Taxonomie et répartition des chiroptères de Tunisie

Abstract

An extensive review of the published and unpublished literature resulted in an updated list of 19 bat species for Tunisia. Provisional distribution was mapped for all of them. The family Vespertilionidae (six genera, ten species) is the most diversified, beyond Rhinolophidae (one genus, five species). Only one species each of Hipposideridae, Rhinopomatidae, Molossidae and Miniopteridae have been recorded so far. Some species are widely distributed over the country (Mediterranean species), when others are restricted to the northern part (Palaearctic species) and some are only distributed in the southern desert areas (Saharo-Sindian species). Three species are classified as vulnerable and five species are classified as near threatened according to the I.U.C.N. redlist; they should benefit conservation measures.