Aratathomas's yellow-shouldered bat

Aratathomas's yellow-shouldered bat (Sturnira aratathomasi) is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Aratathomas's yellow-shouldered bat

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Phyllostomidae
Genus: Sturnira
Species:
S. aratathomasi
Binomial name
Sturnira aratathomasi
Peterson & Tamsitt, 1968

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1968. The first documentation of the species, however, had occurred almost 100 years prior in 1874. The authors received the specimens from Andrew Arata and Maurice Thomas—the species name "aratathomasi" is a portmanteau of their respective last names.[2]

Description

In 1987, this species was called one of the largest frugivorous New World bat species, as well as the largest member of its genus (Sturnira has been expanded since then, though). Individuals weigh 46.8–53 g (1.65–1.87 oz). Its fur is dark gray in color. Its dental formula is 2.1.2.32.1.2.3 for a total of 32 teeth.[3]

Biology and ecology

Its diet likely consists of fruit, pollen, and nectar.[1]

Range and habitat

It is found in association with the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It is found at generally high altitudes from 1,650–3,165 m (5,413–10,384 ft) above sea level.[1]

Conservation

As of 2016, it is evaluated as a least-concern species by the IUCN. It meets the qualifications for this category because it has a wide geographic range and does not appear to be in rapid decline. It is threatened by agricultural conversion to grow opium poppies.[1]

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References
  1. Pacheco, V. (2016). "Sturnira aratathomasi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T20949A22052176. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T20949A22052176.en.
  2. Peterson, R. L.; Tamsitt, J. R. (1968). "A New Series of Bat of the Genus Sturnira:(Family Phyllostomatidae) from Northwestern South America" (12). Royal Ontario Museum: 1–7. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. Soriano, Pascual J; Molinari, Jesus (1987). "Sturnira aratathomasi". Mammalian Species (284): 1. doi:10.2307/3504032. JSTOR 3504032.
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