EN

Mauritian Free-tailed Bat

Mormopterus acetabulosus

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Mormopterus acetabulosus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in southeastern Australia. Cave disturbance from recreational activities and mining operations poses additional threats to this cave-roosting species. Climate change may further impact the species by altering the availability of suitable roosting sites and prey insects.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits caves, abandoned mines, and similar underground roosts in southeastern Australia, typically in areas with nearby open woodlands and grasslands for foraging. The bat requires stable temperature and humidity conditions in its roosting sites and access to insect-rich foraging areas within several kilometers of roost locations.

Forest· majorCaves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Awareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Mauritian Free-tailed Bat classified as Endangered?
Mauritian Free-tailed Bat is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Mormopterus acetabulosus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in southeastern Australia. Cave disturbance from recreational activities and mining operations poses additional threats to this cave-roosting species. Climate change may further impact the species by altering the availability of suitable roosting sites and prey insects.
Where does Mauritian Free-tailed Bat live?
Mauritian Free-tailed Bat occurs in Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mauritius, and South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mauritian Free-tailed Bat?
The main threats to Mauritian Free-tailed Bat are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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