Hairy slit faced faced

Introduction: The hairy slit-faced bat (Nycteris hispida) is a fragile creature and is characterized by 3-lobed upper incisors. Skinfolds on the snout form a deep slit between the nostrils reaching up to the forehead. The importance of this feature is that sensitive organs connected to echolocation are safeguarded within this slit.

Individuals or small colonies of up to 20 roost in dense bushes, houses and buildings, caves and antbear burrows on a permanent basis.

Distribution: Tropical forests of the far-eastern Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), specifically Zambezi River valley areas.

Diet: Insects.

Colouring: Sepia brown fur, lighter on the undersides and dark blackish-brown ears and wings.

Size: Total length of 90mm.

Wingspan: 280mm.