Biology:Beccari's free-tailed bat
| Beccari's free-tailed bat | |
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| Subgenus: | M. (Micronomus)
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| Species: | M. beccarii
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| Mormopterus beccarii Peters, 1881
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Beccari's free-tailed bat or Beccari's mastiff bat (Mormopterus beccarii) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae, the free-tailed bats. It is native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.[1] This bat can be found in several habitat types, including savanna, tropical moist forest, and fragmented and urban habitat. It roosts in trees, caves, and buildings in small colonies.[1] This is a common species which is not considered to be threatened.
Taxonomy and etymology
Beccari's free-tailed bat was described as a new species in 1881 by German naturalist Wilhelm Peters. The eponym for the species name "beccarii" is Odoardo Beccari. Beccari discovered the holotype on Ambon Island of Indonesia.[2] It was formerly considered native to Australia, but in 2014, the Australian population known as M. beccarii or M. beccarii astrolabiensis was distinguished as a full species, Mormopterus lumsdenae.[3]
Biology and ecology
The species is known to roost in human structures such as houses. Additionally, it has been found in Melaleuca tree hollows; one individual was documented using a cave.[1]
Range and habitat
Beccari's free-tailed bat is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It has been documented from 0–300 m (0–984 ft) above sea level.[1]
Conservation
As of 2017, it is evaluated as a least-concern species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this classification because its apparently preferred habitat is abundant; the species is likely widespread; and no major threats have been identified. It is infrequently encountered and known from only about twenty localities. The low number of records is likely a result of lack of survey effort in the region, however. Its population likely exceeds 10,000 individuals.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Reardon, T. (2017). "Mormopterus beccarii". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T13880A22085684. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T13880A22085684.en. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/13880/0. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
- ↑ Peters, W. (1881). "Über die Chiropterengattung Mormopterus und die dahin gehörigen Arten" (in German). Monatsberichte der Königlichen Preussische Akademie des Wissenschaften zu Berlin: 484. https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/39003579.
- ↑ Reardon, T. B; McKenzie, N. L; Cooper, S. J. B; Appleton, B; Carthew, S; Adams, M (2014). "A molecular and morphological investigation of species boundaries and phylogenetic relationships in Australian free-tailed bats Mormopterus (Chiroptera : Molossidae)". Australian Journal of Zoology 62 (2): 109. doi:10.1071/ZO13082. http://www.publish.csiro.au/zo/Fulltext/ZO13082.
Wikidata ☰ Q1832667 entry
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