5 Bat- 11 Location - Maitland Mine, 20mi.W. Port Elizabeth Family- Genus Species- Serial numbers (257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278 - Aug.21 - Maitland Mines) (299, 300, 301 - Aug.31 - Maitland Mines) The Maitland mines were first opened up by the Portuguese several hundred years ago. The mines have been abandoned for many years except for thousands of bats. This species was present in thousands. I could estimate that there were at least 5 thousand as a conservative estimate. The bats could be picked off the walls and ceiling by the handful. Some clusters had as many as 15. They seemed to be of all ages and both sexes were present. I could capture them at will until the whole population became thoroughly activated. Then the tunnels were a whirl of fluttering bat wings. They were so numerous that their wings continually brushed my face. Many flew out into the open but most of them would fly to some other part of the mine and settle down. Their squeaks filled the air. The dung was several inches deep on the floor from many years of bat occupation. These bats also seemed inhabited by little spiders.