Zur Wasserversorgung der Microchiropteren Eptesicus zuluensis vansoni (Vespertilionidae) und Sauromys petrophilus erongensis (Molossidae) in der Namibwüste

On the central Kuiseb in the southern Namib insectovorous bats are to be found at an important density. The following species could be approved: Eptesicus hottentotus pallidior (Vespertilionidae), Eptesicus zuluensis vansoni (Vespertilionidae), Sauromys petrophilus erongensis (Molossidae) and Nycteris thebaica damarensis (Nycteridae). Under the extreme climatic conditions the microchiroptera find prey enough, at least during the summer months, because this dry river-bed with its trees that partially are compact like a forest, offers favourable conditions of development to insects (above all to Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera). It is being examined in which way these desert bats provide for their need of water in a region where we hardly find open water places during a large period of year. Feeding experiments have shown that Eptesicus zuluensis vansoni and Sauromys petrophilus erongensis can do without having water for several months if they find enough insects. During the observation period a female of E. zuluensis vansoni gave birth to twins, one young of which was nourished up to the end of the lactation period.