Red List of South African Species

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

Rationale (Changed due to Same category and criteria)

The species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution within the assessment region (estimated extent of occurrence is 245,363 km2), its occurrence in multiple protected areas (including Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area) and because there are no major identified threats that could cause widespread population decline. It occurs primarily in savannah woodland habitats that are well protected within the assessment region. The previous national assessment should also have been Least Concern but was listed as Near Threated based on it not being re-sampled in an area where they had once been recorded. However, this is insufficient evidence for a Near Threatened listing. Further monitoring of subpopulation size and trends is required.

Regional population effects: It is likely that the range of resident populations is continuous with those of Zimbabwe and Mozambique through its occurrence in transfrontier conservation areas. However, it has low wing loading (Norberg & Rayner 1987) and thus rescue effects are uncertain.

Distribution

This species has a broad, yet patchy distribution through sub-Saharan Africa. Westerly records extend to Senegal and the Gambia, while, in East Africa, specimens have been collected from Ethiopia near the border of Somalia. Records from central Africa are limited to southern Chad and the northern region of the Central African Republic (ACR 2015). The southern portion of their range extends as far as the northern reaches of South Africa and central Namibia, and they are known to occur in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with an isolated population in Malawi (Monadjem et al. 2010). It is likely to occur in central Mozambique (Monadjem et al. 2010). Within the assessment region, it occurs in the northern provinces of South Africa; namely: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the North West. Estimated extent of occurrence in the assessment region is 245,363 km2.

Population trend

Trend

Although this species has a patchy distribution, it is considered locally common (ACR 2015). For example, in the Limpopo valley, it is locally common in mopane woodland where rocky habitat (Clarens sandstones) is also present (Monadjem et al. 2010). It is well represented in museums, with over 150 specimens examined in Monadjem et al. (2010). Further monitoring is required to estimate population size and trends. Currently, we assume the species is stable based on it being sampled in recent field surveys (for example, Taylor et al. 2013; Power 2014).

Threats

No major threats have been identified for this species. Ongoing habitat loss from agricultural transformation and the use of pesticides in agricultural landscapes may reduce the insect prey base for this species.

Uses and trade

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

Conservation

Within the assessment region the species is protected in more than 10 conservation areas, including large reserves Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area and Madikwe Nature Reserve. No direct conservation measures are currently needed. However, outside of protected areas, it would benefit from holistic land management that reduces pesticide use and conserves buffer strips of natural vegetation to sustain insect biomass.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Reduce pesticide use in agricultural landscapes and maintain buffer strips of natural vegetation.
Research priorities:
  • Investigations into the possible threats faced by this species.
  • Clarification of the taxonomic relationship between P. rusticus and P. hesperidus and the status of putative subspecies.
  • Studies into its roosting behaviour, habitat selection and population status are needed.
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. However, this species is extremely difficult to distinguish in the field from other Pipistrellus, Hypsugo or Neoromicia species (Kearney 2005), so professional verification will be necessary.

References 

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,]
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