One of the quirkiest little bats in the world, instantly recognizable for its unusual tail that looks more like a rodent’s than a bat’s. Found across North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, this species thrives in dry, arid regions where many other bats struggle, making it a fascinating example of adaptation to harsh environments.
As its name suggests, the lesser mouse-tailed bat is small and lightweight. Its fur is short and light brown to sandy, blending in perfectly with desert cliffs and caves. What makes it unique is its long, thin, hairless tail, which sticks out freely from the wing membrane like that of a mouse. This feature, combined with its delicate body and oversized ears, gives it a distinctive, slightly comical appearance compared to the classic “bat silhouette.”
Despite their fragile looks, lesser mouse-tailed bats are tough survivors. They are insectivores, feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects that they catch on the wing using sharp echolocation calls. Unlike many forest-dwelling bats, they prefer dry open habitats—deserts, savannas, and scrublands—where they roost in caves, old buildings, temples, and rocky crevices. They are also highly gregarious, often forming colonies of hundreds or even thousands of individuals, clinging to ceilings in tight groups by day before streaming out at dusk in twisting clouds.
One of the most remarkable things about this bat is its ability to cope with extreme conditions. During times of food scarcity or very high heat, the lesser mouse-tailed bat can enter torpor—a state similar to mini-hibernation—slowing its metabolism to conserve energy and water. This makes it one of the few bats capable of thriving in truly desert environments.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Algeria
Bangladesh
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Chad
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
India
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Libya
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Myanmar
Nepal
Niger
Nigeria
Oman
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Thailand
Tunisia
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Colony
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
