Angolan epauletted fruit bat

The Angolan epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus angolensis) is a species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae. It is found in Angola and Namibia. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and moist savanna. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Angolan epauletted fruit bat

Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Pteropodidae
Genus: Epomophorus
Species:
E. angolensis
Binomial name
Epomophorus angolensis
Gray, 1870
Angolan epauletted fruit bat range

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1870 by British zoologist John Edward Gray.[2] Gray described it as a "variety" of Epomophorus macrocephalus[2], which has since been synonymized with the Angolan epauletted fruit bat.[3] Its species name "angolensis" is Latin for "Angolan."

Range and habitat

It is found in two countries in Southern Africa, including Angola and Namibia. It is generally found in low-lying areas, though its range may include some montane habitats as well.[1]

Conservation

As of 2016, it is evaluated as a near-threatened species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this assessment because it experienced an estimated population decline of 20-25% from 2004–2016. It is also losing the riparian habitat and fruit trees that it depends on.[1]

Sources
  1. Mildenstein, T. (2016). "Epomophorus angolensis". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T7901A22122903. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T7901A22122903.en.
  2. Gray, J. E. (1870). Catalogue of monkeys, lemurs, and fruit-eating bats in the collection of the British Museum. Order of the Trustees. p. 125.
  3. "Epomophorus macrocephalus angolensis Gray, 1870". ITIS. US Federal Government. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
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