Lesser sheath-tailed bat  (Emballonura monticola)

The angular features of this small and timid bat make it easy to recognise. It has a pointy, simple nose with no noseleaf, large black eyes, and triangular ears. The fur is extremely smooth and shiny, varying in colour from reddish brown to dark brown, and fading to buffy brown on the underside. In common with other members of the Emballonuridae, or sheath-tailed bats, the lesser sheath-tailed bat has a short tail that protrudes from the interfemoral membrane between the legs, unless the legs are stretched, when the tail retracts into its sheath (3). The wings are black, and so long that when at rest, they have one more fold than those in other bat families (4). Their shape means that the bat can fly fast and straight in forest gaps, such as over streams (3).