Nicobar leaf-nosed bat
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Hipposideridae
Genus: Hipposideros
Species:
H. nicobarulae
Binomial name
Hipposideros nicobarulae
Miller, 1902

The Nicobar leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros nicobarulae) is an endangered species of bat endemic to the Nicobar Islands.

Taxonomy

The Nicobar leaf-nosed bat was described as a new species in 1902 by Gerrit Smith Miller Jr.. The holotype had been collected on Little Nicobar island in 1901 by William Louis Abbott.[2] In later publications, it was considered a subspecies of the dusky leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros ater). In 1997, one publication highlighted the significant morphological differences between the Nicobar leaf-nosed bat and the dusky leaf-nosed bat, though still considered the former a subspecies of the latter. A 2011 study expanded on these morphological differences and the authors determined they were significant enough to consider the Nicobar leaf-nosed bat a full species.[3]

Description

In comparison to the dusky leaf-nosed bat, the Nicobar leaf-nosed bat is larger. Its forearm length is about 40.2 mm (1.58 in), with a head and body length of 44.3 mm (1.74 in). It has a relatively small nose-leaf that lacks lateral leaflets.[3]

Range and habitat

The Nicobar leaf-nosed bat is endemic to the Nicobar Islands, where it has been documented on eleven islands. Its habitat includes lowland tropical rainforests. At night, it roosts in caves or abandoned buildings.[1]

Conservation

The Nicobar leaf-nosed bat is listed as an endangered species largely due to its restricted geographic range. Because it is only found on the Nicobar islands, it is highly vulnerable to local disturbances such as deforestation, cyclones, or tsunamis. Other threats to the species include cave disturbance due to edible-nest swiftlet nest poaching.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Srinivasulu, B.; Srinivasulu, C.; Waldien, D.L. (2020). "Hipposideros nicobarulae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T80458824A95642215. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T80458824A95642215.en. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  2. ↑ Miller, Gerrit S. (May 1902). "The Mammals of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands". Proceedings of the United States National Museum. Washington DC: United States National Museum. 24 (1269): 781–782. doi:10.5479/si.00963801.24-1269.751. hdl:2027/hvd.32044107357428. OCLC 24358381.
  3. 1 2 Douangboubpha, Bounsavane; Bumrungsri, Sara; Satasook, Chutamas; Soisook, Pipat; Hla Bu, Si Si; Aul, Bandana; Harrison, David L.; Pearch, Malcolm J.; Thomas, Nikky M.; Bates, Paul J. J. (2011). "A New Species of Small Hipposideros (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) from Myanmar and a Revaluation of the Taxon H. Nicobarulae Miller, 1902 from the Nicobar Islands". Acta Chiropterologica. 13: 61–78. doi:10.3161/150811011X578624. S2CID 85815026.
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