Overview

Tadarida aegyptiaca – (É. Geoffroy, 1818)

ANIMALIA – CHORDATA – MAMMALIA – CHIROPTERA – MOLOSSIDAE – Tadarida – aegyptiaca

Common Names: Egyptian Free-tailed Bat, Egyptian Guano Bat,  Egyptian Nyctinome (English), Egiptiese  Losstertvlermuis (Afrikaans) 

Synonyms:  Nyctinomus aegyptiaca (A. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire,  1818), N. geoffroyi (Temminck, 1827), tragatus (Dobson, 1874), talpinus (Heuglin, 1877), anchietae (Seabra, 1900), bocagei (Seabra, 1900), brunneus (Seabra, 1900), tongaensis (Wettstein, 1916), gossei Wroughton, 1919, sindica Wroughton, 1919, thomasi Wroughton, 1919 

Taxonomic Note: Two subspecies of Tadarida aegyptiaca have been recorded from the assessment region (Hayman & Hill 1971). These include T. a. aegyptiaca, which extends from North Africa (Algeria and Egypt) southwards through  East Africa and into the Western Cape of South Africa, as well as the smaller and darker T. a. bocagei (Seabra 1900)  from central and western Africa (Hayman & Hill 1971; Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Monadjem et al. (2020)  recommend further studies to address the taxonomic status of the widespread African populations.    

In some databases (e.g. https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1005261) this species is listed as  Nyctinomus aegyptiacus, while in other databases (e.g. www.gbif.org/species/2433016)  Nyctinomus is listed as a basionym. In the absence of taxonomic clarity about the status and distribution of the genus, species, and subspecies we have chosen to use Tadarida until the situation is better resolved.

Red List Status: LC – Least Concern (IUCN version 3.1) 

Assessment Information

Assessors: Richards, L.R.¹, Howard, A.², Lötter, C.A.³ & Richardson, E.J.⁴ 

Reviewer: de Villiers, M.⁵ 

Institutions: ¹Durban Natural Science Museum, ²University of the Free State, ³Inkululeko Wildlife Services (Pty) Ltd, ⁴Independent Consultant at Richardson & Peplow Environmental, ⁵CapeNature 

Previous Assessors and Reviewers: MacEwan, K., Jacobs, D., Schoeman, C., Richards, L.R., Cohen, L., Monadjem, A., Sethusa, T. & Taylor, P.  

Previous Contributors: Nicholson, S.K., Relton, C., & Raimondo, D.  

Assessment Rationale 

The species is very widely distributed (with an estimated extent of occurrence of 1,519,832 km²), locally common and recorded from many formally protected areas within the assessment region. Craniodental morphometric and genetic data indicate the taxon represents a species complex, with a diminutive central-western form and a larger eastern form, recorded from southern Africa (Reddy 2015; Reddy et al. 2019). These forms loosely correspond to T. a. aegyptiaca and T. a. bocagei. More detailed investigations, including comparison to type or topotypic specimen material, are required to ascertain whether the two forms represent valid species. It predominantly forages above canopy height and is therefore very susceptible to mortality from wind turbine blade collisions and possibly barotrauma (Doty & Martin 2013; Aronson 2022). Barotrauma is tissue damage caused by rapid excessive changes in air pressure, conditions which result from turbine blade movement (Baerwald et al. 2008; Cryan & Barclay 2009; Rydell et al. 2010). While previously not considered to face significant threats, there is a current confirmed, severe threat posed by wind farms. Reports from most operational wind farms indicate that of all turbine-related bat mortalities, this species is killed in the highest numbers, with males seemingly impacted more often than females (L. Richards, unpublished data). It is not certain, however, whether this species is declining at a rate fast enough to qualify for a threatened status. Certainly, this species needs close monitoring and substantially improved fatality mitigation at wind farms across the region.

Regional population effects: This species is present within South Africa’s neighbouring countries and is distributed along the country’s borders. Its high wing-loading (Schoeman & Jacobs 2008) means dispersal and thus recolonisation of extinct or declining populations are possible.  

Reasons for Change 

Reason(s) for Change in Red List Category from the Previous Assessment: No change 

Red List Index 

Red List Index: No change

Recommended citation: Richards LR, Howard A, Lötter CA & Richardson EJ. 2025. A conservation assessment of Tadarida aegyptiaca. In Patel T, Smith C, Roxburgh L, da Silva JM & Raimondo D, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Regional Distribution and occurrence

Geographic Range 

The Egyptian Free-tailed Bat is found throughout Africa, and in the Arabian Peninsula through to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and south Asia (Bates & Harrison 1997). It is widespread and may still be abundant throughout most of southern Africa, occurring from the Western Cape of South Africa north through to Namibia and southern Angola, and through Zimbabwe to central and northern Mozambique (Monadjem et al. 2020). It is widely distributed in the assessment region, occurring in all nine provinces of South Africa as well as in Lesotho and Eswatini (Skinner & Chimimba 2005; Monadjem et al. 2016, 2020). Its estimated extent of occurrence is 1,519,832 km². 

Elevation / Depth / Depth Zones 

Elevation Lower Limit (in metres above sea level): 0 

Elevation Upper Limit (in metres above sea level): 2100 

Depth Lower Limit (in metres below sea level): (Not specified) 

Depth Upper Limit (in metres below sea level): (Not specified) 

Depth Zone: (Not specified) 

Figure 1. Distribution records for Egyptian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida aegyptiaca) within the assessment region (South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho). Note that distribution data is obtained from multiple sources and records have not all been individually verified.

Biogeographic Realms 

Biogeographic Realm: Afrotropical, Indomalayan 

Occurrence 

Countries of Occurrence 

Large Marine Ecosystems (LME) Occurrence 

Large Marine Ecosystems: (Not specified) 

FAO Area Occurrence 

FAO Marine Areas: (Not specified) 

Climate change

No formal study on the direct effects of climate change in this species has yet been conducted. However, due to the increasing temperatures across most of the species’ distribution (Mbokodo et al. 2020), the roosting preferences and foraging areas are predicted to shift. Most studies on the effects of climate change on bats are based on predictive species distribution modelling, thus there is a lack of empirical studies measuring behavioural, physiological, phenological or genetic responses to extreme and seasonal climatic changes, especially in the Global South (Festa et al. 2023; Pio et al. 2014). Globally, there have been documented declines in bat populations, species richness and distributions in relation to water availability with increasing global aridity which may become a growing concern as heat waves and maximum temperatures are expected to increase over much of South Africa (Adams and Hayes 2021; Mbokodo et al. 2020). Cory-Toussaint et al. (2010) found this species can enter prolonged periods of heterothermy for multiple days, suggesting hibernation capabilities.

Population Information

Although there are no accurate population estimates, this species is widespread and common within the assessment region, as well as within the rest of its range. In general, Egyptian free-tailed bats are capable of utilising synanthropic roosts (roof spaces) was well as natural roosts such as crevices in rocks. It is unknown whether the two identified forms vary in their roosting ecology. Individuals roost communally in small to medium-sized groups, which may number in the dozens to hundreds (Herselman & Norton 1985). Additionally, the species is well represented in museums, with over 450 specimens examined in Monadjem et al. (2020). In Renewable Energy Development Zones and other areas where there are clusters of operational wind farms, however, the cumulative impact of these may result in population declines especially in the absence of effective fatality mitigation for this species.

Current population trend: Stable 

Continuing decline in mature individuals? Unknown 

Extreme fluctuations in the number of subpopulations: Unknown 

Continuing decline in number of subpopulations: Unknown 

All individuals in one subpopulation: Unknown 

Number of mature individuals in largest subpopulation: Unknown 

Number of Subpopulations: Unknown 

Quantitative Analysis 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 3 generations or 10 years, whichever is longer, maximum 100 years: (Not specified) 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 5 generations or 20 years, whichever is longer, maximum 100 years: (Not specified) 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 100 years: (Not specified) 

Population Genetics

No population genetic studies exist on the species. Molecular mitochondrial DNA and morphometric data indicate that T. aegyptica represents a species complex (Reddy 2015; Reddy et al. 2019). Further phylogenetic studies, in combination with phylogeographic investigations, are necessary to shed light on the taxonomic status of the southern African populations.  

Habitats and ecology

The Egyptian Free-tailed Bat occurs across a range of habitats, foraging high above the vegetation in desert, semi-arid scrub, savannah and grassland habitats, and also in urbanised areas and agricultural land (Skinner & Chimimba 2005; Monadjem et al. 2020). It is known to be common in arid scrub and open grassland regions (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). In arid areas, its presence is commonly associated with surface water (Sirami et al. 2013), which provides a source of drinking water (Skinner & Chimimba 2005), and usually has concentrated densities of insect prey (Monadjem et al. 2020). As such, it is especially important to ensure that wind turbines in arid areas are developed as far as possible from natural and man-made water supplies.

This species roosts communally during the day in small to medium-sized groups (Herselman & Norton 1985; Monadjem et al. 2020). Roost habitats include, but are not limited to, rock crevices, under exfoliating rock sheets, tree hollows, caves, behind the bark of dead trees, building crevices and roofs of houses (Herselman & Norton 1985; Taylor 1998; Skinner & Chimimba 2005; Monadjem et al. 2020). It is considered an open-air forager, foraging from ground level to well above the canopy of the vegetation in the varied habitat types and, therefore, has a “High” risk of fatality from wind turbines (MacEwan et al. 2020). It feeds mainly on Diptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera and, to a lesser degree, Lepidoptera (Monadjem et al. 2020). Definite seasonal patterns in activity levels of this species are emerging from long-term monitoring studies for proposed and operational wind farms in the assessment region, with a typical peak at most wind farm sites in late summer and autumn (February, March, and April; Aronson 2022).  Gestation is approximately four months and typically, a single young is born once a year in November or December (Bernard & Tsita 1995; Monadjem et al. 2020).

Ecosystem and cultural services: As this species is one of the most widespread and common insectivorous bat species in the assessment region, it may play an especially important role in controlling insect populations including agricultural pest species (Boyles et al. 2011; Kunz et al. 2011). Bats often prey on the insect species that destroy crops, such as macadamia orchards in northern Limpopo (Boyles et al. 2011; Kunz et al. 2011; Taylor et al. 2018). Ensuring a healthy population of insectivorous bats can thus result in a decrease in the use of pesticides which may be detrimental to human and ecosystem health (Frank 2024). 

IUCN Habitats Classification Scheme 

Life History 

Generation Length: (Not specified) 

Age at Maturity: Female or unspecified: (Not specified) 

Age at Maturity: Male: (Not specified) 

Size at Maturity (in cms): Female: Mean forearm length = 4.71 ± 0.20 cm (Monadjem et al. 2020) 

Size at Maturity (in cms): Male: Morearm length = 4.59 ± 0.17 cm (Monadjem et al. 2020) 

Longevity: (Not specified) 

Average Reproductive Age: (Not specified) 

Maximum Size (in cms): (Not specified) 

Size at Birth (in cms): (Not specified) 

Gestation Time: Four months/16 weeks (Monadjem et al. 2020)  

Reproductive Periodicity: Once a year (Monadjem et al. 2020) 

Average Annual Fecundity or Litter Size: 1 offspring per mature female per year (Monadjem et al. 2020)  

Natural Mortality: (Not specified) 

Breeding Strategy 

Movement Patterns 

Movement Patterns: (Not specified)  

Congregatory: Roosts communally in small to medium-sized groups, which may number in the dozens to hundreds (Herselman and Norton 1985). 

Systems 

System: Terrestrial 

General Use and Trade Information

There is no evidence to suggest that this species is traded or harvested within the assessment region. However recent study by Tarango et al. (2025) listed this species as imported into the U.S.A so online e-commerce platforms should be monitored for illegal trade in bat taxidermy and specimens from the assessment region. 

The species has an economic value as an agricultural pest control. It controls insect populations including agricultural pest species (Boyles et al. 2011; Kunz et al. 2011). Bats often prey on the insect species that destroy crops, such as macadamia orchards in northern Limpopo (Boyles et al. 2011; Kunz et al. 2011; Taylor et al. 2018).

National Commercial Value: Yes 

International Commercial Value: No 

End Use: (Not specified) 

Is there harvest from captive/cultivated sources of this species? (Not specified) 

Harvest Trend Comments: (Not specified) 

Threats

Of all bat fatalities reported by Aronson (2022) from data that were collated from 25 operational wind farms in South Africa for the period 2011-2020, T. aegyptiaca was the most commonly recorded. The potential cumulative impact of multiple wind farms in certain Renewable Energy Development Zones (such as the Cookhouse and Komsberg REDZ) is especially concerning, given that multiple wind farms in these areas have exceeded their bat fatality threshold for several years (SABAA unpubl. data). 

The situation needs to be monitored very carefully, and mitigation measures applied to avoid unsustainable losses, as the reproductive capacity of this species is limited to one pup per adult female per year (Monadjem et al. 2020). 

As this species roosts in caves, it may also be somewhat vulnerable to roost disturbance. Many traditional ceremonies and tourism activities take place in caves, but the extent of disturbance and extermination is currently unknown. Cory-Toussaint et al. (2022) reported significantly higher levels of zinc and mercury in the blood and fur of T.aegyptiaca from opencast diamond mines than reference areas in northern Limpopo.  

Roof-roosting individuals along the KwaZulu-Natal coastal region may be subject to persecution, displacement, or incidental poisoning from building fumigation activities (Bats KZN, L. Richards, pers. obs.) 

The potential impact of agricultural pesticides on this species is not known and requires further investigation. 

Conservation

This species is found in many protected areas in the assessment region, including large reserves such as Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Mapungubwe National Park (MNP), Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve (VNR), Kruger National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ithala Game Reserve, Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Area, Addo Elephant Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg National Park, Augrabies Falls National Park, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. 

To mitigate mortalities of this species from turbine collisions on wind farms, development of wind farms must avoid encroachment into the prescribed buffers around water supplies and confirmed and potential roosts of this species (for buffer recommendations see MacEwan et al. 2020 or later). Turbine-fatalities of this species must be reduced below fatality threshold values (as calculated according to MacEwan et al. 2018 or later) with interventions such as: i) ultrasound to deter bats (Weaver et al. 2020); ii) blanket curtailment of turbines at low wind speeds during seasons and hours of the night when this species is most active (Berthinussen et al. 2010; Arnett et al. 2011; Hayes et al. 2019); iii) acoustic smart curtailment of turbines in response to real-time bat activity (https://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/smart-system); and/or optimised smart curtailment of turbines during predicted periods of high bat activity based on statistical modelling (https://west-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Optimized-Smart-Curtailment-SOQ_FINAL.pdf). As high bat fatalities at wind farms cannot be easily offset (Aronson et al. 2018; Mark Botha pers. comm.), avoidance and minimisation of bat fatalities is critical.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners: 

• Development of wind farms must avoid encroachment into the prescribed buffers around waterbodies and confirmed and potential roosts of this species. 

• Turbine-fatalities of this species must be reduced with interventions such as ultrasound to deter bats and curtailing turbines during low wind speeds. 

• Data sharing by wind farm managers into a national database is essential in order to calculate cumulative impacts and thereafter implement collaborative mitigation and management efforts, and to inform decisions regarding the authorization of new wind farms in key areas. 

• Better post-construction compliance monitoring at WEFs. 

Research priorities: 

• An integrative taxonomic approach, utilising multiple data sets in combination with comparison of topotypic material, to resolve the taxonomic status of the two identified southern African forms. This will inform whether the above Red Data List status requires amendment or not.  

• A meta-analysis of all recorded T. aegyptiaca fatalities at wind farms in South Africa to date, to assess the cumulative impact of this industry on this species, and to identify any spatial, temporal, or turbine-specific trends, which may assist in devising effective fatality mitigation for future implementation. 

• Research to assess the efficacy of different mitigation methods to reduce bat mortality at wind farms. 

• Wind farm carcasses of this species should be used to obtain greater insight into the biogeography, genetics, reproductive biology, ecology (e.g. diet), and ecosystem services of this species throughout southern Africa.  

• Surveys should be performed to investigate the activity of this species at sea (inshore and offshore), ahead of emerging plans to develop offshore wind farms around southern Africa. 

• Research in identifying possible migratory routes of this species. 

• Investigation on the sub population sizes and trends, and population size estimate. 

• Physiological effects of agrochemicals and pesticides. 

Encouraged citizen actions: 

• Citizens can assist the conservation of the species by reporting sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iNaturalist and MammalMAP) and therefore contribute to an understanding of the species distribution. 

• If bats are excluded from buildings, use bat-friendly methods (timing of removals relative to breeding season, use of “one-way valves” to prevent trapping, no fumigation, etc). 

Bibliography

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Weaver, S.P., Hein, C.D., Simpson, T.R., Evans, J.W., and Castro-Arellano, I. 2020. Ultrasonic acoustic deterrents significantly reduce bat fatalities at wind turbines. Global Ecology and Conservation 24: e01099