Bicolored tube-nosed bat
The bicolored tube-nosed bat (Murina bicolor) is a species of vesper bat endemic to Taiwan.
| Bicolored tube-nosed bat | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Vespertilionidae |
| Genus: | Murina |
| Species: | M. bicolor |
| Binomial name | |
| Murina bicolor Kuo, Fang, Csorba & Lee, 2009 | |
Taxonomy and etymology
It was described as a new species in 2009 by Kuo et al. The holotype was collected in 2002 in Taroko National Park. Its species name "bicolor" refers to the difference in pelage color of its dorsal and ventral sides.[2]
Description
It has dark coloration around its muzzle, eyes, and lower forehead, creating the appearance of a "mask." Its forearm length is 37–42 mm (1.5–1.7 in). Its dorsal fur is reddish brown, while its ventral fur is yellowish.[2]
Range and habitat
It is endemic to Taiwan. It has been documented at elevations of 400–3,350 m (1,310–10,990 ft) above sea level.[1]
Conservation
As of 2017, it is assessed as a least-concern species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this classification because there is no evidence that its population is declining. Its range also includes protected areas.[1]
References
- Lee, L.; Kuo, H. (2017). "Murina bicolor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T84488443A84488449. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T84488443A84488449.en.
- Kuo, Hao-Chih; Fang, Yin-Ping; Csorba, Gábor; Lee, Ling-Ling (2009). "Three New Species of Murina (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Taiwan". Journal of Mammalogy. 90 (4): 980. doi:10.1644/08-MAMM-A-036.1.