Emballonura monticola
lesser sheath-tailed bat

Lesser sheath-tailed bats can be found in the Malay Peninsula and the surrounding areas, including some offshore islands. ("Lesser sheath-tailed bat", 2009; Baker, 2009; Bates, et al., 2008)

Lesser sheath-tailed bats are often found in areas of lowland forest and subtropical/tropical moist areas, primarily up to 1800 m. This species roosts in caves and cave entrances, rock crevices, large tree holes, and forests. They can be found in smaller numbers hanging under tables and buttresses in lowland forest Malaysia, hanging rock in tropical lowland forests and manmade caves in Thailand. ("Lesser sheath-tailed bat", 2009; Baker, 2009; Bates, et al., 2008)

Lesser sheath-tailed bats have very smooth and shiny fur that ranges from dark to reddish brown. Their underside is brown and wings are black. They have triangular shaped ears, large eyes and a pointed, simple nose that has no noseleaf. A short tail protrudes from the membrane between the legs, and, when the legs are stretched, the tail is retracted in a membrane (uropatagium) and unseen. When the wings of lesser sheath-tailed bats are relaxed, they have an extra fold that distinguishes them from other bat families. This species can fly straight and fast due to the shape of their bodies, allowing them to follow gaps formed by streams or paths in the forest. The forearm is generally 43 to 45 mm in length. The dental formula is (i 2/3, c 1/1, pm 2/2, m 3/3) x 2 = 34. g. Emballonura are the only genera in the family to have two pairs of upper incisors. A "W" pattern of cusps and ridges is also found in their molars. ("Lesser sheath-tailed bat", 2009; Baker, 2009; Nowak, 1999; Pottie, et al., 2005)

Lesser sheath-tailed bats are believed to be polygynous, though little information is available regarding the mating systems of this species. (Voigt, 2004)

Lesser sheath-tailed bats have two breeding seasons per year, the first in February through March and the second in October through November. During each birth period, females give birth to a single offspring. The pup weighs about a quarter of the mother's weight. ("Lesser sheath-tailed bat", 2009; Voigt, 2004)

Female lesser sheath-tailed bats scoop their pups to their body with their wings as soon as a pup is born, preventing it from falling. The pup clings to its mother's body while she forages until the pup becomes too heavy to carry. Soon after weaning, usually within a year, the pup becomes a mature adult. ("Lesser sheath-tailed bat", 2009; "Emballonura monticola", 2003)

Little information is available regarding the lifespan of lesser sheath-tailed bats.

Daytime roosts of lesser sheath-tailed bats usually range from 2 to 20 individuals, though some larger colonies have been found in caves ranging from 100 to 150 bats. ("Emballonura monticola", 2003)

Little information is available regarding the home range of lesser sheath-tailed bats.

Lesser sheath-tailed bats have a very distinct echolocation call lasting 6 to 8 milliseconds. Each call consists of a short sweep up in the frequency range, then a steady constant frequency staying between 48 and 51 kHz. The call finishes with a sweep down through its frequency range. Emballonura monticola studied in Singapore were recorded as having a maximum frequency of 49.3 kHz and a minimum frequency of 46.0 kHz. ("Lesser sheath-tailed bat", 2009; Pottie, et al., 2005)

Lesser sheath-tailed bats primarily hunt insects in dense forests. They have also been observed during the day in dense shade foraging for insects. This species has also occasionally been observed eating fruit. ("Emballonura monticola", 2003; Nowak, 1999)

Little information is available regarding predators of lesser sheath-tailed bats.

As insectivores, lesser sheath-tailed bats may regulate insect populations. Because lesser sheath-tailed bats occasionally eat fruit, they may contribute to seed dispersal.

Many bats, including lesser sheath-tailed bats, contribute to the control of insect pests on crops. ("Lesser sheath-tailed bat", 2009)

No information known.

Lesser sheath-tailed bats are declining in population but are still considered of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List because of their location. Most members of this species are currently located within protected areas, and populations are decreasing at a rate that ranks them as non-threatened. Increased deforestation from illegal logging and forest fires as well as destruction of caves due to limestone extraction are of increasing concern. Both scientific groups and retailers are promoting educational programs to raise awareness (Bates, et al., 2008)

Because of continued demand for palm oil, which is used in margarine, lipstick, and detergent, deforestation is continuing in prime habitat of lesser sheath-tailed bats. Malaysia and Indonesia together contribute about 88% of the world's palm oil. Large retailers, including Migros, Switzerland's largest retail chain, have expressed their concern for the destruction of these habitats due to palm oil production. Migros has recently ensured all of their products made of palm oil will not contribute to deforestation. ("Lesser sheath-tailed bat", 2009; Bates, et al., 2008; "Swiss Palm Oil Products May Help Save Indonesian Forests", 2001)