Despite its name, it’s not limited to Mauritius; in fact, this species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Madagascar, though it was first described from the island of Mauritius in the early 19th century. Belonging to the sheathtail bat family (Emballonuridae), the Mauritian tomb bat is a master of aerial hunting, known for its ghostly white fur, gentle chirping calls, and eerie habit of roosting on building walls and tree trunks in plain sight during the day. With its calm, curious demeanor and distinctive appearance, it stands out as one of the most charismatic bats on the continent.
Physically, the Mauritian tomb bat is a medium-sized insectivorous bat. Its fur is soft and short, ranging in color from silvery white to pale gray, giving it a ghostly appearance as it glides through the dusk. The wings are broad and long, built for fast, agile flight, and the face is pointed with a gentle expression. The name “tomb bat” comes from their tendency to roost on walls, cliffs, or even tombstones, pressed flat against the surface with their wings folded neatly alongside their bodies—perfectly camouflaged against pale stone. Unlike most bats that cling upside down in caves, the Mauritian tomb bat often rests upright or at an angle, blending into its surroundings so well that even experienced observers can walk right past without noticing it.
The Mauritian tomb bat is a creature of both adaptability and grace. It is nocturnal, emerging at dusk to hunt flying insects such as moths, beetles, and termites. Using echolocation clicks that are mostly above human hearing range, it can detect and snatch prey in total darkness. It hunts in open spaces rather than under forest canopies, performing swift, gliding maneuvers over rivers, grasslands, and even urban areas.
Distribution











































Anything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
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