Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat

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Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat
Hipposideros khaokhouayensis.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Hipposideridae
Genus: Hipposideros
Species:
H. khaokhouayensis
Binomial name
Hipposideros khaokhouayensis
Guillén-Servent & Francis, 2006
Phou Khao Khouay Leaf-nosed Bat area.png
Range of the Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat

The Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros khaokhouayensis) is a species of bat found in Laos and Vietnam. [2] It was described as a new species in 2006. It is considered vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN.

Contents

Taxonomy and etymology

The Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat was described as a new species in 2006, based on specimens collected in central Laos in 1997 and 1998. The authors of the 2006 paper placed it in the bicolor species group of the genus Hipposideros . Its species name "khaokhouayensis" is a Neo-Latin derivative of Phou Khao Khouay, the conservation area where this species was discovered. The authors selected this name "to bring attention to the potential importance of the National Biodiversity Conservation Areas network for preserving natural areas in Lao PDR, as they contain highly distinctive ecosystems, hosting many endemic species such as this one." Its closest relative is the Laotian roundleaf bat; the two species have a genetic distance of 3.91–4.12%. [3]

Description

When it was first encountered, researchers thought that it was the Laotian roundleaf bat, Hipposideros rotalis, as the two species are similar in appearance. The bats they found, however, were echolocating at a frequency 20 kHz above that of H. rotalis, utilizing frequencies of 87–91 kHz. In addition to its echolocation, the Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat has a smaller nose-leaf than H. rotalis. Its forearm is 45.5–48.5 mm (1.79–1.91 in) long; its tail is 35–37.5 mm (1.38–1.48 in) long; its ear is 24.4–25.2 mm (0.96–0.99 in) long. It weighs 7.7–9.6 g (0.27–0.34 oz), making it a moderate-sized species of the bicolor species group. The fur on its back is long and brown; individual hairs are tricolored, with white bases, dark brown middles, and light brown tips. Fur on its belly is lighter in color than the fur on its back. Its ears are long and broad with blunt tips; they are brown in color. [3]

Biology

Not much is known about its biology or reproduction. While females have been encountered in February, May, and June, no pregnant females have been observed. One female captured in May and another captured in June were lactating, though. This species has a pair of pubic nipples in addition to its pair of thoracic nipples, a feature found in all species of the following families: Craseonycteridae, Rhinopomatidae, Megadermatidae, Rhinolophidae, and Hipposideridae. The function of the pubic nipples could be to allow the pups to cling more securely to their mothers before they are able to fly. Pubic nipples could also function in feeding the pup. [4]

Range and habitat

This species was first discovered in Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area. [1] It has been captured at elevations ranging from 180–400 m (590–1,310 ft) above sea level. It has also been found near Vang Vieng, also in central Laos. It has been documented in both disturbed and intact evergreen forests. [3] In 2008, the species was also captured in the mangrove habitat of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam. [2]

Conservation

It is currently evaluated as vulnerable by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this designation because its extent of occurrence is likely less than 20,000 km2 (7,700 sq mi), it has been documented in only two locations, and its habitat is experiencing a decline in extent and quality. Even though it occurs in a protected conservation area in Laos, its habitat is still threatened due to lax enforcement of conservation laws. [1] Phou Khao Khouay habitat is threatened by deforestation and the construction of roads and buildings. [3]

Related Research Articles

<i>Hipposideros</i> Genus of bats

Hipposideros is one of the most diverse genera of bats, with more than 70 species. They are collectively called roundleaf bats after the shape of their nasal ornament. It is the type genus of the family Hipposideridae. It is divided into species groups based on morphology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian roundleaf bat</span> Species of bat

The Indian roundleaf bat, also known as the large Ceylon leaf-nosed bat or Kelaart's leaf‐nosed bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, with marginal populations also detected in Southeast Asia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and caves. The bat has three subspecies that occur in India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. The Indian subspecies, H. l. indus, is smaller than the ones found in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, although there are no other characteristics that differentiate the subspecies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sundevall's roundleaf bat</span> Species of bat

Sundevall's roundleaf bat, also called Sundevall's leaf-nosed bat, is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fawn leaf-nosed bat</span> Species of bat

The fawn leaf-nosed bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae found in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vanuatu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hill's roundleaf bat</span> Species of bat

Hill's roundleaf bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae endemic to Papua New Guinea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kolar leaf-nosed bat</span> Endanged species of bat found in India

The Kolar leaf-nosed bat, or leafletted leaf-nosed bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is endemic to India. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and caves. It is found in only one cave in India, and its population is less than 200 individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big-eared roundleaf bat</span> Species of bat

The big-eared roundleaf bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is endemic to Indonesia, known from Kangean Islands, southwestern Sulawesi and Seram Island. It roosts in caves and tree hollows and probably forages in woodland. It is threatened by habitat loss through logging and other human activities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aellen's roundleaf bat</span> Species of bat

Aellen's roundleaf bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is found in Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Liberia. Its natural habitats are subtropical and tropical forests and caves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fly River roundleaf bat</span> Species of bat

The Fly River roundleaf bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pomona roundleaf bat</span> Species of bat

The Pomona roundleaf bat, Pomona leaf-nosed bat, or Andersen's leaf-nosed bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae that is endemic to India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schneider's leaf-nosed bat</span> Species of bat

Schneider's leaf-nosed bat or Schneider's roundleaf bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is endemic to South Asia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, caves, and urban areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">São Tomé leaf-nosed bat</span> Species of bat

The São Tomé leaf-nosed bat is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is endemic to the island of São Tomé, in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Africa. The bat's natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and caves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamotte's roundleaf bat</span> Species of mammal

Lamotte's roundleaf bat is a species of bat found only at Mount Nimba on the border of Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia. It is critically endangered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hipposideridae</span> Family of bats

The Hipposideridae are a family of bats commonly known as the Old World leaf-nosed bats. While it has often been seen as a subfamily, Hipposiderinae, of the family Rhinolophidae, it is now more generally classified as its own family. Nevertheless, it is most closely related to Rhinolophidae within the suborder Yinpterochiroptera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grand roundleaf bat</span> Species of bat

The grand roundleaf bat, also known as the grand leaf-nosed bat, is a species of bat in the genus Hipposideros. It can be found in China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orbiculus leaf-nosed bat</span> Species of bat

The orbiculus leaf-nosed bat, also known as the orbiculus roundleaf bat and small disc roundleaf bat, is a species of bat from the family Hipposideridae. The species has been found on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia and on peninsular Malaysia.

<i>Hipposideros rotalis</i> Species of bat

Hipposideros rotalis, the Laotian leaf-nosed bat or Laotian roundleaf bat, is a species of bat from the family Rhinolophidae which is thought to be endemic to Laos. Only a small number of individuals have been recorded, however the population size is thought to be large as it has been found to cover a range of more than 20,000 km2.

Griffin's leaf-nosed bat is a species of roundleaf bats. First seen in 2008, it was formally described in 2012. It is found only in Vietnam, and only at two places, Cát Bà Island in northern Vietnam, and Chư Mom Ray National Park. It is generally similar to the species complex of the great roundleaf bat, with which it shares the habitat, but has distinguishing characters. It is relatively smaller and its sound navigation, echolocation, is different.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shield-nosed leaf-nosed bat</span> Species of bat

The shield-nosed leaf-nosed bat or shield-nosed roundleaf bat is a bat from Laos and Vietnam.

Boeadi’s roundleaf bat is a species of roundleaf bat found in Indonesia.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Douangboubpha , B. (2020) [amended version of 2019 assessment]. "Hipposideros khaokhouayensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T136819A166602959. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T136819A166602959.en . Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  2. 1 2 Thong, Vu Dinh; Denzinger, Annette; Sang, Nguyen Van; Huyen, Nguyen Thi Thu; Thanh, Hoang Trung; Loi, Dao Nhan; Nha, Pham Van; Viet, Nguyen Van; Tien, Pham Duc; Tuanmu, Mao-Ning; Huang, Joe Chun-Chia (2021-08-14). "Bat Diversity in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Northeastern Vietnam: A Review with New Records from Mangrove Ecosystem". Diversity. 13 (8): 376. doi: 10.3390/d13080376 . ISSN   1424-2818.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Guillén-Servent, A.; Francis, C. M. (2006). "A new species of bat of the Hipposideros bicolor group (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) from Central Laos, with evidence of convergent evolution with Sundaic taxa". Acta Chiropterologica. 8 (1): 39–61. doi:10.3161/1733-5329(2006)8[39:ANSOBO]2.0.CO;2. S2CID   86102341.
  4. ↑ Simmons, N. B. (1993). "Morphology, function, and phylogenetic significance of pubic nipples in bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera)" (PDF). American Museum Novitates (3077).
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