M. manavi itself was restricted to a few locations in the eastern Central Highlands and populations in the Comoros and northern and western Madagascar were allocated to different species.

[9] The next year, Nicole Weyeneth and colleagues used cytochrome b and mitochondrial D-loop sequences to assess the relationships of Comoran Miniopterus.

[14] These five species are not each other's closest relatives according to analyses of cytochrome b sequences and their similarities reflect convergent evolution.

[15] Cytochrome b suggested that the closest relative of M. manavi is the slightly larger M. petersoni from southeastern Madagascar.

[18] The wings and uropatagium (tail membrane) are blackish and are attached to the upper leg at the same level, above the ankle.

[21] The uropatagium is densely haired above and more sparsely below, as in M. mahafaliensis and M. brachytragos; M. griveaudi and M. aelleni have more nearly naked uropatagia.

[24] The currently known distribution of M. manavi extends around the eastern margin of the Central Highlands, from the vicinity of Ambositra in the north to Vinanitelo in the south, at 900 to 1,500 m (3,000 to 4,900 ft) above sea level.

[25] The 2008 IUCN Red List assesses the species as "Least Concern", citing its wide distribution, though it is sometimes hunted for food.

[26] Species of Miniopterus generally feed on insects, breed seasonally, and roost in large colonies in caves.