Mammals of the Transvaal

OF THE ECOPLAN MONOGRAPH No.1 FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: The holotype (TM 710) was gravid when collected on 14th November, 1909. No other breeding information has been recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: No field measurements are recorded for the type. Specimens collected from elsewhere in the Republic vary as follows: Amblysomus julianae Meester, 1972 DISTRIBUTION: Known from only three general areas, all within the Transvaal, i.e. the type locality near Pretoria, and the Numbi Gate and Machuluane in the Kruger National Park. The latter two records are in fact the only records of the occurance of the genus Amblysomus in the eastern Transvaal lowveld. HABITAT: As pointed out by Meester (1972), this species is apparently not restricted to a very limited spectrum of climatic conditions. The fact that it is the only representative of Amblysomus in the Transvaal lowveld indicates a much wider habitat tolerance than is found in the other members of the genus. If its implied rarity and isolated occurrence in time prove true, this would argue on the other hand for an animal with very limited habitat requirements. The exact habitat of the Numbi specimen was not recorded, except that it is from a bush savannah region. The Pretoria specimens were collected on the boundary between highveld grassland and bush savannah, in sandy soil at the northern foot of a low hill, amongst rocky outcrops. HABITS: Little is known except that it constructs both the deep and shallow tunnel-systems typical of golden moles. Meester (1972) kept a live specimen under observation, but very little could be learnt from it other that it spent most of its time underground, and came to the surface where its food was deposited, only when hungry. It appeared to prefer moist soil, presumably since tunnels are easier to construct and are more durable in this. Active both day and night. FOOD: Insectivorous. Meester {op. cit.) found that in captivity it took ground beef, earthworms, cockroaches, mealworm larvae, grasshoppers and other small insects readily, but not snails or slugs. BREEDING: None of the four specimens Meester {op. cit.) used as basis for the description of the species, was dissected to ascertain breeding condition. Of two specimens collected subsequently, one collected on the 15th February 1975 by the Transvaal Museum taxidermist Mr George Goode, was pregnant, with one embryo in the right horn of the uterus. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: So far only eight specimens represent the species: Males TM 8990: Total-119; H.FT.-14 (Knysna) TM 8993: Total-117; H.Ft-14 (Jonkersberg) Females TM 705: Total-111; H.Ft-12 (Knysna) TM 8989: Total-120; H.Ft.-14 (Knysna) TM 8991: Total-113; H.Ft-13 (Knysna) TM 8992: Total-115; H.Ft.-12 (Jonkersberg) RECORD OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 1: Wakkerstroom, 1 (TM). «xxx sir 1 / *~v' SWloocfws0 2329 UwTfch&J OhtttfUKKg i \ \ / J / O Thtbmrfr oNWW OhrfelMj V n ' / / 1 / 252? 252S oGrottefiM) O Lrdertturg BiAailM 2625 ,r ) j / oUMwt-jrg Vcftevurpc PWJ«hliu«* Klertsdrpo ^-27 VJOHANNESMRG Ol¥ E*?uio tmm J fVt ft i SWAZflANO ] J 2725 . Bioemho»^_ 2825 2726 A f —¥ VotaiflJO. .pWaSisnwrr.A. Tv_,~ .Goi™11 Fig. 30: The distribution of A. julianae in the Transvaal Males TM 15992: Total-98; H.Ft.-12; Mass-? TM 19373: Total-106; H.Ft-11,5; Mass-? Females TM 16916: Total-100; H.Ft-9; Mass-? TM 16917: Total-99; H.Ft.-10; Mass-? TM 25431: Total-100; H.Ft.-ll,5; Mass-23 gram NKW 3: Total-92; H.Ft-10; Mass-19 g NKW 4: Total-93; H.Ft-10; Mass-26 g * Uncatalogued: Total-102; H.Ft.-12; Mass-? * Specimen collected by Dr N.J. Dippenaar, Transvaal Museum, and donated to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 8: Machulwane, 2 (NKW); Numbi Gate, 1 (TM); Shere, 1 (TM); The Willows, 3 (TM, 2; SI, 1); Tiegerpoort, 1 (TM). Juliana's golden mole Julianase gouemol 28 Order CHIROPTERA This is a big and diversified order, and is perhaps the most interesting and challenging group of mammals to study. Bats are the only mammals which have achieved true flight; they are the only land mammals that can boast navigation by sonar or echo-location; and in southern Africa the greatest majority of hibernating mammals are to be found amongst the Microchiroptera. Yet of all the mammals groups in Africa, bats have been scientifically the most neglected. Many systematic and distributional problems remain to be solved, while virtually nothing is known about their behaviour, ecology, reproduction, flight patterns, migrations, hibernation, or details of their methods of echolocation. The economic importance of the Chiroptera in southern Africa is hardly appreciated. On the debit side the damage done by fruit bats to tropical fruit crops is well-known, although to the best of my knowledge not accurately assessed as yet On the credit side is the exclusively insectivorous diet of the Microchiroptera, a trait which may have an important bearing on biological insect pest control. Yet bats suffer severely from the whims, prejudices, ignorance and superstition of man. Many instances of bat massacres have become known during the past few years, mostly inadequately motivated and unnecessary, resulting from a lack of knowledge and understanding. Although conclusive scientific evidence is lacking, the use of insecticides may pose a serious threat to our bat populations, as many of these poisons appear to accumulate in the livers and fat tissues of bats feeding on the insects that survive spraying. At the moment it it not known how these accumulated insecticides affect bats, although it is likely that particularly breeding success is adversely affected. However, civilization has also unintentionally benefited some species of bats. The construction of buildings, mines, tunnels and bridges, and the planting of fruit orchards and other trees in otherwise treeless areas, have not only offered more daylight roosts or refuges, but also possibly enabled some species to extend their historical ranges. This aspect will be further elucidated under the species discussions which follow. (Key adapted from Hayman and Hill, 1971) 1. Second digit terminating in a claw; margin of ear conch forming a complete ring; tragus always absent; interfemoral membrane greatly reduced, little more than a narrow band along inside margin of hind legs; tail absent or rudimentary; cheeck teeth simple, without well-developed cusp pattern Megachiroptera Second digit without a claw; margin of ear conch not forming a complete ring; tragus generally present (absent in Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae); interfemoral membrane generally welldeveloped; tail generally well-developed (absent in one family); cheeck teeth cuspidate, generally with a clearly defined W-pattern Microchiroptera Suborder MEGACHIROPTERA Family PTEROPODIDAE Subfamily PTEROPODINAE 1. Ears with white basal tufts Epomophorus 2. Forearm 110-130 Eidolon Ears without white basal tufts 2 Forearm 65-102 Rousettus Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat Wahlbergse witkolvrugtevlermuis Epomophorus Bennett, 1836 1. One post-dental palatal ridge wahlbergi Two post-dental palatal ridges crypturus Epomophorus wahlbergi (Sundevall, 1846) E. w. wahlbergi (Sundevall, 1846) DISTRIBUTION: This species has a very wide distribution in Africa. In the Transvaal it is limited to the eastern regions (but not necessarily the eastern lowveld) with a subtropical climate and higher mean annual rainfall. HABITAT: By day this species roosts in large, densely foliated trees. By night it appears to search for food mostly along natural watercourses (viz. wild figs and African ebony), and often in subtropical fruit orchards. Rosevear (1965) considers Epomophorus as typically inhabiting open woodland rather than forest Broadly speaking this is true for E. wahlbergi, but field observations suggest that it is specifically dependent on riverine forests. Two apparantly essential habitat requirements are concentrated here, namely wildfruitbearing trees and trees big enough to roost in. It has not been possible to establish whether or not epauletted fruit bats drink water. HABITS: A semi-gregarious species which roots in loose aggregations of 30 to 200 individuals (Smithers, 1971) in large trees with dense canopies. The very young cling to their mothers, whereas juveniles roost independently. Roosting trees are utilized permanently or semipermanently. Daytime colonies appear to split up during the night when feeding. At particularly good fruit trees a large number of bats were often observed, but never as many as in daytime colonies. Often the 29 two closely related species, E. wahlbergi and E. crypturus, would feed in the same tree at the same time. Indications are that once an individual is satiated, it spends the rest of the night roosting in a tree other than the one utilized by day, while resting and digesting its food. Presumably this is also the time 0AMay* RMOOCVF oS<uu / 1J / Js\ 1 z y esvk 32? StoUocttrugo Sottmek^o oRnttnftug •fL - \ \ [ \ \ ) I / oThAbaambi o Mytwon Pot*etervi» OHngsUd V j 1 , / I i • /\ 552? Koe«fO ORus»**jrg ftr10"" oGotlmai • own*. OLxSMHTg « Batata rM , / f 1 OLieM«r4wg vwwttno XlertBjorsO Rjndtonten ° ^JOHANNESBURG ON** Bctnaio Exr*& 4 ) ( r1 j i SWAZILANQ '] J , iWi ? E—I i— " £-? T < =3= —q... Fig. 31: The distribution of E. wahlbergi in the Transvaal for preening and breeding. Lone individuals were often found resting in trees, intermittently uttering the unique pinging noise characteristic of this genus. In feeding, the fruit is generally picked and carried to a nearby tree, where a few bites are taken from it, after which the half-eaten fruit it discarded for another. Judging from the accumulations of these half-devoured fruit, these bats repeatedly use the same branch when feeding. FOOD: Wild fruit typical of subtropical regions, especially wild figs and African ebony. When these are available this species can cause damage to cultivated fruits such as litchis, guavas, peaches and plums. BREEDING: No pregnant or lactating females were collected during this survey. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Males X N Min. Max. Tot. 169 18 144 211 H.Ft. 22,9 16 21 26 Ear 24,2 17 22 26 F.arm. 85,3 16 79 92 Mass 145,7 9 117 165 Females X N Min. Max. Tot. 140,4 10 122 144 H.Ft. 21,4 8 18 23 Ear 24,4 9 22 28 F.arm 77,7 10 68 85 Mass 112,3 4 94 140 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 46: Barberton, 3 (TM, 1; SI, 2); Chikwarakwara, 1 (RM); George's Valley, 1 (TM); Greefswald, 1 (TM); Hectorspruit, 3 (TM); Levuvhu Hippo Pool, 2 (TM); Loskopdam, 5 (TM); Malelane, 3 (TM, 2; NKW, 1); Malta Farm, 1 (TM); Nelspruit, 2 (TM); Newington, 11 km N., 1 (TM); Pafuri, 8 (TM); Pongola, 6 (TM); Malelane, 1 (TM); Matukwatadam, 2 (TM); Sweet Home, 2 (TM); The Downs, 2 (TM); Tzaneen Estate, 3 (TM). Epomophorus crypturus Peters, 1852 Peters' epauletted fruit bat Petersse-witkolvrugtevlermuis DISTRIBUTION: In the Transvaal E. crypturus is sympatric with the previous species, except thatif. crypturus has as yet not been recorded as far west as the Loskop dam Nature Reserve, where E. wahlbergi has recently been collected. On the other hand E. wahlbergi appears to be absent from the area between Tzaneen and the Limpopo river. North of the Zoubpansberg both species appear to be restricted to the riparian forests of the Njellele and Limpopo rivers. The range of crypturus in southern Africa correlates very well with the above 500 mm mean annual rainfall zone, although it may utilize rivercourses as corridors into areas receiving less rain. HABITAT: Available information indicates habitat requirements similar to those of the previous species. HABITS: The behaviour of the two local species is too poorly known to demonstrate specific differences. FOOD: Frugivorous. BREEDING: A pregnant female was collected during September, with one 25 mm foetus implanted in the right uterus. Three lactating females O Aildt,-. •HOOCSIE c Abna / \ \ OTSW AN A / togxWOOft Z EfcfM S&Mcc(Xmg0 onamcu'g mi ^ • i • N •\ i --<ke**ooofi OThabwimb. o MVwxn 0»<r<5t»a ! V o ' • •! • j \ j •oOrO 2557 O Ruarfexg OGrobtwW O Lfdenourg Bwtanon • r2625 / r 1 Pwtuw |NO«ANNESBURG ON«M ; ( ; ! SWA2IIANO | J -2' / it. \. Fig. 32: The distribution ofE. crypturus in the Transvaal with their young were collected during November, one of which had a recent placental scar in the left uterus. Smithers (1971) indicates 30 that in Zimbabwe parturition occurs between November and February. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Males X N Min Max. Tot. 147,9 17 130 168 H.Ft 19,7 17 16 25 Ear 24,2 17 20 28 F.arm 77,5 20 66 86 Mass 107,6 6 82 135 Females X N Min. Max. Tot. 130,8 27 106 142 H.ft 20,0 27 17 23 Ear 23,4 27 21 26 F.arm 75,2 27 68 82 Mass 75,1 11 48 93 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 56: Barberton, 9 (TM); Dzundwini, 1 (TM); Greefswald, 2 (TM); Hectorspruit, 2 (TM); Klaserie-Olifants river confluence, 1 (TM); Komati river, 4 (TM); Letaba, 1 (NKW); Pongola, 1 (TM); Pretoriuskop, 4 (NKW); Punda Milia, 4 (TM, 2; NKW, 2); Madimbo 10 km E., 1 (TM); Matukwatadam, 1 (TM); Nelspruit, 1 (TM); Newington, 11 km N., 6 (TM); Othawa, 1 (TM); Sibasa, 15 (TM); Ten Bosch Estates, 11 (TM); Tshokwane, 1 (NKW); Tzaneen Estate, 1 (TM). Additional records: 2229AB (Smithers, in litt.); open circles in Kruger National Park after Pienaar (1964). Eidolon Rafinesque, 1815 Edolon helvum (Kerr, 1792) Straw-coloured fruit Geel-vrugtevlermuis bat E. h. helvum (Kerr, 1792) DISTRIBUTION: This essentially tropical central African bat is a rare migrant to southern Africa, where usually lone individuals are recorded. In the Transvaal it is therefore very rare, whereas it is particularly common in central African forests (Rosevear, 1965). The known records of distribution in the Transvaal is therefore unlikely to reflect its true occurrence in the Province, which is likely to be sporadic but widespread. HABITAT: Prefers large trees for roosts, preferably in forests. Also reported from boabab trees. See Rosevear (1965) for a summary of optimum habitat requirements in West Africa. HABITS: A gregarious species roosting by day in large trees in groups varying from a few dozen to 200 000 (Ogilvie, P.W. and M.B., 1964). Individuals hang freely, suspended by their hind feet These daytime quarters are, in central Africa, occupied permanently or semipermanently, depending on the seasonal availability of edible fruit in the vicinity. In the Transvaal this fruit bat appears to be a solitary wanderer. A colony is noisy and restless by day, but by contrast relatively quiet at night when feeding. The colony leaves its roosts at sundown, individuals flying out in loose aggregations in the same direction. See Rosevear (1965) for a more detailed account FOOD: Rosevear (1965) mentions the fruit and flower buds of the following trees as food items: silk-cotton(Bombax sp.), boabab(Adansonia), several species of palms and wild figs (Ficus sp.). No information is available on the diet of migrants in southern Africa, although cultivated fruit is at times part of their diet BREEDING: No records exist of females in breeding condition collected on this subcontinent Considering the gregarious nature of the species, breeding is improbable in southern Africa, owing to low population density. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Of the four specimens known from the Transvaal only one has been measured, namely a juvenile male, TM 8947: Tot. 140; T. 20; H.ft 15; Ear 10; F.arm. 108. RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 4: Barberspan, 1 (Private collection); Rustenburg, 1 (TM); Steynsdorp, 1 (TM); Wildeharthoek, 1 (TM). Rousettus Gray, 1821 Rousettus aegyptiacus (E. Geoffrey, 1810) Egyptian fruit bat Egiptiese vrugtevlermuis R. a leachi (A. Smith, 1829) DISTRIBUTION: lowveld. Of these, only two are known permanent daytime quarters, In the Transvaal recorded from only five localities in the eastern namely the wet Matlapitsi dolomite cave and sinkhole, and a cave 31 near Barberton. The other two records are of animals collected by night; specimens from Letsitele are almost certain from the Matlapitsi colony. HABITAT: Appears to be dependent on caves for daytime roosts, and in the Republic has never been observed to utilize any other roosts. Rosevear (1965) regards this dependence on caves or cave-like structures, such as tombs or pyramids, as a character common to the genus. By night the Egyptian fruit bat may be found in nearby suitable fruit trees. HABITS: A gregarious species; in the Matlapitsi cave as many as c. 2 000 were observed in one colony. They hang suspended from the roof by their hind feet in closely packed groups, in poor light creating the impression of a woven mat. The very young cling to their mothers. Subadults huddle together in small groups in cracks in the ceiling or in oblique walls. This is the only fruit bat which can navigate by means of echolocation (Mohres and Kulzer, 1956), which enables it to utilize the dark interior of caves. This probably also explains its remarkable powers of manoeuvering. Novick (1958) suggests that this faculty has evolved independently from that of the Microchiroptera. The sound impulses emitted by insectivorous bats are laryngeal in origin as opposed to the sounds caused by the tongue-clicking of this species, which are emitted through the open corners of the mouth. This species was observed feeding in large numbers on ripe litchi fruit near Letsitele during December 1963. Its feeding behaviour is very similar to that ofEpomophorus. F ruit is picked while hovering, and always carried to a wild tree at the edge of the orchard. While feeding the animal hangs suspended from a branch by its hind feet. It is a wasteful feeder, like other fruit bats, in that only one or two bites are taken from the litchi before it is discarded. FOOD: The only food source recorded in the Transvaal are litchis. Rosevear (1965) lists dates, guavas, mangoes, bananas and wild figs, which undoubtedly are also utilized locally when available. BREEDING: Two lactating females with their newborn young were collected in the Matlapitsi cave during February. According to Rosevear (1965), gestation lasts for four months, with normally one young at a time born per mother. Fig. 34: The distribution of R. aegyptiacus in the Transvaal MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Males Tot. T. H.Ft. Ear F.arm. Mass Females Tot. T. H.ft Ear H.arm Mass X 154,9 15,6 25.5 22.6 88,6 106,4 X 163,4 16,6 25,6 23,0 95,8 137,6 N 6 6 6 6 5 5 N Min. 146 13 23 22 84 90 Min. 151 14,5 23 22 98 128 Max. 176 19 28 32,5 100 161 Max. 173 18 27 24 92 141 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 29: Letsitele, 3 (TM); Levuvhu hippo pool, 8 (TM); Malta Farm, 1 (TM); Matlapitsi cave, 12 (TM); Pafuri, 3 (TM); The downs, 2 (TM) Additional records: Chikwarakwara, (Smithers in litt); Barberton, (Jacobsen,pers. comm.). Suborder MICROCHIROPTERA (Key after Hayman and Hill, 1971) 1. With a distinct tail extending past the interfemoral membrane 2 Tail almost entirely enclosed within the inter-femoral membrane ^ 2. Free terminal portion of tail emerges above middle of upper surface of inter-femoral membrane Emballonuridae Free terminal portion of tail enclosed in but projecting considerably beyond hind margin of interfemoral membrane Molossidae 3. Muzzle without nose-leaves Vespertilionidae Muzzle with nose-leaves 4 4. Muzzle with deep central longitudinal slit lined with fleshly dermal outgrowths ^ycteridae Face without a deep central slit, but with well-developed noseleaves covering muzzle 5 5. Posterior nose-leaves subtriangular, with erect pointed tip; toes with three phalanges Rhinolophidae Posterior nose-leaves with upper edge either elliptical in outline or tridentate; toes with two phalanges Hipposideridae 32 Family EMBALLONURIDAE Taphozous E. Geoffroy, 1818 1. Fur above grizzled, the tips of the hair whitish, underside PUJ® white; length of skull over 21,5 mm; forearm 58-64 ... mauritianus Fur above unicolour, length of skull less than 21,5 mm, forearm 60-67 perforate Taphozous (Taphozous) mauritianus E. Geoffroy, 1818 Tomb bat Witlyf vlermuis DISTRIBUTION: This monotypic species is rare in southern Africa, although it has a wide distribution in Africa south of the Sahara. In the Transvaal, as elsewhere through its range on the subcontinent, it is restricted to woodland savannah. The species is absent from the north-western Fig. 35: The distribution of T. mauritianus in the Transvaal Transvaal and adjoining southern Botswana The range of T. mauritianus correlates closely with areas receiving more than 500 mm rainfall per year. The known records falling in areas receiving less than 500 mm average annual precipitateion (i.e. Steilloopbrug district, and the Okavango and Francistown in Botswana), are close to swamps and rivers, the latter albeit seasonal. This implies a dependence on either open water or riparian forests. HABITAT: Under natural conditions it utilizes the trunks of big trees for daytime roosts. Civilization offers additional roosts in the form of exotic trees (viz. specimen from Rustenburg, collected in a bluegum tree), or walls of buildings just under the overhang of the roof, especially thatched roofs. HABITS: Rests by day, singly or mostly in small groups of up to eight individuals. The animals cling to the vertical surface of their refuge, heads pointing to the ground. They are very alert, and when disturbed always hastily scramble out of sight, while maintaining their upside-down position. Judging from accumulations of faeces and urine marks, groups have preferred sites which are occupied at least semi-permanently. They are nocturnal animals, although Smithers (1971) quotes a low incidence of daytime activity. By night they are silent, solitary, swift fliers, never reported to hunt higher than tree top level. They are easily recognized in flight by the pure white abdomen and parchment-coloured wings. The females carry their babies clinging to the abdomen during flight FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: ^ No pregnant or lactating females were collected in the Transvaal. Smithers (1971) reports females with offspring during October in Zimbabwe. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Male Tot. T H.ft Ear F.arm Mass Female X 110,0 21,5 12,3 18.2 62 29.3 N Min. Max. 11 100 131 11 17 25 10 9 14 11 13 21 6 61 63 4 26 32 X N Min. Max. Tot. 110,0 5 105 116 T. 22,0 5 20 23 H.ft. 13,6 5 12,5 14 Ear 19,4 5 18,5 21 F.arm 63,0 3 61 66 Mass 31,5 2 31 32 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 22: Bronkhorstspruit 1 (TM); Derdepoort, 5 (TM); Duiwelskloof, 1 (TM); Groothoek, 3 (TM); Hartebeesfontem, 2 (NKW); Huwi, 5 (TM, 2; CM, 3); Nicorel, 1 (TM); Olifantspooil, 1 (TM): Pretoria, 1 (TM); Sweet Home, 1 (TM); Tzaneen Estate, 1 (TM). Taphozous (Taphozous) perforatus E. Geoffroy, 1818 Although this species has, strictly speaking, never been recorded within the borders of the Republic, it is certain to occur in the extreme northern Transvaal. Smithers (1971) has recorded it along Egyptian tomb bat Egiptiese witlyf vlermuis the eastern tip of Botswana (2229 AB) at the joint border with Zimbabwe and the Transvaal. It has further been recorded from scattered localities in the southern districts of Zimbabwe. 33 Family NYCTERIDAE Nycteris G. Cuvier and E. Geoffroy, 1795 Nycteris thebaica E. Geoffroy, 1818 Common slit-faced bat Gewone spleetneusvlermuis N. t. capensis A. Sith, 1829 TAXONOMIC NOTES: Roberts (1951) and Shortridge (1934) regard capensis as a separate species, with damarensis Peters, 1870, as a subspecies. Ellerman et al. (1953) consider both to be subspecies of thebaica, while Hayman and Hill (1971) are doubtful with regard to the subspecies status within thebaica. However, they acknowledge the existence of forms differing in size throughout the species range in Africa. With subspecies differences thus undisputed but unresolved, Transvaal material is here referred toE. L capansies, this being the senior synonym of all southern races. DISTRIBUTION: This is a relatively common bat found throughout the bushveld regions of the Transvaal. As in the Transvaal, the range of N. t. capensis elsewhere in southern Africa appears to be confined to open woodland. HABITAT: The common slit-faced bat is a cave-dwelling species which also utilizes man-made structures such as the dark interiors of attics, disused buildings, tombs, culverts, bridges and mines for its daytime roosts. Smithers (1971) records two colonies known to have occurred in hollow boabab trees at Ngoma and Gweta for many years. HABITS: A semi-gragarious species, colonies varying between 6 and c.600. Individuals roost in loose aggregations, suspended by their hind feet from the roof. They emerge at dust and hunt individually. This species is a relatively slow but very agile flier. It hunts about a meter or two above the ground, easily avoiding bushes and suchlike obstacles. It also preys on ground-living insects. According to Rosevear (1965) the ultrasonic impulses necessary for echolocation are emitted through the nostrils and not through the open mouth as is customary in the Microchiroptera. Field observations suggest that during the night this bat utilizes a roost other than the normal day-time quarters, to rest and clean itself. Verschuren (1957) found that members of the family Nycteridae do not feed on the wing, but consume their prey at these nocturnal perches, which are regularly used, as evidenced by faeces and insect remains on the ground. N. thebaica appears not to hibernate. Wingate (in prep.) has found it to exhibit seasonal migrations in Natal, although as yet its destination in winter has not been located. FOOD: Insectivorous, mostly small insects because of the limited gape of the mouth. However, Felten(1956) observed the species in S.W.A. to regularly prey upon scorpions, which were carried to a nearby disused storeroom where they were consumed. BREEDING: Pregnant females were collected during August and October, and lactating females during November. Smithers (1971) recorded pregnancies during September. This suggests parturition during early summer. In each instance there was one foetus in the right uterine horn. oMari AHOOCSif sag w y\\ OTSWANA 1 Z y Elbvas / °# Stofloopbrug0 • # 2325 UXUS IfrttvS oPletefDut i» \ i - \ OfiWMnu A 1 r" f • Pt*«e<eruvi • 0<*&X*S o o0o 0*COmhe«fc 1 / / /' A\ OK.iiiWg • OGro6*v«i • OW*b*nk BeXat! Mali o ! "trie' ' /I 1625 / f j Q Ddtrtyftc i oixttnOuf Pwchetowr rtkrludxpO _ °jr^ jrJOKANNESBORG oNig« BBtmio . Ern*4c ;• ( i j 42^ P J -TLSS. —r votoi^o. pW.wSr.awr-.A. Fig. 36: The distribution of N. thebaica in the Transvaal MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Male Tot. X N Min. Max. T. 110,6 39 98 117 H.fL 52,8 39 44 57 Ear 10,7 36 9 12 F.arm 33,1 37 28 39 Mass 46,7 17 44 49 10,3 31 9 14 Female X N Min. Max. Tot 113,3 59 90 125 T. 54,9 59 48 63 H.ft 10,8 54 9 12 Ear 33,3 59 28 38 F.arm 47,9 35 42 51 Mass 11,6 41 7 16 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 121: Blyde river Nat Res., 1 (TM); Bongu Gorge, 1 (NKW); Bordeaux, 5 (TM); Dordrecht, 2 (TM); Duiwelskloof, 1 (TM); Dzundwini, 1 (TM); Greefswald, 7 (TM); Hectorspruit, 7 (TM); Howell Davies Caves, 1 (TM); Huwi, 6 (TM); Komatipoort, 1 (TM); Letaba Ranch, 9 (TM); Leydsdorp, 2 (TM); Loskopdam, 6 (TM); Olifantspoort, 2 (TM); Mokeetsi, 5 (TM); Mooigenoeg, 5 (TM); Mooiplaas, 1 (TM); Mutale, 1 (TM); Pafuri, 6 (NKW, 3; TM 3); Pretoria, 7 (TM); Pretoriuskop, 1 (TM); Punda Milia, 1 (TM); Rochdale, 1 (TM); Rooykrans, 8 (TM); Scrutton, 1 (TM); Secheili's Oude Stat, 3 (TM); Shingwidzi, 5 (TM 4; NKW, 1); Ten bosch Estate, 5 (TM); Thabazimbi, 11 (TM, 1 SI, 10); Tshokwane, 3 (NKW); Welgevonden, 5 (TM). Additional records: Open circles in Kruger National Park, after Pienaar (1964). 34 Family RHINOLOPHIDAE Rhinolophus Lacepede, 1799 Key adapted from Hayman and Hill (1971) 1. Face and/or lateral margins of sella liberally furnished with long hairs; connecting process low, rounded; greatest breadth of horseshoe generally over 9 mm 2 Sella naked; connecting process rounded or pointed; greatest breadth of horseshoe generally under 9 mm 3 2. Forearm 62-67; skull length 26-30 mm hildebrandtii Forearm 50-60; skull length 24-25 mm fumigatus 3. Anterior upper premolar, when present, external to toothrow; canine and P4 in contact; connecting process bluntly pointed ^ Anterior upper premolar in toothrow; canine and P4 not in rnntaftr>nnnf>rtina nrocess blunt or sharolv pointed 5 4. Forearm 50-57 clivosus Forearm 45-50 darlingi 5. First phalanx of fourth finger notably shortened in relation to metacarpal length landeri First phalanx of fourth finger not notably shortened in relation to metacarpal length ^ 6. Sella cuneate or wedge-shaped; no marked contrast between crown areas of anterior and posterior lower premolars; forearm 44-48 blasii Sella parallel-sided; strong contrast between crown areas of anterior and posterior lower premolars simulator Rhinolophus hildebrandtii Peters, 1878 Hilderbrandt's horseshoe bat Hilderbrandtse saalneusvlermuis Rhinolophus h. hilderbrantii Peters, 1878 DISTRIBUTION: The Transvaal population forms the southern extreme of the species range in Africa. Throughout Africa this species is restricted to the east In the Transvaal, as elsewhere through its range, Hilderbrandt's horseshoe bat is restricted to woodland savanna. It is inexplicably absent from the western woodland regions of northern Botswana, Caprivi and southeastern Angola. HABITAT: In the Transvaal recorded from caves, mines, disused buildings and, according to Pienaar (1964), hollow boabab trees. Both Roberts (1951) and Ansell (1960) record the species being found hanging freely suspended from the branches of trees. HABITS: Colonies are small, 12 being the biggest recorded (Smithers, 1971). Individuals hang separately. Day-time quarters may be shared with such species as Hipposideros cajfer and Miniopterios schreibersi, eg. at Sandspruit Cave no. 1 near Thabazimbi. FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: None of the females collected in the Transvaal were reproductively active. Smithers (1971) recorded pregnancies during October. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Male X N Min. Max. Tot 117,9 13 Ill 130 T. 38,4 13 33 43 H.ft 14,7 12 125 16 Ear 31,5 12 27,5 33 F.arm 64,5 6 61 69 Mass 24,1 9 20 26,3 Fig. 37: The distribution o/R. hildebrandtii in the Transvaal Female Tot T. H.ft Ear F.arm Mass RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 25: Bongu Gorge, 1 (NKW); DongolaKop, 2 (TM); Fairfield, 2 (TM); Greefswald, 1 (TM); Gorge Rest Camp, 1 (TM); Klipfontein, 1 (TM); Mphahlele river, 1 (TM); Pafuri, 3 (TM)' Punda Milia, 2 (NKW); Punda Milia-Machindudzi, 1 V '» - ,™ 1A/CT\. Tl,o Hmime 1 X N Min. Max. 117,4 8 Ill 128 38,7 9 35 44 14,4 10 12 17 32,8 9 31 34 64 3 62 66 26,4 8 24 31 Rhinolophus fumigatus Riippel, 1842 Riippel's horseshoe bat Riippelse saalneusvlermuis TAXONOMIC NOTES: Ellerman et al. (1953) suggest that fumigatus is the prior name for the species formerly called aethiops, and this view is supported by Hayman and Hill (1971). Where Ellerman et al. (1953) consider aethiops to be the southern race of the species, Hayman and Hill (1971) point out that recent authors differ widely in their interpretation of the taxonomic relationships of especially aethiops, and as a consequence are unable to define subspecies or synonyms. 35 Following Hayman and Hill (op. cit.) no subspecies are recognized in the Transvaal. DISTRIBUTION: In southern Africa the species was formerly known only from the west, from little Namaqualand to Angola (Roberts, 1951); Ellerman et al, (1953). Ansell (1960) subsequently recorded it from Zambia, and recently Smithers (in litt.) has shown it to be fairly widespread in Zimbabwe. In the Transvaal the species is currently known only from the north-east, viz. one locality in the Kruger National Park (Rautenbach, 1975), and two others on the Levuvhu river just outside as well as inside the Park. HABITAT: The two specimens recorded from the Transvaal were both collected in hollow boabab trees. According to Rosevear( 1965) the species is also to be found in caves and smaller crevices formed by rock debris. Rosevear (op. cit.) is of the opinion that this species is an inhabitant of open woodlands, although its present known range in southern Africa does not extend over all known open woodlands. HABITS: Aellen (1952) observed a small colony to roost closely packed together, which is atypical for the Rhinolophidae. The two specimens collected in the Transvaal were both solitary. Very little is otherwise known of the habits of Ruppel's horseshoe bat FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: No information available. € / ........ |/ EBrtfM StHBocWug 0 2329 Lou* Tneh£* S0fWr*MarO i \ i --^DartMOOC OThabaomb. O Nylttroom OtvigsUd VJ i OA"""". j i / / i 0Zwu»t OBuWrOorj 26^ O GOWK* OWrOor* O LytefCurg Bart*rton ^ Aomibwort/ 5 ./ "X / I oCwin 1 OUcMerfcu 'g 2627 „ ° ON# Sw - BaWaiO EtnalS SanOfftc-/— ) ( <63! 1 SWAZILAND ) J / Wcliwma: / _^W»Ihir»OT)o^- A. \... Fig. 38: The distribution of R. fumigatus in the Transvaal MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Male Tot. T. H.ft TM 25530: 105 29 10 Female Chir. NKW 86: 95 30 9 E. F.arm. Mass 25 53 14g 24 51 14g RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 3: On Levuvhu river, 1 (TM); Levuvhu hippo pool, 1 (TM); Machindudzi, 1 (NKW). Rhinophus clivosus Cretzschmar, 1826 R. c. augur Andersen, 1904 R. c zuluensis Andersen, 1904 TAXONOMIC NOTES: R. clivosus includes, as synonyms, geojfroyi A. Smith, 1829, and ferrumequinum Dobson, 1878, as understood by Harrison (1959) and Ansell (1960). R. c. zuluensis includes zambesiensis Andersen, 1904, as a synonym. R. c. augur and R. c. zuluensis are both here considered to occur in the Transvaal, the former in the western and northern, and the latter in the eastern Transvaal. However, the possibility that zuluensis may be a synonym oiaugur was mentioned by Meesteref al (1964) and may well be confirmed if more material becomes available. The two subspecies are separated on the basis of colour, zuluensis being darker. The two forms are sympatric in the Pretoria, Witwatersrand and Rustenburg area. Specimens in the Transvaal Museum collection collected before 1906 can be shown to be consistently lighter than recent acquisitions from the same area, eg. the Krugersdorp district This suggests that specimens may fade in time, a possibility which should be kept in mind if the status of these two forms is reconsidered with colour as a diagnostic feature. DISTRIBUTION: Geoffrey's horseshoe bat occurs throughout the province, with the exception of the more arid northwestern Transvaal. The species has most probably been overlooked in the southwestern Transvaal and GeofFroy's horseshoe bat GeofFroyse saalneusvlermuis HABITS: R. clivosus has been one of the species receiving close attention during the past 15 years through the activities of the Transvaal Museum Bat Banding Committee. The most important point that has emerged is that this species is migratory only to a limited extent, and that all known migrations are local. The disturbance of banding operations may have a causal effect on these local migrations. R. clivosus is normally torpid during winter, although it intermittently displays low-level activity. It roosts individually or in small colonies hanging loosely from the cave roof. These bats emerge from their cave approximately 30 minutes after sunset. Hunting seems to be at a peak during the early hours of the night GeofFroy's horseshoe bats were on several occasions observed resting in regular nighttime roosts other than the daytime refuges. An individual collected at Dullstroom regularly came to roost in a farmhouse kitchen. Droppings and the wings of smaller beetles, and specially moths, characterize the night roosts of R. clivosus. It probably also feeds on other insects which can be consumed in toto. FOOD: Entirely insectivorous, with an apparent preference for moths and smaller beetles. BREEDING: Pregnant females were collected only during November, with foetuses ranging in crown-rump length from 25-30 mm. Only one foetus per female. in the large area of the Kruger National Park between Skukuza and Punda Milia. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Male HABITAT: X N Min. Max. A cave-dwelling species, with an apparent preference for caves with Tot 95,9 63 80 112 high humidity. T. 32,2 63 27 38 36 H.ft 11,1 57 9 13 Ear 21,1 63 18 24 F.arm 53,1 32 52 56 Mass 16,2 20 13 20 KNOCKS* oS£na / i—y' lu I ivSxkooort / 2328 SteHcopQrug Q 232« iN.Tod.'S. Soe-reviJ'o OPfetanbu^ \ % i \ \ 0 PAiiaw-a 1 r" / Olhabawntx 0 N»Wmcm • n""* - % i otomwi : ! 05*— i ! / / i 1 X\ AO*,,# ORuUtftbug — • t * OGroCfervai O LyOerc^i • • 2625 / j q Delarryville / i>626 OLicMwburg Kfermtorpo • • ;p?ANNES8UTO ON# Ermetj Standmcq/*— 2&0:"' ) ( vm——&< i SWAZILAND j j 2725 Weimar anssUB . BtooMaf xv 3^ / VoilSfWjQ. . "V N0» v Fig. 39: The distribution of R. clivosus in the Transvaal Rhinolophus darlingi Andersen, 1905 R d. darlingi Andersen, 1905 TAXONOMIC NOTES: R. d. darlingi includes barbertonensis Roberts, 1924, as a synonym. Ellerman et al. (1953) believe that R d damarensis Roberts, 1946, is also a synonym of darlingi, unlike Hayman and Hill (1971) who are followed here. DISTRIBUTION: As elsewhere throughout its range in southern Africa, the species is restricted in the Transvaal to bushveld areas, as well as the eastern escarpment at Ofcolaco and Leydsdorp. It is probably widespread in these wooded areas of the Transvaal, although overlooked in many districts. HABITAT: Since Darling's horseshoe bat is more often encountered in caves it is an indication that, like the rest of the Rhinolophidae, it is principally a cave-dweller. It has also been collected from mines (eg. Gravelotte mine), attics, deserted constructions and shallow rock crevices. All localities in the Transvaal are situated in open woodland. Two specimens were colelcted in riverine forest at Greefswald 37MS, in the vicinity of rocky outcrops, where a further series was subsequently collected by day in shallow crevices. HABITS: Absolute darkness during daylight resting periods is not essential as specimens were often collected roosting in dimly lit sites, eg. rock crevices or old abodes. This species roosts in small loose aggregations of two to 15 individuals, hanging upside-down from cave roofs, rafters, etc. Judging from the amount of guano, these roosts are not occupied for prolonged periods. FOOD: Insectivorous. Female X N Min. Max. Tot. 97,2 75 85 11 T. 31,7 75 27 38 H.ft 10,6 74 8 14 Ear 21,2 75 18 24 F.arm 53,8 28 51 57 Mass 17,0 24 12 25 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 154: Barberton, 3 (TM); Cave of Death, 1 (TM); Cyprus, 2 (TM); Echo Caves, 4 (TM); Frederikstad, 1 (TM); Groenkloof, 1 (TM); Grootsuikerboschkop and Elandslaagte, 1 (TM); Howell Davis Cave, 2 (TM); Johannesburg, 1 (TM); Kastrolnek, 3 (TM); Kosterfontein, 1 (TM); Krugersdorp, 2 (TM); Makapans Cave, 4 (TM); Monument Park, 1 (TM); Olifantspoort, 1 (TM); New Agatha Forest Reserve, 8 (TM); Peppercorn, 1 (TM); Potchefstroom, 6 (TM); Pretoria, 60(TM, 5; SI, 55); Punda Milia, 1 (NKW); Skurweberg, 5 (TM); Sterkfontein, 8 (TM); The Downs, 1 (TM); Uitkomst, 6 (TM); Uitkyk, 5 (TM); Venterskroon, 6 (TM); West Drie Fontein Cave, 1 (TM); Wonderfontein, 17 (TM); Woodbush, 1 (TM). Additional records: Skukuza (Ellerman et al. 1953:57). Fig. 40: The distribution of R. darlingi in the Transvaal BREEDING: A single pregnant female was collected during October, with one 22 mm foetus in the right horn of the uterus. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Male X N Min. Max. Tot. 81,2 16 70 91 T. 28,5 16 .21 36 H.ft 9,2 14 8 10 Ear 20,3 13 18 25 F.arm 45,5 4 44 48 Mass 8,0 6 7 9 37 Darling's horseshoe bat Darlingse saalneusvlermuis RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 48: Baviaanspoort, 6 (TM); Birthday Mines, 1 (TM); Chikwarakwara, 1 (RM); Cyprus, 3 (TM); Dongola Kop, 1 (TM); Gravelotte Mine, 8 (TM); Greefswald, 4 (TM); Leydsdorp, 3 (TM); Makupane Cave, 2 (TM); Malalaspruit, 1 (NKW); Malelane, 1 (TM); MatupaKop, 1 (NKW); Mooigenoeg, 2 (TM); Platbos, 1 (TM); Pretoria, 1 (TM); Skukuza Koppies, 9 (TM, 5; NKW, 4); Stoltznekdam, 2 (TM); Uitkyk, 1 (TM). Additional records: Open circle in Kruger National Park, after Pienaar (1964). Rhinolophus landeri Martin, 1838 Lander's horseshoe bat Landerse saalneusvlermuis R. I. lobatus Peters, 1852 TAXONOMIC NOTES: Roberts, 1951 regards lobatus as a distinct species. The view here presented is that of Hayman and Hill (1971). The two marked colour phases which occur elsewhere in the range of this species (Rosevear, 1965), have also been noted in the Transvaal, namely a pale grey to grey brown phase, and a bright rufous phase. DISTRIBUTION: Known only from the northern parts of the eastern Transvaal lowveld. HABITAT: In the Transvaal Lander's horseshoe bat has been noted to utilize caves, a pumphouse, and rafters under thatched roofs as daylight abodes. Transvaal records indicate an association with drier open woodland, but Rosevear (1965) notes it to also occur on high mountains, rain forests and Guinea woodland, supporting the view of Vershuren (1957) that this bat is very adaptable to its specific vegetational surroundings. HABITS: R. landeri may roost solitarily, or in small isolated groups suspended from the roof, not actually in bodily contact. Eisentraut (1940) recorded some torpid individuals in a cave colony, while others were active, suggesting that body temperature and activity are independent of environmental conditions. However, recent studies indicate that hibernating bats become active as a result of internal as well as external stimuli (see van der Merwe, 1973a and b, 1975). FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: No pregnant or lactating females have been recorded to date. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Only six specimens (four males and two females) are known from Female X N Min. Max. Tot 85,5 28 75 95 T. 30,1 28 24 35 H.ft 8,7 27 7 10 Ear 20,4 26 17 22 F.arm 46,2 17 45 49 Mass 9,4 20 6,5 14 Fig. 41: The distribution of R. landeri in the Transvaal the Transvaal, of which four are housed in the reference collection of the National Parks Board in Skukuza. Males Mass 9g 10g Hg 9 Tot T. H.ft E. F.arm. TM 25538: 84 27 9 17 44 NKW (Chir.) 81: 78 25 8,5 19 43 NKW (Chir.) 82: 80 25 9 19 45 NKW (Chir.) 72: 75 25 8 16,5 43 Females NKW (Chir.) 83: 82 25 8,5 19 44 TM 30554: 80 22 9 20 44 9g 6,9g RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 5: Letaba Ranch, 1 (TM); Ngirivane, 1 (NKW); Levuvhu, 2 (NKW); Shirombe pan, 1 (TM). Rhinolophus blasii Peters, 1866 Peak-saddle horseshoe bat Spitss aalneus vlermuis R b. empusa Andersen, 1904 TAXONOMIC NOTES: Roberts (1951) and earlier authors regard empusa as a distinct species. The more recent treatment of Hayman and Hill (1971) is followed here. DISTRIBUTION: Transvaal records are too scattered to define the distribution 38 pattern. It would however appear that elsewhere in Africa this species is restricted to open woodland. As the peak-saddle horseshoe bat occurs also in Zimbabwe, it may have been overlooed in the northern north-eastern Transvaal. Records from the Krugersdorp district represent the most southern limit of the species' range in Africa. HABITAT: Very little is known of the habitat requirements of this species. Thus far it has been reported to utilize only dark caves and mines as daytime roosts. From its known range it can be concluded that it is essentially an inhabitant of open woodland. HABITS: From isolated observations on R. blasii, behaviour appears to be similar to that of other Transvaal Rhinolphidae, in that it is principally a cave dweller. It also typically roosts in small groups suspended from the cave roofs, with individuals not in physical contact During regular visits to dolomite caves in the Krugersdorp district, the species was recorded only occasionally, suggesting that it is to some extent migratory, although it is impossible to determine whether migration is seasonal. R. blasii has been recorded to hibernate in these caves during winter. FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: No pregnant or lactating females were collected in the Transvaal. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Males X N Min. Max. Tot. 76,3 18 70 100 T. 26,1 18 21 30 H.ft 9,1 18 7 10 Ear 18,0 18 15 21 F.arm 44,9 17 41,4 46,7 Mass 4,2 3 2,1 7,5 o«<W "HCOIVf / ^ / OTS WAN* / SoaWntkMro OPWtwOu'l \ \ i \ \ / J / OThiflfcmbi ONW&OTl •"fn— o0hnga*d \ ! OfeWTftM* i ! / J 1 i X-\ ° Zccnjsl • o«w« ! „ , ,| " ifcml) • 2625 /' ' f \ / Oixhmb^n Ve^ffMorpo PotcheWroom KJ«rt*toro° 2627 RwJtofteui0 ° J^§H4NNES8U*G o»* BrfMiO Enneta ) ( & y [ SWA2IIAND '] J i y — 2725 Wc*n»>*nssUC / .^WtSfnmorr.\ , . , , Fig. 42: The distribution of R. blasii in the Transvaal Females X N Min. Max. Tot 75,3 14 62,5 89 T. 26 14 21 30 H.ft 8,7 14 7 10 Ear 17,5 14 15 20 F.arm 46,0 16 43,3 47,4 Mass 2,6 2 2,1 3 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 37: Imperial Mine, 1 (TM); Krugersdorp, 4 (TM); Makapansgat, 5 (TM); Rooiberg, 2 (TM); Sandspruit, 7 (TM); Skurweberg, 1 (TM); Sterkfontein, 1 (TM); Uitkyk, 13 (TM); Uitkomst, 3 (TM). Rhinolophus simulator Andersen, 1904 Bushveld horseshoe bat Bosveld-saalneusvlermuis DISTRIBUTION: In the Transvaal this species is restricted to undifferentiated AHOOtSlf Mnvi OSMU / I / » \ \ OTSWANA f E1hv» SteitooWm 0 SofkmekMro oAmrafcurt • O TnrtMn i \ \ oPt«U0or« f A • o NiHtroow • • OhrigrtAS V j otom* j i / / / x\ OZmruU KotJf O oGr»w«S«i • OljOWwri MMM Kowtottrtf NWwwrl ^ O •• !tfx- { ^ /' • 0c*wyvi ObchttAbuf Vertwdvpo Pe«r*f*n»r Rjndtorton0 ° ^HHftNMESSURC Bethtfo ) ( ^3. ! j / V j*555 Wcdrwwuttd . BMrrM « ? s ts s Vofc*\«0. . pWaSintroow A. _3.- V. Fig. 43: The distribution of R. simulator in the Transvaal woodland savanna. Only one record exists from mopane woodland, which the species seems to avoid in Zimbabwe and elsewhere. The range ofR. simulator appears to be restricted by rainfall, as known records in southern Africa (with two exceptions) fall in areas receiving more than 500 mm precipitation per annum. HABITAT: Recorded only from the dark interior of caves and deserted mines. HABITS: Although smaller colonies are often encountered, specimens taken from Derdepoort, Potgietersrus and Entabeni State Forest were all from relatively large aggregations of circa 300. Individuals hang loosely suspended from the roof. Some caves and mines were very wet whereas others were dry, which implies that relative humidity is not vital in the choice of a refuge. Of 12 specimens collected at Potgietersrus during January 1974, seven were adult females apparently in the final stages of lactation, judging from the condition of their nipples. Five subadults of this series were roosting away from their mothers and had already reached adult size (Fore-arm length X = 46,0 mm as compared to 46,5 mm in seven adults). The subadults were grey as compared to the rufous colouration of the females. From preserved material it appears that the circa 300 bats present in the cave at the time constituted a maternity colony, and that the offspring had become independent once adult size was attained. An all-female colony 39 encountered during September showed a high incidence of pregnancy. A rufous colour phase has been recorded ini?. simulator from the eastern Transvaal by Roberts (1951). According to Roberts (op. cit.) the young begin with a whitish fur, and then pass through a yellow phase to the adult rufous phase. The rufous and normal adult colour phases occur in the same areas and no other differences could be found between them. A specimen was collected in a rondavel at Loskopdam where it regularly fed during the early evening on insects attracted to the lamp. Judging from the amount of guano found under colonies, refuges are utilized permanently or semi-permanently. FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: In the January series discussed above seven adult females were lactating. Another series of 11 females, taken during September at Derdepoort, contained nine pregnant females. The similarity in weights of subadults from a Potgietersrus series, as well as the similar sizes of foetuses from the Derdepoort series, indicate a restricted breeding season during early summer. Pregnant females each carried only one foetus, ranging in size between five and seven millimetres. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Male X N Min.. Max. Tot. 76,2 15 64 86 T. 26,2 15 22 30 H.ft 8,5 15 7 10 Ear 20,8 15 18 23 F.arm 44,5 19 43 46 Mass 8 5 8 8 Females X N Min. Max. Tot 79,2 39 68 90 T. 26,0 39 21 32 H.ft 7,9 38 7 10 Ear 22,2 39 19 24 F.arm 45,9 39 44,1 48 Mass 9,2 39 8 11 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 67: Cinnabar, 2 (TM); Dongolakop, 1 (TM); Groothoek, 12 (TM); Hectorspruit, 5 (TM); Howell Davies Caves, 10 (TM); Imperial Mine, 4 (TM); Klein Letaba, 1 (TM); Loskopdam Nature Reserve, 1 (TM); Mokeetsi, 1 (TM); Mooimeisiesfontein, 9 (TM); Mooiplaas, 11 (TM); Rhoda, 3 (TM); Rooikrans, 1 (TM); Rustenburg, 1 (DM); Skurweberg Cave, 2 (TM); Uitkyk, 1 (TM); Wonderboom, 2 (TM). Family HIPPOSIDERIDAE 1. Larger, rostrum at least half as long as braincase; forearm over Smaller, rostrum less than half the length of braincase; forearm 42 Hipposideros 31-35 Cloeotis Hipposideros Gray, 1821 Hipposideros coffer (Sundevall, 1846) Sundevall's leaf-nosed bat Sundevallse blaarneusvlermuis TAXONOMIC NOTES: Two extreme colour phases occur in this species, namely a common dark grey phase with light-coloured hair-basis, and an orangerufous phase. Intermediate colour phases are also represented in the Transvaal Museum collections. DISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed in wooded areas of Africa, except the central forested regions (Hayman and Hill, 1971). In the Transvaal the species is restricted to the bushveld region. It is conspicuously absent in the dry Limpopo river valley of the north-western and northern Transvaal. There is a tendency for the range of this species to be restricted to the above 500 mm rainfall zone in the Transvaal, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Exceptions to this are to be found in the lower rainfall area of the north-eastern Transvaal and adjoining southeastern Zimbabwe, where the habitat requirements are probably met by permanent rivers and associated vegetation. HABITAT: Sundevall's leaf-nosed bat is essentially a cave dweller, and in the Transvaal as elsewhere it resides in colonies of several hundreds. It also utilizes the dark interiors of old mines. Smaller colonies are also to be found under the roofs of old houses and even in concrete pipe culverts. It appears to be associated with wooded regions; this may be related to feeding behaviour (see below). HABITS: Under optimum conditions H. coffer congregates in colonies of 40 • LouiiTridS RHOOCSlF OS<-M 1 / 1 SWIoopbn*,, OPifttftturi • O Tar—an • *\ % i \ \ / 1 / _ .. --^OenJepoort ^Thabwimfc Pw»ettivw Q0f>ngstad •i !- • • • 1 ! I i ... ° It*** •wo •o_ OGrobN*MI • OWtQ-nk ol«^i MM MM) A f i j o0Hrer* / OUeM*ibur| vrtrvwo ^X*$AW«S8UPG ON* 2630 ; ( j SWAZILAND ] J 7^ / T VofcWtO. 5! (.nShvm- \ T573r V Fig. 44: The distribution of H. cafTer in the Transvaal several hundreds. Individuals roost well apart, suspended from the ceiling of the refuge. Smithers (1971) suggests that it may be dependent on water, which is borne out by its moisture-restricted range. It is a slow, agile flyer, often observed flying continuously over water surfaces; it has also been observed flying at tree-top level, and even sometimes at ground level at kraal sites as observed by Smithers (1971). Flight behaviour suggests that it feeds on the wing (see also Rosevear, 1965), although Roberts (1951) is of the opinion that it takes its prey from leaves and not in flight FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: No records are available of pregnant or lactating females. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Male X N Min. Max. Tot 86,8 30 73 97,5 T. 28,9 31 23 35 H.ft 8,7 24 7 10 Ear 14,7 24 10 17 F.arm 47,7 16 46 49 Mass 9,1 17 8 10,5 Females X N Min. Max. Tot 85,5 25 73 92 T. 31,1 26 23 36 H.ft 8,3 25 5 10 Ear 15,5 25 11 18 F.arm 46,6 15 44 49 Mass 8,4 17 6 15 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 72: Hectorspruit, 9 (TM); Levuvhu hippo pool, 1 (TM); Leydsdorp, 3 (TM); Loskopdam Nature Reserve, 3 (TM); Louws Creek, 1 (TM); Mokeetsi, 2 (TM); Mooimeisiesfontein, 4 (TM); Munweni Cave, 3 (NKW); Mutale, 3 (TM); Punda Milia, 1 (NKW): Rhoda, 19 (TM); Rustenburg, 4 (TM); Shingwidzi, 3 (NKW); Skukuza, 1 (TM); Stolznekdam, 1 (TM); Thabazimbi, 2 (SI); The Downs, 9 (TM); Tshokwane, 1 (NKW); Tzaneen, 1 (TM); Urk 2 (TM); Zwarthoek, 1 (TM). Additional records: Open circles in Kruger National Park, after Pienaar (1964). Cloeotis Thomas, 1901 Cloeotis percivali Thomas, 1901 Short-eared trident bat Drietandneus-blaarneusvlermuis C. p. australis Roberts, 1917 DISTRIBUTION: In the Transvaal the species is known from three localities in the Pretoria and Rustenburg districts, and from an isolated locality at Komatipoort However, it occurs widely, although nowhere abundant, in Zimbabwe, and is also to be found in northeastern Botswana. It is therefore likely that this species has been overlooked throughout the northern bushveld regions of the Transvaal. HABITAT: All specimens were taken in caves and mines. HABITS: Roberts (1951) encountered large colonies, from which it can be concluded that this is a gregarious species. Nothing else is known about its life history. FOOD: Insectivorous. o*»» •MOOCS* M oS<Ma / \\ 1 s 2329 L»I Soefcr*tu*o oPfcontv, \ V i \ \ ) J / • --©tv*3eooc* oThabaanb PWgWcvirt 0O»n*»j "V OVcrnNw* ! j f i x\ ° Zw-V KcaierO AdWltUI O&DMOM OWrtbar* OL^w, Baftartn ssr— h i i i j 0Dfj»e»wii« / OLditettvi eentmtixoo PltcWttoom ° ^«HANNE580RG Bee-Jo ; t v i J / 7 r VofcVMlO. ® pWaiiinouoai V..I BREEDING: No pregnant or lactating females were collected. Smithers (1971) recorded pregnancies during October. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Males X N Min. Max. Tot 62,8 4 57 69 T. 27,3 4 23 31 H.ft 6,5 4 6 7 Ear 8,5 4 8 9 F.arm 34,1 6 33,1 34,7 Mass _ - _ Fig. 45: The distribution of C. percivali in the Transvaal Females X N Min. Max. Tot 62,3 4 56 68 T. 25,0 4 22 27 H.ft 6,3 4 6 7 Ear 8,4 4 8 9 F.arm 34,3 4 33,2 35,2 Mass - _ _ _ RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 10: Komatipoort, 1 (TM); Mooimesiesfontein, 5 (TM); Rustenburg, 1 (TM); Waterberg, 1 (TM); Wonderboom, 2 (TM). Family VE SPERTILIONID AE 1. Second phalanx of third digit about three times as long as first; braincase high and rounded Miniopterinae Second phalanx of third digit not especially elongated 2 2. Ears not funnel-shaped, without deep emargination below tip; tragus short and broad, or long and narrow, but not sharply pointed; braincase not particularly high and rounded Verspertilioninae Ears funnel-shaped, with deep emargination below tip; tragus long, narrow, sharply pointed; braincase high and rounded ... Kerivoulinae 41 Subfamily VESPERTILIONINAE 1. Six upper, six lower cheek teeth on each side Myotis Less than six upper and six lower cheek teeth 2 2. Two upper incisors on each side 3 One upper incisor on each side 5 3. Wings with a conspicuous dark reticulate pattern on a pale background Glauconycteris Wings unicolour 4 4. Upper jaw with two premolars on each side ... Pipistrellus Upper jaw with one premolar on each side Eptesicus 5. Skull with a distinct posteriorly-projecting helmet; ear tragus long, tapering Scotophilus Skull normal; ear tragus half-moon shaped Nycticeius Myotis Kaup, 1829 1. Wing and interfemoral membranes and forearm conspicuously part-coloured (black and red) welwitschii Wing and interfemoral membranes not parti-coloured ... 2 2. Size larger, forearm 47 - 52 mm tricolor Size smaller, forearm 36-40 mm; colour typically orangerufous on back bocagii Myotis (Chrysopteron) welwitschii (Gray, 1866) Welwitsch's hairy bat Welwitschse langhaarvlermuis DISTRIBUTION: Throughout its range in Africa this rare species is known only from scattered localities. In the Transvaal it is known from six localities, three in the eastern Transvaal lowveld, one in the northwestern bushveld, and two on the highveld. HABITAT: A specimen from Boksburg was collected in a factory. Two specimens from the Kruger National Park were both collected by day, roosting individually in a scrubby bush in the Lebombo mountains. Nothing is known of the conditions under which the Belfast specimen was collected. HABITS: From the isolated encounters mentioned above, it would appear that Welwitsch's bat is solitary in habits. FOOD: Insectivorous. a? OSDMA / i Si»«ooe©o«0 SoC-Tit^aao ofVterMx-g OTuncan fcul \ % i % \ } 1 'fi ^..•-©Ofdeooon » Olhibutmbi PofgWtKW* o0Mg«»J "v i oVcwoe* I ! / / 1 / _ .y \ ° Zeefus* ORustenburg cGrobiarM* OLxmx*t • B»t*«70O ?625 S r • 1 Obcnweorg VfttfWSO Petefietttroorr 2627 R»*Jfontan ° ON" Enr*ti S^ndertoy-—' 2630 ) c ?631 Y ! SWA2ILANO ] J — i«oooooo T . pWekkerstrwr .-"v. ?- BREEDING: No information available. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Two of the specimens known from the Transvaal are housed in the Skukuza reference collection of the National Parks Board. They are: Tot. T. H.ft Ear F.arm Mass NKW(Chir.) 98:9 109 54 8 22 57 ?g Uncatalogued and unsexed: 116 50 9,5 22 57 14,3g Fig. 46: The distribution of M. welwitschii in the Transvaal Only one of the two Transvaal Museum specimens has been measured namely: TM 17035: §: 127 61 10 18 57 = ?g RECORDS OF OCCURENCE: Specimens examined, 6: Boksburg, 1 (TM); Doornsloot, 1 (RNM); Elandsklip, 1 (TM); Matukwatadam, 1 (NKW); Nwaswitsake, 1 (NKW). Unnamed locality at 25°03'S; 31°32'E, 1 (NKW). Myotis (Selysius) tricolor (Temminck, 1832) DISTRIBUTION: In the Transvaal it is recorded from the north and south-eastern Transvaal lowveld, and from the central and southern Transvaal. All available records of M. tricolor in southern Africa are from areas with mean annual rainfall of500 mm or more, which explains its absence from the northern Transvaal. The range of the Cape hairy bat is possibly also affected by the availability of suitable caves. Temminck's hairy bat Temminckse langhaarvlermuis All over Africa this species has an easterly distribution, and this may explain why it has not been recorded from the south-western Transvaal. HABITAT: M. tricolor prefers caves or disused mining adits and daytime retreats. The surrounding veld types do not appear to be of any great importance as it occurs in most of the bushveld as well as parts of the 42 KMOCXSlI 1 \ OlSWAH* | Ban Slt*«orj«0 2329 LOj't oPiewnBu'g i \ \ I / oTh^mb. o N|WMm 3 \ OtaMM j / / i /\ ° Zeefusl ORusanburg ^ OWHUn* O LydtnOu'g H«horvt *OP"l*>OC^J • = / / SJ5 y j / OUcMtataif Randtonttin0 o , p-HEsauRO ONigct BetTolo Emm 2S— ) ( _— l I J 27*5 Wcfcrwtn-'- mr 2755 y f yotkm^Q. pWeie«rnroe«n-.-X Fig. 47: The distribution of M. tricolor in the Transvaal highveld grassland. As suggested by Roberts (1951), it would appear that Temminck's hairy bat is partial to refuges with higher relative humidities. HABITS: A social species which normally congregates in fair numbers, either hanging or clinging with fore and hind claws to the roof. It is migratory to a limited extent as it irregularly visits the Krugersdorp dolomite caves. These migrations are unlikely to be seasonal as specimens have been collected throughout the year in both highveld and bushveld caves. FOOD: Insectivorous. BREEDING: No pregnant or lactating females have been collected in the Transvaal. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS: Males X Tot 106,2 T. 44,0 H.ft 10,7 Ear 16,0 F.arm 49,9 Mass 12,4 Female x Tot 108,7 T. 49,2 H.ft 11,3 Ear 16,9 F.arm 50,9 Mass 11,7 RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE: Specimens examined, 39: Cave of Death, 1 (TM); Ficus Cave, 5 (TM); Garsfontein, 1 (TM); Irene, 3 (TM); Louws Creek, 4 (TM); Makapans Cave, 3 (TM); Pafuri, 1 (TM); Peppercorn Cave, 3 (TM); Satara, 1 (NKW); Schurweberg Caves, 3 (TM); Sterkfontein, 1 (TM); Uitkomst, 4 (TM); Uitkyk, 4 (TM); Venterskroon, 4 (TM); Zandspruit Caves, 1 (TM). N Min. Max. 14 95 118 14 35 54 13 9,5 13 14 14 19 14 47,5 52,0 5 8 15 N Min. Max. 21 95 121 20 43 56 21 10 13 21 13 19 19 46,6 53,4 6 10 14 Myotis bocagii (Peters, 1870) Rufous hairy bat Rooi-langhaarvlermuis M. b. bocagii (Peters, 1870) TAXONOMIC NOTES: Two subspecies are recognized by Hayman and Hill (1971), namely cupreolus Thomas, 1904 from western Africa, and the nominate race from central and eastern Africa. DISTRIBUTION: The species is widely distributed in east, central and west Africa, the western race being associated with forests and the eastern race with savannas. The series taken during 1979 at Pafuri represents the southern-most limit of distribution of this species, and is the first record of occurrence for the rufous hairy bat within the borders of the Republic of South Africa. HABITAT: Very little is known about this animal. Hayman and Hill (op. cit.) remark that the nominate race occurs mostly in savanna regions, whereas cupreolus is found predominantly in high forests. During an intensive survey program in the northern regions of the Kruger National park, this species was recorded exclusively within high riparian forests at the Levuvhu and Limpopo rivers confluence. Rosevear (1965) found that the west African race utilizes dense foliage as daytime roosts. Individuals were found clinging to the broad leaves of forest floor tropical plants. Others were found inside the sheath of water lily plants, in rather similar situaions as preferred by P. nanus, the banana bat It thus seems feasable that populations of the nominate race, although distributed widely through savanna regions, actually find refuge only in riparian forests Fig. 47a: The distribution of M. bocagii in the Transvaal where roosts of the tropical type as described by Rosevear (op. cit.) abounds. HABITS: Occurs singly or in small numbers in their daytime roosts 43