As suggested by their common name, these bats are notable for their partially furless bodies, with brown or greyish fur covering their backs and light grey fur on their undersides, while the lower back and abdomen areas remain naked. This unique feature, along with their relatively flat heads and long, cone-shaped snouts, contributes to their distinct appearance and aids in thermoregulation within their warm habitats.
Sexual dimorphism is pronounced in Naked-rumped tomb bats, with males possessing a gland on their upper chest, absent in females. This gland is thought to play a role in reproductive behaviors, possibly involved in attracting mates or marking territory.
Known for their agility in flight, Naked-rumped tomb bats are adept hunters, skillfully navigating open areas to catch a variety of insects. Their diet includes cockroaches, moths, beetles, crickets, and flying ants, making them valuable for controlling pest populations. Their quick and high-flying patterns, coupled with their ability to maneuver adeptly, make them efficient predators in their ecosystems.
Communication among Naked-rumped tomb bats involves metallic squeaking sounds, which serve various social and navigational purposes. Additionally, like many bat species, they rely on echolocation to navigate and locate prey in the darkness. Echolocation involves emitting high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects and return as echoes, allowing the bats to construct a sonic map of their surroundings. This ability is crucial for their survival, enabling them to hunt effectively and avoid obstacles during flight.
Despite being classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Naked-rumped tomb bats face challenges that could impact their populations. One significant threat is the use of pesticides, which can reduce insect availability, directly poisoning the bats or disrupting their ecological balance.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Algeria
Burkina Faso
Chad
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
India
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Lebanon
Libya
Mauritania
Morocco
Myanmar
Niger
Nigeria
Oman
Pakistan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Turkey
UAE
Uganda
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Colony
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
