Mauritian tomb bat

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Mauritian tomb bat

The Mauritian tomb bat is a small bat found across much of Africa and Madagascar. It has a completely white belly, a grizzled brown back, and a cone-shaped face. It has good eyesight, which helps it find roosting spots.

It roosts on the sides of buildings, on tree trunks, in caves, and in crevices, usually in small groups of about five. It is mainly active at night and hunts insects in open areas, feeding on moths, butterflies, and termites. It often stays near water or wetlands and can live in forests, savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid areas.

These bats help control pest insects and are not picky about where they roost, as long as there is a good take-off spot. They breed once or twice a year, usually giving birth to a single pup, though twins can occur. Mothers care for the young, which ride on the mother and learn hunting before flying on their own.

The Mauritian tomb bat is listed as Least Concern because it has a wide distribution and a stable population.