Eastern free-tailed bat
| Eastern free-tailed bat | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Molossidae |
| Genus: | Mormopterus |
| Species: | M. ridei |
| Binomial name | |
| Mormopterus ridei Felten, 1964 | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The eastern free-tailed bat is a species of bat found in Australia
Taxonomy and etymology
It was initially described as a subspecies of Loria's mastiff bat, Mormopterus loriae. In 2008, it was elevated for the first time to species rank—a view that was further corroborated in 2014 when a genetic analysis of Australian Mormopterus was published.[2] The eponym for the species name "ridei" is likely William Ride, who was an accomplished Australian zoologist.
Description
It is a smaller member of its genus, with a body mass of 5–11.2 g (0.18–0.40 oz). Its forearm is 30–35 mm (1.2–1.4 in) long. Fur color is highly variable among individuals, with some bats a light brownish-gray while others are darker brown.[2]
Biology and ecology
It is nocturnal, roosting in sheltered places during the day such as inside Eucalyptus tree hollows or in buildings.[2] It is insectivorous, often foraging near habitat edges.[3]
Range and habitat
It occurs along much of the eastern coast of Australia. It is generally found in areas with more than 500 mm (20 in) of annual rainfall.[1]
Conservation
It is listed as least concern by the IUCN—its lowest conservation priority. It meets the criteria for this category because it has a very large extent of occurrence, a large estimated area of occupancy, it uses a wide variety of habitats, and its range includes protected land. However, the IUCN assessment does express uncertainty over its population trend; it is unknown if its population is stable or declining.[1]
External links
References
- 1 2 3 Reardon, T.; Lumsden, L. (2017). "Mormopterus ridei". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T71533043A71533874. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- 1 2 3 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): 109–136. doi:10.1071/ZO13082.
- ↑ Caryl, F. M.; Lumsden, L. F.; Ree, R.; Wintle, B. A. (2016). "Functional responses of insectivorous bats to increasing housing density support 'land‐sparing'rather than 'land‐sharing'urban growth strategies". Journal of Applied Ecology. 53 (1): 191–201. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12549.