area expansion, especially transfrontier parks (sensu Smith et al. 2008), will presumably benefit this species.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Reduce pesticide use in agricultural landscapes.
Research priorities:
  • Field surveys are needed to more accurately delimit its distribution in the southern parts of its range (for example, the Eastern Cape).
  • To determine how climate change may affect the species, specifically their narrow distribution in South Africa.
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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 author = {Skinner, J.D. and Chimimba, C.T.},
 publisher = {Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom},
 title = {The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion},
 year = {2005}
}
,@book{6236,
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 publisher = {CBSG Southern Africa, IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa},
 title = {Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment.},
 year = {2004}
}
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 title = {Bats of Southern and Central Africa: a biogeographic and taxonomic synthesis},
 year = {2010}
}
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 journal = {Bonner Zoologische Beiträge},
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 volume = {44},
 year = {1993}
}
,]
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