Plecotus gaisleri

Plecotus gaisleri was described as a new subspecies of the canary big-eared bat in 2004 by Petr Benda, who gave it the trinomen of Plecotus teneriffae gaisleri. The holotype had been collected approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of Massah, Libya in 2002. The eponym for the species name "gaisleri" was Jiří Gaisler, who "significantly contributed to the knowledge of the North African bat fauna".[2] A 2007 study concluded that it should be considered a full species, P. gaisleri, based on the magnitude of genetic divergence.[3]

Plecotus gaisleri is a medium-sized member of its genus, with a forearm length of 37–42 mm (1.5–1.7 in). Individuals weigh approximately 7–10 g (0.25–0.35 oz).[4]

It is nocturnal, foraging for its prey at night or shortly before sunset. It mostly consumes large- and medium-sized moths, though also consumes some beetles and flies. Its reproduction is not well known, though it likely has a litter size of one individual, breeds seasonally, and has only one breeding season annually. Its predators include barn owls and Pharaoh eagle-owls.[4]

Plecotus gaisleri is known from areas of Libya with a Mediterranean climate. In 2004, its known distribution was limited to an area of about 10,000 km² (3,900 sq mi), encompassing mountainous and coastal regions.[2] It is now additionally known from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.[4]