The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including many species of bats. These bats are essential to the island’s ecology, providing vital services such as pollination and pest control. In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at the bats of Seychelles and how they are essential to the islands’ unique ecosystems.

Geography and Environment of Seychelles

The Seychelles is composed of two distinct island groups, the Inner and Outer Islands. The Inner Islands are composed of forty-two granitic islands, while the Outer Islands are mostly made up of coral atolls. In total, the archipelago covers an area of 451 square kilometers.

The islands are blessed with a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 22°C (71°F). The islands receive plenty of rainfall, particularly in the wet season between December and March. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with dense tropical forests and a coastline of beautiful white sand beaches.

Bat Species of Seychelles

Seychelles is home to nine species of bat, all of which belong to the family Molossidae. These include the Seychelles Fruit Bat (Pteropus seychellensis), Seychelles Free-tailed Bat (Mops seychellensis), Mauritian Free-tailed Bat (Mops mauritianus), Seychelles Sheath-tailed Bat (Coleura seychellensis), Seychelles Tomb Bat (Taphozous seychellensis), Seychelles Dent’s Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus seychellensis), Seychelles Slit-faced Bat (Nycteris seychellensis), Seychelles Roundleaf Bat (Hipposideros seychellensis) and Seychelles Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus seychellensis).

The most common species is the Seychelles Fruit Bat, which is found on all of the larger islands. This species is particularly important as it is the only known pollinator of the Coco de Mer, the world’s largest seed. The Seychelles Free-tailed Bat is also a common species, found on most of the smaller islands.

Habitats and Roosts

Bats in Seychelles typically roost in tree hollows, caves, and abandoned buildings. They may also roost in man-made structures such as bridges, culverts, and buildings. Some species form large colonies in such roosts, while others prefer to roost alone or in small groups.

The Seychelles Fruit Bat is particularly abundant in the mature coconut plantations of the Inner Islands. They typically roost in palm trees and feed on ripe coconuts. They are also known to visit nearby villages in search of food.

The Seychelles Free-tailed Bat is generally found in the Outer Islands, roosting in caves and abandoned buildings. They feed on insects, fruits, and nectar. The Seychelles Tomb Bat is also found in the Outer Islands, roosting in caves and abandoned buildings. It is a nocturnal species and feeds on insects.

The Seychelles Sheath-tailed Bat is a rare species that is confined to the Inner Islands. It is found in mature coconut plantations and feeds on insects. The Seychelles Roundleaf Bat is another rare species that is found on some of the Inner Islands. It roosts in tree hollows and feeds on insects.

Behavior and Conservation

Bats in Seychelles are generally solitary creatures, with each bat typically occupying its own roost. They are known to engage in nightly foraging flights, with some species travelling up to 25 kilometers (15 miles) in search of food.

Bats play an important role in the ecology of Seychelles, providing vital services such as pollination and pest control. They are also important sources of seed dispersal for some of the island’s endemic species.

Unfortunately, bats in Seychelles face many threats, including habitat loss due to development and human disturbance. Many of the islands’ caves and roosts are threatened by tourism and human activities. In addition, some species are hunted for food by local people.

Conservation efforts for bats in Seychelles are ongoing. The government has set up several protected areas and has enacted legislation to protect bats and their habitats. In addition, local NGOs are working to educate the public about the importance of bats and the threats they face.

Conclusion

The bats of Seychelles are essential to the islands’ unique ecosystems. They provide vital services such as pollination and pest control and are important sources of seed dispersal for some of the island’s endangered species. Unfortunately, they face many threats, including habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but more needs to be done to ensure the long-term survival of these important species.