habitat_narrative
Terrestrial
In southern Africa, it appears to be associated with low-lying riverine habitats or wetlands within a savannah or woodland vegetation matrix (Monadjem et al. 2010). This species has also been recorded from tropical moist forest (Rosevear 1965); and populations are also often found close to rivers and streams bordered by forest (Happold et al. 1987). Allen (1917) noted that the species tended to avoid human settlements. However, it appears to tolerate disturbed habitats to a degree. For example, an individual from Ngonini Citrus Estate in Swaziland was sampled along a small perennial stream with disturbed riparian forest (Shapiro & Monadjem 2016). Similarly, six individuals were sampled along the polluted Umbilo River in the Durban region in 2008 (Naidoo et al. 2011). However, this may have been influenced by the presence of nearby Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, which possibly provided roosting sites such as tree cavities and wild banana (Strelitzia nicolai) (Naidoo et al. 2011).Its roosting habits are not known in southern Africa. However, in West Africa it has been captured singly or in groups of up to eight in furled banana leaves (Monadjem & Fahr 2007), or other plants with broad leaves and hollow trees (Rosevear 1965; Happold et al. 1987). In northern Mozambique, it has been netted in a banana plantation (A. Monadjem unpubl. data). Very little is known regarding the reproductive behaviour of the species within southern Africa (Monadjem et al. 2010). It is a clutter-edge and clutter forager; feeding mainly on Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Diptera (Monadjem et al. 2010; Naidoo et al. 2011). Along the Umbilo River, this species fed opportunistically on Diptera during winter (Naidoo et al. 2011).
Ecosystem and cultural services: As this species is insectivorous, it may contribute to controlling insect populations that damage crops (Boyles et al. 2011; Kunz et al. 2011). Ensuring a healthy population of insectivorous bats can thus decrease the need for pesticides.
