Biak naked-backed fruit bat
The Biak naked-backed fruit bat (Dobsonia emersa) is a species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
| Biak naked-backed fruit bat | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Pteropodidae |
| Genus: | Dobsonia |
| Species: | D. emersa |
| Binomial name | |
| Dobsonia emersa Bergmans & Sarbini, 1985 | |
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| Biak naked-backed fruit bat range | |
Taxonomy and etymology
The Biak naked-backed fruit bat was first described as a species in 1985. Its species name "emersa" is from Latin "emergere," meaning "to emerge." Bergmans and Sarbini selected this name because zoologists such as Fredericus Anna Jentink had written about Dobsonia species from this area long ago, but had overlooked this taxa.[2]
Description
It has a curved snout and relatively large eyes. Its teeth are small and narrow. Adults have a forearm length of approximately 114 mm (4.5 in) and weigh 169–180 g (6.0–6.3 oz).[2]
Range and habitat
It is endemic to Indonesia. It is a lowland species, found at 0–30 m (0–98 ft) above sea level. It occupies both primary and secondary forests.[1]
Conservation
As of 2008, it is evaluated as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this classification because it is known from fewer than five locations. It is susceptible to population decline via overhunting and disturbance of its roost sites.[1]
References
- Bonaccorso, F. & Helgen, K. (2008). "Dobsonia emersa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008: e.T6774A12804581. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T6774A12804581.en.
- Bergmans, W.; Sarbini, S. (1985). "Fruit Bats of the genus Dobsonia Palmer, 1898 from the Islands of Biak, Owii, Numfoor and Yapen, Irian Java (Mammalia, Megachiroptera)". Beaufortia. 34 (6): 181–189.