Angolan Wing-gland Bat
The Angolan wing-gland bat, also known as the Angolan hairy bat, is a small insectivorous species native to southwestern Africa. Despite its small size, this bat is particularly intriguing due to its unique wing glands, a feature that sets it apart from other bat species. It is one of only two species in the genus Cistugo, which is considered an evolutionary link between free-tailed bats (Molossidae) and vesper bats (Vespertilionidae).
Meet the Angolan Wing-gland Bat
Classification
The Angolan wing-gland bat is a small bat, with a head-body length ranging between 40 and 54 millimeters (1.6 to 2.1 inches), a tail length of 32 to 40 millimeters (1.3 to 1.6 inches), and a forearm length of 33.1 to 35.4 millimeters (1.3 to 1.4 inches). It typically weighs between 4 to 8 grams (0.14 to 0.28 ounces), making it a relatively small bat within its range. Its dense fur varies from yellowish-brown to orange-brown or gray-brown on the dorsal side, while the ventral side is paler, ranging from yellow-orange to white or light gray-brown.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Cistugo seabrae is the presence of specialized wing glands located near its forearms. These glands are thickened and appear as raised structures about 3 to 3.5 millimeters in length and 1 to 1.5 millimeters in width. The purpose of these glands is not yet fully understood, but researchers believe they may play a role in scent marking, communication, or reproduction. This feature is unique to Cistugo species and is absent in closely related bat families.
Additional distinguishing features include dark brown facial skin, relatively short, rounded ears, and a tail that is fully enclosed within the uropatagium (tail membrane). The outer surface of the uropatagium is lightly covered with fine, cream-colored hairs, giving it a velvety appearance.
Where Does the Angolan Wing-gland Bat Live?
Biogeographic Realm: Afrotropic
Continents: Africa
Subcontinents: Southern Africa
Countries: Angola, Namibia, South Africa
Habitats (IUCN): Rocky Areas, Desert, Artificial - Terrestrial
The Angolan wing-gland bat has been recorded in southwestern Angola, western Namibia, and northwestern South Africa. It primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid regions, including rocky outcrops, desert landscapes, and dry savannas. Unlike many bats that favor densely vegetated environments, Cistugo seabrae appears well-adapted to living in harsh conditions with sparse vegetation.
This species is often found near water sources, such as rivers, seasonal streams, and artificial waterholes, where insect populations are more abundant. It has also been recorded in anthropogenic environments, including citrus orchards and shaded areas in rural villages, suggesting some degree of adaptability to human-modified landscapes. Most records of this species occur at elevations below 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), though its full elevational range remains uncertain due to limited studies.
What Do Angolan Wing-gland Bats Eat?
Like most members of the order Chiroptera, the Angolan wing-gland bat is insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small flying insects. Its diet likely includes moths, beetles, flies, and other nocturnal insects that are abundant in its arid habitat. The species’ wing morphology and echolocation patterns suggest that it forages along the edges of vegetation, open grasslands, and near water bodies.
Observations of its flight behavior indicate that it typically flies low to the ground, likely gleaning insects from foliage or capturing them in midair. Unlike bats that specialize in high-speed flight, Cistugo seabrae appears to favor slow, maneuverable flight, allowing it to navigate cluttered habitats and efficiently capture prey.
What Eats Angolan Wing-gland Bats? – Predators & Natural Enemies
The specific predators of the Angolan wing-gland bat are not well-documented, but like many small bats, it is likely preyed upon by:
- Birds of Prey: Nocturnal raptors such as barn owls (Tyto alba) and eagle owls (Bubo spp.) are known to prey on small bats.
- Snakes: Some arboreal and ground-dwelling snakes may prey on bats, particularly those roosting in tree hollows or rock crevices.
- Small Carnivorous Mammals: Genets, mongooses, and wild cats may opportunistically hunt bats when they are roosting or foraging near the ground.
Due to the lack of detailed studies on this species, further research is needed to identify its key predators and the role it plays in the ecosystem.
Behavior & Lifestyle
The Angolan wing-gland bat is nocturnal, becoming active shortly after sunset. It spends most of the night foraging, with activity levels peaking in the early and late night hours. Some individuals have been observed resting in sheltered locations such as caves, rock crevices, and abandoned buildings during the night, possibly using these locations as temporary roosts between foraging sessions.
Its primary roosting sites remain unknown, but it is suspected to use natural features such as rocky outcrops, tree hollows, and possibly abandoned burrows of other animals. Unlike some bat species that form large colonies, Cistugo seabrae is believed to be solitary or found in small groups.
There is no evidence suggesting that this species hibernates, as individuals have been observed active even during the cooler months of the austral winter. However, it may exhibit torpor—a state of temporary metabolic slowdown—to conserve energy during periods of food scarcity.
How Do Angolan Wing-gland Bats Reproduce?
Very little is known about the reproductive biology of Cistugo seabrae. However, based on comparisons with related species, it is likely that females give birth to a single pup per reproductive cycle. The timing of the breeding season remains unclear, but it is suspected to align with the availability of food resources, possibly occurring during the rainy season when insect populations peak.
Further research is needed to determine gestation length, parental care strategies, and the growth rate of juveniles in this species.
Are Angolan Wing-gland Bats Endangered? – Conservation Status & Threats
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies Cistugo seabrae as a species of Least Concern. This assessment is based on its wide distribution and the lack of immediate threats causing significant population declines. However, the species is rarely recorded, and much of its ecology remains poorly understood.
Potential threats to this species include:
- Habitat Disturbance: Mining operations, particularly in Namibia and South Africa, could disrupt roosting sites and insect prey availability.
- Wind Farms: Expanding wind energy infrastructure poses a risk to bats due to collision fatalities.
- Climate Change: Changes in precipitation and temperature patterns could impact insect populations, indirectly affecting food availability for Cistugo seabrae.
Despite its current classification, conservationists emphasize the need for more research to monitor population trends and assess potential threats. Protecting natural habitats and conducting ecological studies will be crucial in ensuring the long-term survival of this unique bat species.
