Arnhem Sheathtail Bat (Taphozous kapalgensis)

The arnhem sheathtail bat can be found in Australia and the Northern Territory. Its status is near threatened in the Northern Territory and is not listed on Australia’s list of endangered animals. However some attribute that to the lack of data on this species. With only 11 specimens, the arnhem sheathtail bat is very rare. It is notable that only two of the specimens were found in Australia. Scientists are concerned that the loss of the animal’s natural habitat and feeding sites makes this species vulnerable. The species hasn’t shown any signs of population decline which is due to a lack of data. The current primary conservation effort is to improve tracking of this species to gain more information,

Caves, mines, tree hollows, and at the base of pandanus leaves are all possible roosting sites for the arnhem sheathtail bat. Information on roosting habits is unavailable due to the lack of live specimens. Males have a small pouch on the throat whereas females do not.

The back of the arnhem sheathtail bat is a solid brown and the underside is a light grey. There is some orange hues on the face. A white stripe of fur located on the flank of each wing (on the underside) makes it possible to get a glimpse of the arnhem sheathtail bat in flight. There is no membrane on the tail. The arnhem sheathtail bat weighs about 26g, the head and body measures about 71mm, and the forearm measures about 60mm.

Some have heard the loud shrills made by this species when it feeds coming from woodlands and dense forests. This call is only made when the arnhem sheathtail bat is feeding. The diet of the arnhem sheathtail bat consists of flying insects that are hunted by flying low over water and over eucalyptus forests.

There is currently no available information on the breeding information of the arnhem sheathtail bat due to a lack of specimen.

Further Information on the Arnhem Sheathtail Bat:

Bibliography

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, Menkhorst, P and Knight, F. ©2001.

Threatened Species of the Northern Territory Arnhem Sheathtail Bat, Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commision, 8/13/04, http://www.ipe.nt.gov.au/news/2002/10/threatened/mammals/arnhem_sheathtail_bat_nt.pdf.

Arnhem Sheathtail Bat, Australian Museum Online, 8/8/04, http://www.austmus.gov.au/bats/records/bat27.htm.