Bat species (Mammalia: Chiroptera) occurring at Telperion Nature Reserve

Abstract

Mist nets, harp traps and roost searches resulted in the eight bat species being recorded in Telperion Nature Reserve, which is in a transition between the Savanna and Grassland biomes. The majority of these were species in the family Vespertilionidae. Anabat release calls were recorded from three species. Sexual dimorphism in external body size, and in two of the Anabat release call parameters (Fc and Sc), were observed in Neoromicia capensis. This species was roosting in larger numbers in buildings than previously recorded for vegetation roosts. The low capture rate and lack of certain bat families was most likely the result of capture bias, even though the Grassland biome is known to have fewer species than the Savanna biome.