The bats of Silhouette Island, Seychelles

A review of the status of the bats recorded on Silhouette island is presented. This is placed in the context of the conservation status of the bats on the granitic islands of Seychelles. Two species are present: the Seychelles fruit bat Pteropus seychellensis and the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat Coleura seychellensis. The Silhouette population of the fruit bat is estimated at approximately 2,000 (with a Seychelles total of approximately 8,500). One roost of the sheath-tailed bat is known on Silhouette, this contains 32 bats. This is the only roost to have been monitored regularly and is only one of two known in Seychelles. The fruit bat population appears to be stable, the sheath-tailed bat remains Critically Endangered.