Red List of South African Species

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Near Threatened (NT)
Assessors: Corrie Schoeman David Jacobs Lientjie Cohen Kate MacEwan Ara Monadjem Leigh Rosanne Richards Theresa Sethusa Peter Taylor
Contributors: Lizanne Roxburgh Matthew Child Domitilla Raimondo
Reviewers: Corrie Shoeman David Jacobs Lientjie Cohen Kate MacEwan Ara Monadjem Leigh Rosanne Richards Theresa Sethusa Peter Taylor

Rationale (Changed due to Same category and criteria)

Currently known from eight colonies within the assessment region with a recent colony being recorded in 2012 that extends its range south in the Northern Cape. This species depends predominantly on caves, abandoned mines and similar habitats for roosting and thus its area of occupancy is suspected to be less than 100 km2 (with an estimated extent of occurrence of 41,073 km2). There is no evidence of decline, but as it is locally rare and fewer than 2,000 mature individuals are suspected to occur within the assessment region, the species is listed as Near Threatened as it is approaching the thresholds for Vulnerable under criterion D1. Field surveys and monitoring are required to more accurately estimate population size and trend. Reassessment will be necessary once more comprehensive data are available.

Regional population effects: R. denti is a small bat with short and broad wings with low wing loading (Schoeman & Jacobs 2008), this suggests limited ability to disperse long distances, and thus immigration into the assessment region by individuals from subpopulations occurring outside of the region is unlikely.

Distribution

This species is widely, but patchily, recorded in West and southern Africa. It ranges from southeastern Senegal, through northern parts of West Africa to northeastern Ghana; in Central Africa it appears to have only been recorded from eastern Congo and southern Angola; in southern Africa, it is present in Namibia, western Botswana and northern parts of South Africa (Monadjem et al. 2010; ACR 2015). Within the assessment region it occurs predominantly in the Northern Cape, but marginally in the North West and Free State provinces. The type specimen is from Kuruman, Northern Cape, South Africa (Monadjem et al. 2010). Citizen scientists recorded a single bat roosting in a small cave in 2012, which was verified through its echolocation structure, and thus represents the most southerly record for the species within the assessment region. Its area of occupancy is suspected to be less than 100 km2. The extent of occurrence is estimated to be 41,073 km2.

Population trend

Trend

This species is known from fewer than 200 colonies in southern Africa. It is known from only eight colonies within the assessment region. Colonies are small (Monadjem et al. 2010; ACR 2015), typically up to a few dozen individuals (Smithers 1971), and this species is a slow reproducer. Over 80 specimens were examined in Monadjem et al. (2010). The total population within the assessment region is suspected to consist of less than 2,000 mature individuals. While Herselman and Norton (1985) considered this species rare and possibly extinct in the assessment region, specimens were collected after this publication from Koegelbeen Cave, a cave near Warrenton and a locality near Postmasberg (ACR 2015); with the most recent observation from citizen scientists in 2012.

Threats

There are currently no major threats to this species. However, roost disturbance and loss is a potential local threat and should be closely monitored. For example, roost loss can occur through the reopening of old mines and through disturbance during recreational or tourism activities. Indirect poisoning resulting from the use of insecticides, pesticides and similar chemicals may also decrease the natural prey base. Climate change may become a future threat (sensu Sherwin et al. 2013), but more research is necessary.

Uses and trade

Not known to be traded or utilised in any form.

Conservation

The species is not currently recorded from any formally protected areas in the assessment region. Thus, its occurrence in protected areas should be documented and collated through checklists. No direct conservation interventions are currently needed for the species until the identified threats have been quantified for their severity. However, it would benefit from holistic land management techniques that reduce the needs for pesticides, as well as identification and protection of key roost sites to limit disturbance. Monitoring of populations trends in response to the threat of mining is required is also recommended.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Identify and protect important roost sites for this species.
  • Reduce pesticide use in agricultural landscapes.
Research priorities:
  • Systematic surveys to identify further colonies and assess population size and trend.
  • Research investigating the severity of identified threats, including the effects of climate change, and potential conservation interventions.
Encouraged citizen actions:
  • Minimise disturbance to caves when visiting.
  • Citizens can report sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iSpot and MammalMAP).

References 

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 year = {1971}
}
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 title = {The distribution and status of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in the Cape Province},
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,]
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