Schlieffen's Bat - Behaviour and Biology

Behaviour and Biology

Schlieffen's bats forage over fresh water, such as marshes, rivers, and lakes, and are found in a wide range of riparian forest and savannah environments. Like many bats, they are nocturnal, and they spend the day roosting in crevices in rocks and trees, and may take up residence in man-made buildings or cellars. They appear to be generally solitary, but may roost in small groups of three or so individuals.

The echolocation calls of Schlieffen's bats have been reported to be narrow band with steep frequency modulation, and to range from 39 to 47 kHz. They feed primarily on beetles and caddisflies, and a smaller proportion of moths, bugs, and flies. Their predators are known to include bat hawks.

Schlieffen's bats mate in June, but carry the sperm in their uterus until August, when ovulation and fertilisation occur. They typically give birth to a litter of three young.