Bats are one of the major components of the indigenous mammalian fauna of Madagascar, in addition to tenrecs, lemurs, euplerid carnivores, and nesomyine rodents. Forty-six bat species have so far been recorded on Madagascar, of which thirty-six occur only on the island. However, new species continue to be discovered, causing the number of species to rise rapidly; for example, Nick Garbutt's Mammals of Madagascar (2007) listed only 36 species. [1] Most Malagasy bats have their origins in nearby mainland Africa, but on at least three occasions— Pipistrellus raceyi , Pteropus rufus , and the species pair Emballonura atrata–E. tiavato —bats have colonized Madagascar from Asia. [2]
The following bat genera and families include species found on Madagascar (all species counts are for Madagascar only):
Scientific name | Scientific name of the species |
Classified | Year when the species was formally described and classified, as well as the binomial authority of the species |
Distribution | Geographic distribution of the species. Abbreviations used are S, south; N, north; E, east; W, west; C, central; SW, southwest; etcetera. |
Forearm | Range in forearm length of adult members of the species, in metric and English units |
Conservation status | Conservation status of the species, per IUCN as of 2008, except as indicated. "Not evaluated" is used to indicate that no IUCN status assessment is available. |
Pteropodidae are a diverse family, with 186 species recognized in 2005, [3] which occurs across the tropical regions of the Old World. They include the largest bats, but also some smaller species, and are mostly diurnal and frugivorous. Three species are known from Madagascar; each is classified in its own genus and is most closely related to species from outside Madagascar. [4]
Scientific name | Classified | Distribution | Forearm | Conservation status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eidolon dupreanum [Note 1] | 1866, Pollen | Madagascar only | 115 to 130 mm (4.5 to 5.1 in) | Vulnerable | [6] |
Pteropus rufus | 1803, E. Geoffroy | Madagascar only | 155 to 175 mm (6.1 to 6.9 in) | Vulnerable | [7] |
Rousettus madagascariensis [Note 2] | 1928, G. Grandidier | Madagascar only; absent in SW | 65 to 75 mm (2.6 to 3.0 in) | Near threatened | [9] |
Hipposideridae are a moderately diverse family—81 species were listed in 2005 [3] —and occur across the Old World tropics. Insectivorous, cave-roosting, and characterized by an elaborate noseleaf, they have often been united with the horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus; absent from Madagascar) into a single family Rhinolophidae, but are currently classified separately. Six species, all endemic, are known from Madagascar, of which four are extant. Macronycteris commersoni is the largest non-pteropodid bat of Madagascar and the extinct Hipposideros besaoka was even larger. The other species belong to the closely related genera Triaenops and Paratriaenops ; the latter was split from Triaenops in 2009 and is restricted to Madagascar and the western Seychelles. [10]
Scientific name | Classified | Distribution | Forearm | Conservation status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hipposideros besaoka | 2007, Samonds | Anjohibe, NW Madagascar only | – | Extinct [Note 3] | [11] |
Macronycteris commersoni [Note 4] | 1813, E. Geoffroy | Madagascar only | 83 to 97 mm (3.3 to 3.8 in) | Near threatened | [13] |
Macronycteris cryptovalorona [Note 4] | 2016, Goodman et al. | Madagascar only | 80 to 81 mm (3.1 to 3.2 in) | Not evaluated | [14] |
Paratriaenops auritus [Note 5] | 1912, G. Grandidier | N and NW Madagascar only | 44 to 51 mm (1.7 to 2.0 in) | Vulnerable [Note 6] | [16] |
Paratriaenops furcula [Note 5] | 1906, Trouessart | W and SW Madagascar only | 42 to 49 mm (1.7 to 1.9 in) | Least concern [Note 7] | [17] |
Triaenops goodmani | 2007, Samonds | Anjohibe, NW Madagascar only | – | Extinct [Note 3] | [18] |
Triaenops menamena [Note 8] | 2009, Goodman and Ranivo | N, W, and S Madagascar only | 46 to 56 mm (1.8 to 2.2 in) | Least concern [Note 9] | [20] |
With 51 species (2005), [3] Emballonuridae are a moderately diverse family. Found in tropical and subtropical regions across the world, they are characterized by a tail that extends beyond the uropatagium (tail membrane), but may be retracted into a sheath. Four species are known from Madagascar, of which two are endemic and two others are shared with mainland Africa. [21]
Scientific name | Classified | Distribution | Forearm | Conservation status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coleura afra | 1852, Peters | Ankarana, N Madagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa; Yemen | 45 to 55 mm (1.8 to 2.2 in) | Least concern | [22] |
Emballonura atrata | 1836, Eydoux and Gervais | E Madagascar only | c. 37 to 40 mm (1.5 to 1.6 in) | Least concern | [23] |
Emballonura tiavato | 2006, Goodman et al. | N and W Madagascar only | 35 to 41 mm (1.4 to 1.6 in) | Least concern | [24] |
Taphozous mauritianus | 1818, E. Geoffroy | Madagascar and other W Indian Ocean islands; Sub-Saharan Africa | 58 to 64 mm (2.3 to 2.5 in) | Least concern | [25] |
Nycteridae is a small family of 16 species (2005) [3] in a single genus found in Africa and east to the Sunda Islands. They are characterized by a groove on their face and are insectivorous. A single, poorly known species has been recorded from Madagascar. [26]
Scientific name | Classified | Distribution | Forearm | Conservation status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nycteris madagascariensis [Note 10] | 1937, G. Grandidier | N Madagascar only | 50 to 52 mm (about 2.0 in) | Data deficient | [28] |
This family, characterized by suction disks on the hand and feet, is unique to Madagascar. (It does, however, have a fossil record in Africa extending from the late Eocene to the Pleistocene. [29] ) A single species has historically been recognized, but eastern and western populations were classified as separate species in 2007. [30]
Scientific name | Classified | Distribution | Forearm | Conservation status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Myzopoda aurita | 1878, Milne-Edwards and Grandidier | E Madagascar only | 46 to 49 mm (1.8 to 1.9 in) | Least concern | [31] |
Myzopoda schliemanni | 2007, Goodman et al. | W Madagascar only | 45 to 49 mm (1.8 to 1.9 in) | Least concern | [32] |
This diverse family of 100 species (2005) [3] occurs across the world in tropical regions. The tail conspicuously projects from the uropatagium and the wings are long. Eight species are known from Madagascar, four of which are endemic. [33]
Scientific name | Classified | Distribution | Forearm | Conservation status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chaerephon atsinanana [Note 11] | 2010, Goodman et al. | E Madagascar | 37 to 42 mm (1.5 to 1.7 in) | [35] | |
Chaerephon jobimena | 2004, Goodman and Cardiff | Madagascar only | 45 to 48 mm (1.8 to 1.9 in) | Least concern | [36] |
Chaerephon leucogaster | 1870, A. Grandidier | W Madagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa; Mayotte | 33 to 38 mm (1.3 to 1.5 in) | Not evaluated [Note 12] | [38] |
Mops leucostigma | 1918, G.M. Allen | Madagascar only | 42 to 45 mm (1.7 to 1.8 in) | Least concern [Note 13] | [39] |
Mops midas | 1843, Sundevall | Madagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa; Saudi Arabia | 62 to 63 mm (2.4 to 2.5 in) | Least concern [Note 14] | [40] |
Mormopterus jugularis | 1865, Peters | Madagascar only | 37 to 40 mm (1.5 to 1.6 in) | Least concern | [41] |
Otomops madagascariensis [Note 15] | 1953, Dorst | Madagascar only | 59 to 65 mm (2.3 to 2.6 in) | Least concern | [43] |
Tadarida fulminans | 1903, Thomas | Madagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa north to Kenya | 57 to 60 mm (2.2 to 2.4 in) | Least concern | [44] |
This family contains a single genus, Miniopterus, with 19 species recognized in 2005, [45] which was classified in Vespertilionidae until recently. [46] Insectivorous and characterized by long fingers, the species are all quite similar, leading to a confused classification. On Madagascar, four species were recognized as recently as 2007, but systematic research has led the number to increase to eleven, of which nine are restricted to Madagascar and two shared with the Comoros. [47]
Scientific name | Classified | Distribution | Forearm | Conservation status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Miniopterus aelleni | 2009, Goodman et al. | N and W Madagascar; Anjouan, Comoros | 35 to 41 mm (1.4 to 1.6 in) | Not evaluated | [48] |
Miniopterus brachytragos | 2009, Goodman et al. | N and W Madagascar only | 35 to 38 mm (1.4 to 1.5 in) | Not evaluated | [49] |
Miniopterus egeri | 2011, Goodman et al. | E Madagascar only | 37 to 40 mm (1.5 to 1.6 in) | Not evaluated | [50] |
Miniopterus gleni | 1995, Peterson et al. | Madagascar only, except S | 47 to 50 mm (1.9 to 2.0 in) | Least concern | [51] |
Miniopterus griffithsi | 2009, Goodman et al. | S Madagascar only | 48 to 50 mm (1.9 to 2.0 in) | Not evaluated | [52] |
Miniopterus griveaudi | 1959, Harrison | N and W Madagascar; Comoros | 35 to 38 mm (1.4 to 1.5 in) | Data deficient | [53] |
Miniopterus mahafaliensis | 2009, Goodman et al. | S Madagascar only | 35 to 40 mm (1.4 to 1.6 in) | Not evaluated | [49] |
Miniopterus majori | 1906, Thomas | Madagascar only [Note 16] | 43 to 47 mm (1.7 to 1.9 in) | Least concern | [55] |
Miniopterus manavi | 1906, Thomas | Central Highlands, Madagascar only | 38 to 39 mm (1.5 to 1.5 in) | Least concern | [56] |
Miniopterus petersoni | 2008, Goodman et al. | SE Madagascar only | 38 to 43 mm (1.5 to 1.7 in) | Data deficient | [57] |
Miniopterus sororculus | 2007, Goodman et al. | Central Highlands, Madagascar only | 42 to 45 mm (1.7 to 1.8 in) | Least concern | [58] |
With 407 species (2005; including Miniopterus, which is now classified in its own family), Vespertilionidae is the largest bat family. [3] Characterized by a tail contained in the uropatagium, they occur around the world in many habitats and are insectivorous. [59] Madagascar hosts an endemic species of the extremely widespread genus Myotis , four species (three endemic) of the house bat Scotophilus , and at least six (four endemic) of small vespertilionids ("pipistrelles") in the genera Hypsugo , Eptesicus , Neoromicia , and Pipistrellus . [60] The classification of the "pipistrelles" is confused, leading to many changing identifications. [61] In addition to the six "pipistrelles" listed here, the African Neoromicia nanus has also been recorded from Madagascar, but the identification of the Madagascar records needs to be confirmed. [62]
Scientific name | Classified | Distribution | Forearm | Conservation status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hypsugo anchietae [Note 17] | 1900, Seabra | SW Madagascar; southern Africa | 28 to 31 mm (1.1 to 1.2 in) | Least concern [Note 18] | [63] |
Myotis goudoti | 1834, A. Smith | Madagascar only | 32 to 41 mm (1.3 to 1.6 in) | Least concern | [64] |
Neoromicia malagasyensis [Note 19] | 1995, Peterson et al. | Isalo, SC Madagascar only | 30 to 32 mm (1.2 to 1.3 in) | Endangered [Note 20] | [65] |
Neoromicia matroka [Note 21] | 1905, Thomas and Schwann | E Madagascar only | 31 to 33 mm (1.2 to 1.3 in) | Least concern [Note 22] | [66] |
Neoromicia robertsi [Note 23] | 2012, Goodman et al. | E Madagascar only | 34 to 38 mm (1.3 to 1.5 in) | Not evaluated | [67] |
Pipistrellus hesperidus [Note 24] | 1840, Temminck | W Madagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa | 29 to 31 mm (1.1 to 1.2 in) | Least concern | [68] |
Pipistrellus raceyi | 2006, Bates et al. | W and E Madagascar only | 28 to 31 mm (1.1 to 1.2 in) | Least concern | [69] |
Scotophilus cf. borbonicus [Note 25] | 1803, E. Geoffroy | Sarodrano, SW Madagascar; Réunion | 51 to 52 mm (about 2.0 in) | Data deficient | [70] |
Scotophilus marovaza | 2006, Goodman et al. | W Madagascar only | 41 to 45 mm (1.6 to 1.8 in) | Least concern | [71] |
Scotophilus robustus | 1881, Milne-Edwards | Madagascar only | 62 to 65 mm (2.4 to 2.6 in) | Least concern | [72] |
Scotophilus tandrefana | 2005, Goodman et al. | W Madagascar only | 44 to 47 mm (1.7 to 1.9 in) | Data deficient | [73] |
The lesser yellow bat is a vesper bat found only on Madagascar and Réunion. On Réunion, it was considered common early in the 19th century, but was last sighted late in the 19th century. Only a single specimen attributed to this species, collected in 1868, is known from Madagascar. It was listed as a critically endangered species in 1996 due to habitat loss, and may be extinct.
Peters's wrinkle-lipped bat, also called Peters's goblin bat, is a species of bat in the family Molossidae, the free-tailed bats. It is endemic to Madagascar, where it is widespread and in some areas abundant. It commonly roosts in human-made structures, sometimes in colonies with other free-tailed bat species. It forages in the open, often in agricultural areas. The bat is sexually dimorphic, with males larger than females.
The Malagasy serotine, is a species of vesper bat. It is found only in Madagascar. It was formerly classified in Neoromicia before phylogenetic analysis found it to belong to Laephotis.
The robust yellow bat is a species of vesper bat. It is found only in Madagascar.
Glen's long-fingered bat is a species of vesper bat in the family Miniopteridae found only in Madagascar.
The Manavi long-fingered bat is a bat in the genus Miniopterus that occurs in east-central Madagascar. First described in 1906, this species was later included in the mainland African M. minor. A 1995 revision united populations of small Miniopterus from Madagascar and the Comoros as M. manavi, but molecular and morphological studies in 2008 and 2009 showed that this concept of M. manavi in fact included five different species. M. manavi itself was restricted to a few locations in the eastern Central Highlands and populations in the Comoros and northern and western Madagascar were allocated to different species.
The Madagascan fruit bat is a species of bat in the family Pteropodidae. It is endemic to Madagascar and is listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN because it is hunted as bushmeat.
The Malagasy white-bellied free-tailed bat is a species of bat in the family Molossidae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
The Malagasy mouse-eared bat is a species of bat in the family Vespertilionidae that is endemic to Madagascar.
Grandidier's trident bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae endemic to Madagascar. It was formerly assigned to the genus Triaenops, but is now placed in the separate genus Paratriaenops.
Paratriaenops furcula, also known as Trouessart's trident bat, is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is endemic to Madagascar. It was formerly assigned to the genus Triaenops, but is now placed in the separate genus Paratriaenops. A related species, Paratriaenops pauliani, occurs in the Seychelles.
Triaenops menamena is a bat in the genus Triaenops found on Madagascar, mainly in the drier regions. It was known as Triaenops rufus until 2009, when it was discovered that that name had been incorrectly applied to the species. Triaenops rufus is a synonym of Triaenops persicus, a Middle Eastern species closely related to T. menamena— the Malagasy species had previously been placed as a subspecies of T. persicus by some authors. Triaenops menamena is mostly found in forests, but also occurs in other habitats. It often roosts in large colonies and eats insects such as butterflies and moths. Because of its wide range, common occurrence, and tolerance of habitat degradation, it is not considered to be threatened.
Pipistrellus raceyi, also known as Racey's pipistrelle, is a bat from Madagascar, in the genus Pipistrellus. Although unidentified species of Pipistrellus had been previously reported from Madagascar since the 1990s, P. raceyi was not formally named until 2006. It is apparently most closely related to the Asian species P. endoi, P. paterculus, and P. abramus, and its ancestors probably reached Madagascar from Asia. P. raceyi has been recorded at four sites, two in the eastern and two in the western lowlands. In the east, it is found in open areas and has been found roosting in a building; in the west it occurs in dry forest. Because of uncertainties about its ecology, it is listed as "Data Deficient" on the IUCN Red List.
The Isalo serotine is a vesper bat of Madagascar in the genus Laephotis. It is known only from the vicinity of the Isalo National Park in the southwestern part of the island, where it has been caught in riverine habitats. After the first specimen was caught in 1967, it was described as a subspecies of Eptesicus somalicus in 1995. After four more specimens were collected in 2002 and 2003, it was recognized as a separate species. Because of its small distribution and the threat of habitat destruction, it is considered "vulnerable" in the IUCN Red List.
The Madagascar free-tailed bat or Malagasy giant mastiff bat is a species of free-tailed bat formerly included as a subspecies of the large-eared free-tailed bat, but that was later considered to be a distinct, Malagasy species. The Madagascar free-tailed bat is endemic to northern, western, and southern Madagascar.
Commerson's roundleaf bat, also known as Commerson's leaf-nosed bat, is a species of bat endemic to Madagascar. It is named after French naturalist Philibert Commerson (1727-1773). Bat populations of Africa or São Tomé and Príncipe formerly considered part of this species are now classified separately as M. gigas, M. thomensis or M. vittata, while one from Madagascar was split off to become M. cryptovalorona. It was formerly placed in the genus Hipposideros, but moved to the resurrected Macronycteris in 2017 on the basis of molecular evidence.
Mops jobimena, commonly known as the black and red free-tailed bat, is a species of bat in the family Molossidae. It is endemic to western Madagascar. With a forearm length of 45 to 48 mm,
The Marovaza yellow bat or Marovaza house bat is a species of bat found in Madagascar.
The Malagasy yellow bat, sometimes known as the western yellow bat, is a species of vesper bat endemic to Madagascar.
Julie Hanta Razafimanahaka is a Malagasy conservation biologist. She has been the director of Madagasikara Voakajy, a conservation nonprofit operating in Eastern Madagascar, since 2011. She began her career as a bat researcher, from 2004 to 2007. In 2015, she was awarded the Young Women in Conservation Award by the International Congress for Conservation Biology.