habitat_narrative
Terrestrial
In general, this species has been recorded from temperate desert, dry savannah and arid fynbos areas, with individuals most often found in close proximity to water in arid, mountainous areas (Monadjem et al. 2010; Kearney 2013). Individuals from Algeria Forest were mist-netted as they flew along a water course, close to the water surface (ACR 2015). Similarly, they were found to be active near trees and orchards surrounding wetlands as well as over wetlands (Sirami et al. 2013). In the assessment region, the species is recorded from the Northwest Fynbos bioregion.Radio tracking data from the Western Cape shows that L. namibensis makes use of narrow crevices in vertical rock faces as diurnal roosting sites (Jacobs et al. 2005). A specimen has also been taken from a roost under exfoliating rock (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). This small, insectivorous species has intermediate wing loading and is considered a slow manoeuvrable flyer, that often flies low over water surfaces or the ground, and close to vegetation (Jacobs et al. 2005; Monadjem et al. 2010). It is a clutter-edge forager, with Lepidoptera and Coleoptera constituting large portions of its diet (Jacobs et al. 2005; Schoeman 2006).
Within the assessment region, a pregnant female was caught in November 2002, and three lactating females were caught in November 2004 (Jacobs et al. 2005). A post-lactating female was collected towards the end of January (Seamark & Brand 2005).
Ecosystem and cultural services: None known.
