Rationale
(Changed due to Other)
Within the assessment region, the species is recorded from fewer than five subpopulations with an estimated extent of occurrence of 2,570 km². Although it could qualify for Vulnerable D2 based on limited localities, it occurs within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and thus there are no plausible threats that could cause significant decline. As such, the localities do not qualify as locations. Additionally, it is able to survive in modified habitats and man-made structures and no decline has been observed. As habitats are connected across regions, and thus rescue effects are presumed to be possible, and the species is widespread and locally common outside of the assessment region, it qualifies as Least Concern.
Regional population effects: Although it has low wing loading (Norberg & Rayner 1987), its habitat is continuous into Mozambique and Zimbabwe through the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Thus, we assume dispersal capacity is adequate for rescue effects.
Population trend
Trend
In other parts of its range, this species is considered locally common and colonies can comprise of hundreds of individuals (ACR 2015). However, although widespread, it is not common anywhere in southern Africa (Monadjem et al. 2010). Only five subpopulations are currently known from the assessment region, but undiscovered subpopulations are possible. Although this species is gregarious, it only occurs in small numbers in the assessment region, usually only one or two and not more than twelve individuals (Skinner & Chimimba 2005).
Conservation
No specific conservation interventions are currently necessary. This edge of range species occurs within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, and its range is thus continuous with Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
- Field surveys to discover new roost sites and confirm occupancy of existing roost sites.
Research priorities:
- Systematic monitoring to estimate population size and trends.
- It is likely that this species is under collected, thus continued research into its distribution is necessary.
- Taxonomic research is necessary to resolve the species complex.
Encouraged citizen actions:
- Citizens can assist in 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.
