Angolan long-eared bat

The Angolan long-eared bat (Laephotis angolensis) is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family. It can be found in moist savanna in Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Angolan long-eared bat
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
Genus: Laephotis
Species:
L. angolensis
Binomial name
Laephotis angolensis
Monard, 1935

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1935 by Albert Monard. In papers published in 1953 and 1971, the Angolan long-eared bat was treated as a subspecies of De Winton's long-eared bat. However, it is generally treated as a full species at present.[2] It has been suggested that it may be synonymous with Botswanan long-eared bat.[1][2] Its species name "angolensis" is Latin for "Angolan," likely in reference to the fact that the holotype was encountered near Dala, Angola.[2]

Description

Its dental formula is 2.1.1.33.1.2.3 for a total of 32 teeth. The fur of its back is yellowish- or reddish-brown. Ventral fur is pale gray or cream in color.[2]

Range and habitat

It has only been documented in the Central Zambezian miombo woodlands.[2] Its range includes Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[1]

Conservation

It is considered a locally rare species.[2] As of 2008, it is assessed as a data deficient species by the IUCN. The organization is unable to accurately evaluate its conservation status because of the continued uncertainty on whether or not it represents a full species. In addition, there is a lack of up-to-date research on its extent and population trends.[1]

References

  1. Jacobs, D.; Cotterill, F.P.D.; Taylor, P.J. (2019). "Laephotis angolensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T11135A22011591.
  2. Kingdon, J.; Happold, D; Butynski, T.; Hoffmann, M.; Happold, M.; Kalina, J. (2013). Mammals of Africa. 4. A&C Black. pp. 580–581. ISBN 9781408189962.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.