Could the thermal camera be an useful tool to help protecting the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat (Coleura seychellensis)? A pilot study.

The Seychelles sheath-tailed bat Coleura seychellensis is listed as critically endangered on the Red List of the IUCN. This bat species was described in 1868. This species has been recorded from coastal boulder field caves with stable temperatures, horizontal ceilings and access into native palm woodland or marsh habitat. They need clear cave flyways not obscured by vegetation. The last census was done in 2009 restricted the presence of the sheath-tailed bats to 4 sites on 2 islands, Mahè and Silhouette. Abandoned roosts have been recorded from all four islands in the species historical distribution. Records from the last century and popular reports indicate that a strong decline in numbers and probably range has occurred. The surviving population is estimated to be as low as 50 to 100 individuals in total. Conservation actions are required based on research into the biology of the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat including basic information on feeding ecology and diet, habitat preference, movements, roosting habits and breeding ecology. This was a pilot study in which thermal camera was used to run a census of the Seychelles sleath-tailed bat in one site of the Mahé Island. The presence and the behavior of an animal can be detected over long distances thank the heat emitted from the animal and this is not an invasive technique that does not require artificial illumination. The regular use of thermal camera could improve the knowledge of the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat and help to protect the species by obtaining information on feeding areas and roosting caves.