List of bats of Madagascar


Bats are one of the major components of the indigenous mammalian fauna of Madagascar, in addition to tenrecs, lemurs, euplerid carnivores, and nesomyine rodents. Forty-six bat species have so far been recorded on Madagascar, of which thirty-six occur only on the island. However, new species continue to be discovered, causing the number of species to rise rapidly; for example, Nick Garbutt's Mammals of Madagascar listed only 36 species. Most Malagasy bats have their origins in nearby mainland Africa, but on at least three occasions—Pipistrellus raceyi, Pteropus rufus, and the species pair Emballonura atrata–E. tiavato—bats have colonized Madagascar from Asia.

Taxonomic classification

The following bat genera and families include species found on Madagascar :

Family Pteropodidae

Pteropodidae are a diverse family, with 186 species recognized in 2005, which occurs across the tropical regions of the Old World. They include the largest bats, but also some smaller species, and are mostly diurnal and frugivorous. Three species are known from Madagascar; each is classified in its own genus and is most closely related to species from outside Madagascar.
Scientific nameClassifiedDistributionForearmConservation statusReferences
Eidolon dupreanum1866, PollenMadagascar only115 to 130 mm Vulnerable
Pteropus rufus1803, E. GeoffroyMadagascar only155 to 175 mm Vulnerable
Rousettus madagascariensis1928, G. GrandidierMadagascar only; absent in SW65 to 75 mm Near threatened

Family Hipposideridae

Hipposideridae are a moderately diverse family—81 species were listed in 2005—and occur across the Old World tropics. Insectivorous, cave-roosting, and characterized by an elaborate noseleaf, they have often been united with the horseshoe bats into a single family Rhinolophidae, but are currently classified separately. Six species, all endemic, are known from Madagascar, of which four are extant. Macronycteris commersoni is the largest non-pteropodid bat of Madagascar and the extinct Hipposideros besaoka was even larger. The other species belong to the closely related genera Triaenops and Paratriaenops; the latter was split from Triaenops in 2009 and is restricted to Madagascar and the western Seychelles.
Scientific nameClassifiedDistributionForearmConservation statusReferences
Hipposideros besaoka2007, SamondsAnjohibe, NW Madagascar onlyExtinct
Macronycteris commersoni1813, E. GeoffroyMadagascar only83 to 97 mm Near threatened
Macronycteris cryptovalorona2016, Goodman et al.Madagascar only80 to 81 mm Not evaluated
Paratriaenops auritus1912, G. GrandidierN and NW Madagascar only44 to 51 mm Vulnerable
Paratriaenops furcula1906, TrouessartW and SW Madagascar only42 to 49 mm Least concern
Triaenops goodmani2007, SamondsAnjohibe, NW Madagascar onlyExtinct
Triaenops menamena2009, Goodman and RanivoN, W, and S Madagascar only46 to 56 mm Least concern

Family Emballonuridae

With 51 species, Emballonuridae are a moderately diverse family. Found in tropical and subtropical regions across the world, they are characterized by a tail that extends beyond the uropatagium, but may be retracted into a sheath. Four species are known from Madagascar, of which two are endemic and two others are shared with mainland Africa.
Scientific nameClassifiedDistributionForearmConservation statusReferences
Coleura afra1852, PetersAnkarana, N Madagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa; Yemen45 to 55 mm Least concern
Emballonura atrata1836, Eydoux and GervaisE Madagascar onlyc. 37 to 40 mm Least concern
Emballonura tiavato2006, Goodman et al.N and W Madagascar only35 to 41 mm Least concern
Taphozous mauritianus1818, E. GeoffroyMadagascar and other W Indian Ocean islands; Sub-Saharan Africa58 to 64 mm Least concern

Family Nycteridae

Nycteridae is a small family of 16 species in a single genus found in Africa and east to the Sunda Islands. They are characterized by a groove on their face and are insectivorous. A single, poorly known species has been recorded from Madagascar.
Scientific nameClassifiedDistributionForearmConservation statusReferences
Nycteris madagascariensis1937, G. GrandidierN Madagascar only50 to 52 mm Data deficient

Family Myzopodidae

This family, characterized by suction disks on the hand and feet, is unique to Madagascar. A single species has historically been recognized, but eastern and western populations were classified as separate species in 2007.
Scientific nameClassifiedDistributionForearmConservation statusReferences
Myzopoda aurita1878, Milne-Edwards and GrandidierE Madagascar only46 to 49 mm Least concern
Myzopoda schliemanni2007, Goodman et al.W Madagascar only45 to 49 mm Least concern

Family Molossidae

This diverse family of 100 species occurs across the world in tropical regions. The tail conspicuously projects from the uropatagium and the wings are long. Eight species are known from Madagascar, four of which are endemic.
Scientific nameClassifiedDistributionForearmConservation statusReferences
Chaerephon atsinanana2010, Goodman et al.E Madagascar37 to 42 mm -
Chaerephon jobimena2004, Goodman and CardiffMadagascar only45 to 48 mm Least concern
Chaerephon leucogaster1870, A. GrandidierW Madagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa; Mayotte33 to 38 mm Not evaluated
Mops leucostigma1918, G.M. AllenMadagascar only42 to 45 mm Least concern
Mops midas1843, SundevallMadagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa; Saudi Arabia62 to 63 mm Least concern
Mormopterus jugularis1865, PetersMadagascar only37 to 40 mm Least concern
Otomops madagascariensis1953, DorstMadagascar only59 to 65 mm Least concern
Tadarida fulminans1903, ThomasMadagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa north to Kenya57 to 60 mm Least concern

Family Miniopteridae

This family contains a single genus, Miniopterus, with 19 species recognized in 2005, which was classified in Vespertilionidae until recently. Insectivorous and characterized by long fingers, the species are all quite similar, leading to a confused classification. On Madagascar, four species were recognized as recently as 2007, but systematic research has led the number to increase to eleven, of which nine are restricted to Madagascar and two shared with the Comoros.
Scientific nameClassifiedDistributionForearmConservation statusReferences
Miniopterus aelleni2009, Goodman et al.N and W Madagascar; Anjouan, Comoros35 to 41 mm Not evaluated
Miniopterus brachytragos2009, Goodman et al.N and W Madagascar only35 to 38 mm Not evaluated
Miniopterus egeri2011, Goodman et al.E Madagascar only37 to 40 mm Not evaluated
Miniopterus gleni1995, Peterson et al.Madagascar only, except S47 to 50 mm Least concern
Miniopterus griffithsi2009, Goodman et al.S Madagascar only48 to 50 mm Not evaluated
Miniopterus griveaudi1959, HarrisonN and W Madagascar; Comoros35 to 38 mm Data deficient
Miniopterus mahafaliensis2009, Goodman et al.S Madagascar only35 to 40 mm Not evaluated
Miniopterus majori1906, ThomasMadagascar only43 to 47 mm Least concern
Miniopterus manavi1906, ThomasCentral Highlands, Madagascar only38 to 39 mm Least concern
Miniopterus petersoni2008, Goodman et al.SE Madagascar only38 to 43 mm Data deficient
Miniopterus sororculus2007, Goodman et al.Central Highlands, Madagascar only42 to 45 mm Least concern

Family Vespertilionidae

With 407 species, Vespertilionidae is the largest bat family. Characterized by a tail contained in the uropatagium, they occur around the world in many habitats and are insectivorous. Madagascar hosts an endemic species of the extremely widespread genus Myotis, four species of the house bat Scotophilus, and at least six of small vespertilionids in the genera Hypsugo, Eptesicus, Neoromicia, and Pipistrellus. The classification of the "pipistrelles" is confused, leading to many changing identifications. In addition to the six "pipistrelles" listed here, the African Neoromicia nanus has also been recorded from Madagascar, but the identification of the Madagascar records needs to be confirmed.
Scientific nameClassifiedDistributionForearmConservation statusReferences
Hypsugo anchietae1900, SeabraSW Madagascar; southern Africa28 to 31 mm Least concern
Myotis goudoti1834, A. SmithMadagascar only32 to 41 mm Least concern
Neoromicia malagasyensis1995, Peterson et al.Isalo, SC Madagascar only30 to 32 mm Endangered
Neoromicia matroka1905, Thomas and SchwannE Madagascar only31 to 33 mm Least concern
Neoromicia robertsi2012, Goodman et al.E Madagascar only34 to 38 mm Not evaluated
Pipistrellus hesperidus1840, TemminckW Madagascar; Sub-Saharan Africa29 to 31 mm Least concern
Pipistrellus raceyi2006, Bates et al.W and E Madagascar only28 to 31 mm Least concern
Scotophilus cf. borbonicus1803, E. GeoffroySarodrano, SW Madagascar; Réunion51 to 52 mm Data deficient
Scotophilus marovaza2006, Goodman et al.W Madagascar only41 to 45 mm Least concern
Scotophilus robustus1881, Milne-EdwardsMadagascar only62 to 65 mm Least concern
Scotophilus tandrefana2005, Goodman et al.W Madagascar only44 to 47 mm Data deficient

Literature cited

General

  • Garbutt, N. 2007. Mammals of Madagascar: A Complete Guide. London: A & C Black, 304 pp.
  • Goodman, S.M., Weyeneth, N., Ibrahim, Y., Saïd, I. and Ruedi, M. 2010b. . Acta Chiropterologica 12:117–141.
  • Nowak, R.M. 1994. Walker's Bats of the World. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 287 pp.
  • Simmons, N.B. 2005. Order Chiroptera. Pp. 312–529 in Wilson, D.E. and Reeder, D.M.. . 3rd ed. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2 vols., 2142 pp.
  • Wilson, D.E. and Reeder, D.M.. 2005. . 3rd ed. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2 vols., 2142 pp.

Pteropodidae

  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008a.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 26, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D, Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Rabearivelo, A., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008b.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 26, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008c.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 26, 2010.

Hipposideridae

  • Andriafidison, D, Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008f.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008o.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008p.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008q.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Benda, P. and Vallo, P. 2009. . Folia Zoologica 58 :1–45.
  • Goodman, S.M. and Ranivo, J. 2009. . Mammalia 73:47–55.
  • Ranivo, J. and Goodman S.M. 2006. Révision taxinomique des Triaenops malgaches. Zoosystema 28:963–985.
  • Samonds, K.E. 2007. . Acta Chiropterologica 9:39–65.

Emballonuridae

  • Goodman, S.M., Cardiff, S.G., Ranivo, J., Russell, A.L. and Yoder, A.D. 2006a. . American Museum Novitates 3538:1–24.
  • Goodman, S.M., Cardiff, S.G. and Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. 2008a. . Systematics and Biodiversity 6:283–292.
  • Hutson, A.M., Racey, P., Ravino, J., Mickleburgh, S., Bergmans, W. and Fahr, J. 2008c.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Rakotoarivelo, A.R., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Cardiff, S.G. 2008a.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Rakotoarivelo, A.R., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Cardiff, S.G. 2008b.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Mickleburgh, S., Hutson, A.M., Racey, P.A., Cardiff, S. and Bergmans, W. 2008c.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.

Nycteridae

  • Hutson, T., Racey, P.A. and Ravino, J. 2008a.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.

Myzopodidae

  • Goodman, S.M., Rakotondraparany, F. and Kofoky, A. 2007. . Mammalian Biology 72:65–81.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Rakotoarivelo, A.R., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Cardiff, S.G. 2008c.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Rakotoarivelo, A.R., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Cardiff, S.G. 2008d.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.

Molossidae

  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008i.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008j.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008n.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2014.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. Downloaded May 28, 2015.
  • Cotterill, F.P.D, Hutson, A.M., Racey, P.A. and Ravino, J. 2008.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Goodman, S.M. and Cardiff, S.G. 2004. A new species of Chaerephon from Madagascar with notes on other members of the family. Acta Chiropterologica 6:227–248.
  • Goodman, S.M., Buccas, W., Naidoo, T., Ratrimomanarivo, F., Taylor, P.J. and Lamb, J. 2010c. . Zootaxa 2551:1–36.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratimomanarivo, F., Mickleburgh, S., Hutson, A.M., Bergmans, W., Cotterill, F.P.D. and Fahr, J. 2008e.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Mickleburgh, S., Hutson, A.M., Racey, P.A., Ravino, J., Bergmans, W., Cotterill, F.P.D. and Gerlach, J. 2008b.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Ratrimomanarivo, F.H., Goodman, S.M., Stanley, W.T., Naidoo, T., Taylor, P.J. and Lamb, J. 2009. . Acta Chiropterologica 11:25–52.

Miniopteridae

  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008g.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008h.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Goodman, S.M., Bradman, H.M., Maminirina, C.P., Ryan, K.E., Christidis, L. and Appleton, B. 2008b. A new species of Miniopterus from lowland southeastern Madagascar. Mammalian Biology 73:199–213.
  • Goodman, S.M., Maminirina, C.P., Bradman, H.M., Christidis, L. and Appleton, B. 2009. The use of molecular phylogenetic and morphological tools to identify cryptic and paraphyletic species: Examples from the diminutive long-fingered bats on Madagascar. American Museum Novitates 3669:1–34.
  • Goodman, S.M., Maminirina, C.P., Bradman, H.M., Christidis, L. and Appleton, B.R. 2010a. . Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 48:75–86.
  • Goodman, S.M., Ramasindrazana, B., Maminirina, C.P., Schoeman, M.C. and Appleton, B. 2011. . Zootaxa 2880:1–19.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B. and Rakotoarivelo, A.R. 2008a.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B. and Rakotoarivelo, A.R. 2008b.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Rakotoarivelo, A.R., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Cardiff, S.G. 2008f.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.

Vespertilionidae

  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008d.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008e.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008i.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D, Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008k.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Andriafidison, D., Cardiff, S.G., Goodman, S.M., Hutson, A.M., Jenkins, R.K.B., Kofoky, A.F., Racey, P.A., Ranivo, J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Razafimanahaka, H.J. 2008l.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Bates, P.J.J., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H., Harrison, D.L. and Goodman, S.M. 2006. . Acta Chiropterologica 8:299–324.
  • Goodman S.M., Jenkins R.K.B. and Ratrimomanarivo F.H. 2005. A review of the genus Scotophilus on Madagascar, with the description of a new species. Zoosystema 27:867–882.
  • Goodman, S.M., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Randrianandrianina, F.H. 2006b. A new species of Scotophilus from western Madagascar. Acta Chiropterologica 8:21–37.
  • Goodman, S.M., Taylor, P.J., Ratrimomanarivo, F. and Hoofer, S.R. 2012. . Zootaxa 3250:1–25.
  • Hutson, A.M., Racey, P.A., Goodman, S. and Jacobs, D. 2008b.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jacobs, D., Cotterill, F.P.D., Taylor, P.J., Monadjem, A. and Griffin, M. 2008.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Rakotoarivelo, A.R., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Cardiff, S.G. 2008g.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Rakotoarivelo, A.R., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Cardiff, S.G. 2008h.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Jenkins, R.K.B., Rakotoarivelo, A.R., Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. and Cardiff, S.G. 2008i.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.
  • Mickleburgh, S., Hutson, A.M. and Racey, P.A. 2008a.. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Downloaded May 27, 2010.