Tasmanian long-eared bat

The Tasmanian long-eared bat (Nyctophilus sherrini) is a species of vesper bat endemic to Tasmania.

Tasmanian long-eared bat
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
Genus: Nyctophilus
Species:
N. sherrini
Binomial name
Nyctophilus sherrini
Thomas, 1915
Range map

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1915 by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas. The holotype was collected by Ronald Campbell Gunn. The eponym for the species name "sherrini" was William Robert Sherrin. Of Sherrin, Thomas wrote, "every mammalogist who has visited the Museum is indebted [to him] for assistance . . . [his] admirable preparation of tiny skulls and tinier bacula has so immensely helped in the mammalian work done both by staff and visitors."[2]

It was largely considered a synonym of the greater long-eared bat until approximately 2009.[3]

Description

It can be differentiated from other Nyctophilus species by its unique combination of traits: a large size, larger third molars, and a more narrow skull. Additionally, it has a narrow snout, expanded braincase, and fairly large auditory bullae. It has a forearm length of 44.3–46.4 mm (1.74–1.83 in), and individuals weigh 9.8–18.9 g (0.35–0.67 oz). Its ears are large relative to its body, at 27.2–29.8 mm (1.07–1.17 in) long.[3] It has a dental formula of 1.1.1.33.1.2.3 for a total of 30 teeth.[4]

Range and habitat

The Tasmanian long-eared bat is found throughout Tasmania.[3] The IUCN states that it is absent from southwestern Tasmania,[5] though Parnaby states that its range includes the coastal southwest, though there are few recorded instances in this region.[3] It is founded in forests.[5]

Conservation

As of 2020, it is evaluated as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. Its current population trend is likely decreasing.[5]

References

  1. Cawthen, L.; Pennay, M. (2020). "Nyctophilus sherrini". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T15009A22003478. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T15009A22003478.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. Thomas, Oldfield (1915). "XLI.—Notes on the genus Nyctophilus". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 15 (89): 495–496. doi:10.1080/00222931508693662.
  3. Parnaby, H. E. (2009). "A taxonomic review of Australian Greater Long-eared Bats previously known as Nyctophilus timoriensis (Chiroptera:Vespertilionidae) and some associated taxa" (PDF). Australian Zoologist. 35: 65–68. doi:10.7882/AZ.2009.005.
  4. Green, R. H.; Rainbird, J. L. (1983). An Illustrated Key to the Skulls of the Mammals in Tasmania (PDF). Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. p. 53. ISBN 0724611274.
  5. Reardon, T.; Lumsden, L.; Parnaby, H. (2008). "Nyctophilus sherrini". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008: e.T15009A4486868. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T15009A4486868.en.
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