Angolan Wing-gland Bat
The Angolan Wing-gland Bat is a small bat species native to southwestern Africa. Notable for the unique glands on its wings, this species inhabits arid and semi-arid regions across Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. Despite its elusive nature, it is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Meet The Angolan Wing-gland Bat
Classification
Cistugo seabrae, commonly known as the Angolan Wing-gland Bat, is a diminutive bat species characterized by a head-body length of 40–54 mm, a tail length of 32–40 mm, and a forearm length of approximately 32.5 mm. Individuals weigh between 2.5 to 4.2 grams. The species exhibits a distinctive feature: each wing possesses 2–3 translucent glands located near the distal parts of the forearm, measuring 3–3.5 mm in length and 1–1.5 mm in width.
The dorsal pelage varies in color, ranging from yellowish-brown and orange-brown to grayish-brown, with darker hair bases. The ventral side is lighter, presenting beige or cream-colored tones. The bat’s ears are rounded and relatively large, reaching the nose tip when held forward, with a deeply notched outer margin at mid-height.
The tragus is straight and elongated, tapering toward the tip, with a relatively broad base. The wing membrane attaches at the base of the toe, and the uropatagium is essentially naked, bordered by an elongated and unkeeled calcar reaching halfway to the tail tip.
The hindfoot is very small, less than half the length of the tibia. The skull is diminutive, with weak dentition and no apparent sagittal or occipital crests. The presence of two equally small upper premolars distinguishes Cistugo from most vespertilionid bats.
Where Does The Angolan Wing-gland Bat Live?
Biogeographic Realm: Afrotropic
Continents: Africa
Subcontinents: Middle Africa, Southern Africa
Countries: Angola, Namibia, South Africa
Habitats (IUCN): Desert
The Angolan Wing-gland Bat is endemic to southwestern Africa, with its range extending from the type locality of Moçâmedes in southwestern Angola, southwards through western Namibia, and into the northern parts of the Northern Cape Province in South Africa.
It inhabits arid and semi-arid regions characterized by rocky habitats with sparse vegetation, often near open water sources. The species has been documented in areas with less than 100 mm of annual rainfall, typically at elevations below 1000 meters. It has also been observed in anthropogenic habitats such as citrus orchards and shade trees in villages.
What Do Angolan Wing-gland Bats Eat?
Angolan Wing-gland Bats are insectivorous, feeding on various insects. While specific dietary compositions are not extensively documented, their wing morphology and echolocation characteristics are typical of bats that feed on the edge of cluttered habitats. They fly low above the ground and close to vegetation, apparently gleaning small insects from leaves.
What Eats Angolan Wing-gland Bats? – Predators & Natural Enemies
Specific natural predators of the Angolan Wing-gland Bat have not been extensively documented. However, like other small bat species, they are likely susceptible to predation by birds of prey, such as owls, and terrestrial predators, including small carnivores and snakes.
Additionally, their remains may be scavenged by various opportunistic feeders. Further research is needed to identify specific predators and understand the predation pressures faced by this species.
Behavior & Lifestyle
Angolan Wing-gland Bats are nocturnal, with activity commencing shortly after sunset, suggesting relatively early nighttime activity. They have been observed resting in unused buildings at midnight, indicating that main periods of hunting activity in early and late night are interspersed by resting, as is typical of other insectivorous bats.
Roosting habits are largely unknown, but caves or crevices are likely their natural roosting sites. Some captured bats were active during the austral winter, suggesting that they might not hibernate. Their echolocation calls are typical of low-duty cycle echolocating bats, featuring a strongly frequency-modulated (FM) initial component terminating with a short constant frequency (CF) component.
Recorded call parameters include a peak frequency of approximately 48.5 kHz, a bandwidth of around 24.4 kHz, and a duration of about 3.1 milliseconds.
How Do Angolan Wing-gland Bats Reproduce?
Specific details regarding the reproductive behavior of the Angolan Wing-gland Bat are not well-documented. However, it is likely that, similar to related species, they give birth to a single offspring. Further research is needed to elucidate their mating habits, gestation period, parental care, and early life stages.
Are Angolan Wing-gland Bats Endangered? – Conservation Status & Threats
The Angolan Wing-gland Bat is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not presently at high risk of extinction. This classification is due to its relatively wide distribution and the absence of significant known threats.
However, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, mining, and urban development may pose localized risks to some populations. The species’ reliance on specific roosting sites, such as caves or rocky crevices, makes it vulnerable to disturbances.
Currently, there are no targeted conservation efforts specifically for this species, but its occurrence in some protected areas in Angola, Namibia, and South Africa helps safeguard its populations. Further research is needed to monitor its population trends and ecological requirements.
