Overview

Scotophilus leucogaster – (Cretzschmar, 1826)

ANIMALIA – CHORDATA – MAMMALIA – CHIROPTERA – VESPERTILIONIDAE – Scotophilus – leucogaster 

Common Names: White-bellied Yellow Bat, Cretzschmar’s Brown Bat, Lesser Yellow House Bat, White-bellied House Bat (English)
Synonyms:  Nycticejus leucogaster (Cretzschmar 1826), flavigaster (Heuglin, 1861), murinoflavus (Heuglin, 1861), Scotophilus damarensis O. Thomas, 1906  

Taxonomic Note: 
South Africa
The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic work, yet it still requires revision. Scotophilus leucogaster occurs in sympatry with S. viridus through part of its’ range. The two species can be discerned from one another based on the pale cream belly colouring in S. leucogaster versus the richer yellow belly colouring of S. viridis. Historically the two taxa were treated as conspecifics (Meester et al. 1986), however Robbins et al. (1985) recognised them as separate species based on morphological analyses, a view corroborated by molecular analyses (Jacobs et al. 2006; see Monadjem et al. 2020).   

Demos et al. (2018) considers S. leucogaster a species complex and recommends further taxonomic revision. For example, Robbins et al. (1985) considered white-bellied specimens from Namibia (damarensis) to be conspecific with populations of leucogaster from other parts of Africa. Additionally, the bats identified as S. leucogaster by Robbins et al. (1985) show a discontinuous African distribution, mostly absent from between 5°N and 12°S. This evidence suggests that the southern population is phylogenetically distinct, which would render S. damarensis specifically distinct as a southern African endemic (Monadjem et al. 2020). 

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

Assessment Information

Assessors: Richardson, E.J.¹, Richards, L.R.² & da Silva, J.M.³

Reviewer: Smith, C.⁴ 

Institutions: ¹Independent Consultant at Richardson & Peplow Environmental, ²Durban Natural Science Museum, ³South African National Biodiversity Institute, ⁴Endangered Wildlife Trust 

Previous Assessors and Reviewers: Taylor, P., Richards, L.R., White, W. & Child, M.F. 

Previous Contributor: Monadjem, A. 

Assessment Rationale 

This species is sparsely distributed wherever it is found in the assessment region, although it is found in a large, protected area (Kruger National Park) in northeastern South Africa. Further field surveys and vetting of distribution records should be undertaken to improve the accuracy of its range map within the region. Within the assessment region this species has an estimated extent of occurrence of 4,183 km² and less than 10 locations: this is close to being assessed as Vulnerable B1 but in the absence of any information on population sizes and changes this assessment has to remain Least Concern. Further molecular research is urgently needed to assess whether S. damarensis is a distinct species, in which case a reassessment will be necessary. 

Regional population effects:  Further research on its dispersal capacity and connectedness is necessary. However, since it occurs in the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park and its habitat is thus connected to Mozambique and Zimbabwe (Monadjem et al. 2020), we assume rescue effects 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: Richardson EJ, Richards LR & da Silva JM. 2025. A conservation assessment of Scotophilus leucogaster. 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 White-bellied Yellow Bat is widely distributed north of 5°N but sparsely and discontinuously distributed in the central savannahs of southern Africa, occurring in northern South Africa, southern Mozambique, and southern Zimbabwe, with a separate population in northern Zimbabwe, central Mozambique and southern Zambia, extending west to northern Botswana and Namibia, with an isolated record from central Angola (Monadjem et al. 2020). Habitat models suggest it might be more widespread in southern Africa than currently recorded (Monadjem et al. 2010), but there is also uncertainty about the validity of its range in southern Africa that encompasses Zambia, Botswana, South Africa and Angola. As such, further molecular research is needed to delimit its range more accurately. Within the assessment region, it occurs in Kruger National Park (KNP) in the Limpopo Province. Specimens from Punda Maria (KNP) include large and small animals as well as specimens with both yellow and no yellow in their ventral pelage, which necessitates re-examination of the specimens to determine whether they correspond to either S. leucogaster or S. viridis (Monadjem et al. 2010). The type specimen for the subspecies S. l. damarensis is from northern Namibia (Monadjem et al. 2010, 2020). The estimated extent of occurrence for this species within the assessment region is 4,183 km². 

Elevation / Depth / Depth Zones 

Elevation Lower Limit (in metres above sea level): 6 m asl (Monadjem et al. 2024) 

Elevation Upper Limit (in metres above sea level): 2,153 (Monadjem et al. 2024) 

Depth Lower Limit (in metres below sea level): N/A 

Depth Upper Limit (in metres below sea level): N/A 

Depth Zone: N/A 

Map

Figure 1. Distribution records for White-bellied Yellow Bat (Scotophilus leucogaster) 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: (Not specified) 

Occurrence 

Countries of Occurrence 

Large Marine Ecosystems (LME) Occurrence 

Large Marine Ecosystems: N/A 

FAO Area Occurrence 

FAO Marine Areas: N/A 

Climate change

Nothing is known about the potential impact of climate change on this species, but 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 & Hayes 2021; Mbokodo et al. 2020). Bats may also be more susceptible to extreme weather events than to climate shift (see, for example, Matthew et al. 2020).  

Kock (1969) reported of lethargy and clumsy flights in bats from Sudan when temperatures feel below 34°C, suggesting that individuals may be physiologically adapted to the high temperatures of the region. Conversely, bats of the closely related S. dinganii have been recorded leaving their roof roosts and hanging exposed on the exterior walls of houses during extremely hot days (Bats KZN data); it is possible that this species also may be affected by heat waves and increasing maximum temperatures. 

Barclay (1985) reports of dietary shifts linked to changing season in Zimbabwe individuals; Coleoptera and Hemiptera comprise important prey items in the wet season, whereas the diet comprised mostly Lepidoptera in the dry season. Climate change and the predicted increase in precipitation and temperature seasonality is likely to affect the insect biomass, and consequently the distribution and diet of bat species.  

Population Information

Little information is available on the population abundance or size of this species across its range but is presumably uncommon. This species is not well represented in museums, with only 46 records examined in Monadjem et al. (2020), which is due to its more restricted distribution compared with S. dinganii.

Current population trend: Stable 

Continuing decline in mature individuals: No 

Extreme fluctuations in the number of subpopulations: Cannot be determined/unknown 

Continuing decline in number of subpopulations: Unknown 

All individuals in one subpopulation: Likely 

Number of mature individuals in largest subpopulation: Not known 

Number of Subpopulations: Has not been determined 

Quantitative Analysis 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 3 generations or 10 years, whichever is longer, maximum 100 years: Cannot be determined based on available data 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 5 generations or 20 years, whichever is longer, maximum 100 years:  Cannot be determined based on available data 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 100 years:  Cannot be determined based on available data 

Population Genetics

No population genetic studies have been conducted on this species; however, given its highly restricted distribution, it is presumed to exist as a single population, connected to colonies in adjacent countries (e.g., Zimbabwe, Mozambique).  

Due to the limited knowledge of this species population size, its effective population size cannot be estimated. Population genetic studies would be beneficial to better inform the genetic health of this species within the assessment region. 

Habitats and ecology

This species has been recorded from both dry and moist savanna habitats. During the day, they roost in a variety of shelters, including holes in trees (Fenton 1983), such as Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) (Monadjem et al. 2020), gaps under bark, and roofs of houses. Roost sites may be changed regularly (Fenton et al. 1985). This species has a strong association with cathedral mopane woodland, especially in the Limpopo, Sebungwe and Zambezi basins of Zimbabwe, where it is often the most abundant microbat (Fenton 1985). At Sengwa Wildlife Research Station, Zimbabwe, the diet of Scotophilus leucogaster comprised mainly Hemiptera and Coleoptera, with Hymenoptera, Homoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera present in small numbers (Barclay 1985). Individuals foraged primarily over floodplains for an average of less than one hour at dusk and spent the rest of the night in small tree-cavity roosts (Barclay 1985).  

IUCN Habitats Classification Scheme 

Life History 

Generation Length: Unknown 

Age at Maturity: Female or unspecified: Unknown 

Age at Maturity: Male: Unknown 

Size at Maturity (in cms): Female: Mean total length = 12.30 ±0.43 cm; Mean forearm length 5.03 ±0.09 cm (Monadjem et al. 2020) 

Size at Maturity (in cms): Male: mean total length 12.0 ±0.35 cm; Mean forearm length 4.92 ±0.52 cm (Monadjem et al. 2020) 

Longevity: (Not specified) 

Average Reproductive Age: Unknown 

Maximum Size (in cms): Forearm length Females = 5.15 cm; Males = 5.19 cm (Monadjem et al. 2020) 

Size at Birth (in cms): Unknown 

Gestation Time: Unknown 

Reproductive Periodicity: Reports from southern Africa indicate the species exhibits seasonal monoestry (Barclay 1985) 

Average Annual Fecundity or Litter Size: Two pups per litter  

Natural Mortality: Preyed upon by Barn owls and Bat hawks (Van Cakenberghe & Happold 2013)) 

Does the species lay eggs? No 

Does the species give birth to live young: Yes 

Does the species exhibit parthenogenesis: No 

Does the species have a free-living larval stage? No 

Does the species require water for breeding? No 

Movement Patterns 

Movement Patterns: Unknown 

Congregatory: roost in small colonies elsewhere in Africa 

Systems 

System: Terrestrial 

General Use and Trade Information

This species is not known to be traded or utilised in any form. 

Local Livelihood: None reported 

National Commercial Value: May provide ecosystem services in the form of pest insect control. 

International Commercial Value:  May provide ecosystem services in the form of pest insect control. 

End Use: None reported 

Is there harvest from captive/cultivated sources of this species? No 

Harvest Trend Comments: N/A 

Threats

Except for climate change and extreme weather events, there appears to be no major threats to this species as a whole. Similarly, no threats to the South African population have been identified.  

Conservation

This species occurs in Kruger National Park in the north of the assessment region. No direct conservation interventions are necessary at present.  

Research priorities:  

• Taxonomic resolution through integrative molecular and morphometric research.  
• Field surveys delimiting geographical distribution and habitat preferences.  
• Quantification of threats potentially facing this species.  

Encouraged citizen actions:  

• Deposit any dead specimens to the Durban Natural Science Museum or Ditsong Museum of Natural History.  
• List sightings on citizen science platforms (e.g. iNaturalist) 

Bibliography

Adams, R.A. and Hayes, M.A. 2021. The importance of water availability to bats: climate warming and increasing global aridity. 50 years of bat research: foundations and new frontiers, pp.105-120.    

Barclay, R.M. 1985. Foraging behavior of the African insectivorous bat, Scotophilus leucogaster. Biotropica 17: 65–70. 

Driver, A., Sink, K.J., Nel, J.N., Holness, S., Van Niekerk, L., Daniels, F., Jonas, Z., Majiedt, P.A., Harris, L. and Maze, K. 2012. National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: An assessment of South Africa’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Synthesis Report. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria, South Africa. 

Fenton, M.B., Brigham, R.M., Mills. A.M. and Rautenbach, I.L. 1985. The roosting and foraging areas of Epomophorus wahlbergi (Pteropodidae) and Scotophilus viridis (Vespertilionidae) in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Journal of Mammalogy 66: 461–468. 

Fenton, M.B. 1985. The feeding behaviour of insectivorous bats: echolocation, foraging strategies, and resource partitioning. Transvaal Museum Bulletin 21: 5–19. 

Fenton, M.B. 1983. Roosts used by the African bat, Scotophilus leucogaster (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Biotropica 15: 129–132. 

Jacobs, D.S., Eick, G.N., Schoeman, M.C. and Matthee, C.A. 2006. Cryptic species in an insectivorous bat, Scotophilus dinganii. Journal of Mammalogy 87: 161–170. 

Kock, D. 1969. Die Fledermaus-Fauna des Sudan (Mammalia, Chiroptera) (pp. 1-238).  

Matthew, M. et al. 2022. Estimating flying-fox mortality associated with abandonments of pups and extreme heat events during the austral summer of 2019–20. Pacific Conservation Biology 28, 124-139 

Mbokodo, I., Bopape, M.J., Chikoore, H., Engelbrecht, F. and Nethengwe, N. 2020. Heatwaves in the future warmer climate of South Africa. Atmosphere, 11(7), p.712.   

Meester, J.A.J., Rautenbach, I.L., Dippenaar, N.J. and Baker, C.M. 1986. Classification of Southern African Mammals. Monograph number 5. Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, South Africa. 

Monadjem, A., Taylor, P.J., Cotterill, F.P.D. and Schoeman M.C. 2010. Bats of Southern and Central Africa: a biogeographic and taxonomic synthesis. University of Witwatersrand Press, Johannesburg. 

Monadjem, A., Taylor, P.J., Cotterill, F.P.D. and Schoeman M.C. 2020. Bats of Southern and Central Africa: a biogeographic and taxonomic synthesis. 2nd Edition. University of Witwatersrand Press, Johannesburg. 

Monadjem, A., Montauban, C., Webala, P.W., Laverty, T.M., Bakwo-Fils, E.M., Torrent, L., Tanshi, I., Kane, A., Rutrough, A.L., Waldien, D.L. and Taylor, P.J. 2024. African bat database: curated data of occurrences, distributions and conservation metrics for sub-Saharan bats. Scientific Data, 11(1), p.1309.  

Robbins, C. B., De Vree, F. and Van Cakenberghe, V. 1985. A systematic revision of the African bat genus Scotophilus (Vespertilionidae). Annales Musue Royal de l’Afrique Centrale, Sciences Zoologiques 246: 53-84. 

Van Cakenberghe, V. & Happold, M. 2013. Scotophilus leucogaster. White-bellied House-bat. pp. 676–678. In: Happold, M. & Happold, D. (Eds.), Mammals of Africa. Volume IV. Hedgehogs, shrews and bats. Bloomsbury, London, New Delhi, New York and Sydney.