Natal free-tailed bat
# Natal free-tailed bat

The Natal free-tailed bat (Mormopterus acetabulosus) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae, the free-tailed bats. It is endemic to the island of Mauritius. It is known from fewer than five locations in its range, but it is common at a few sites. It roosts in caves, and it is considered to be an endangered species due to disturbance of its cave habitat.

## Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1804 by French naturalist Johann Hermann. Hermann placed it in the genus Vespertilio. In 2008, the Natal free-tailed bat was split into two taxa with the description of a new species, Mormopterus francoismoutoui. The species is called the "Natal" free-tailed bat because of another species Hermann described, Dysopes natalensis, named after the Natal Province of South Africa.

Dysopes natalensis was later synonymized with the Natal free-tailed bat. Its species name "acetabulosus" is Latin for saucer-shaped.

## Description

The Natal free-tailed bat is a very small species of bat. Its upper lip is very wrinkled. Its ears are small and connected in the back by a thin interaural membrane. Males have a sebaceous gland, as with some other free-tailed bats, but they do not have an interaural crest. Its dental formula is 1.1.1.33.1.2.3 for a total of 30 teeth.

## Range and habitat

It is endemic to Mauritius. There is one "doubtful" record from Madagascar and two records from South Africa which may be vagrants.

## Conservation

As of 2017, it is listed as endangered by the IUCN. From 1999–2017, its population likely declined by more than 80%. Its caves are being disturbed for tourism.

