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  | |
| 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 had been 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 forest habitat.[5]
Conservation
As of 2020, it is evaluated as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this classification because there is insufficient data to predict its population size or full geographic range. However, its current population trend is likely decreasing.[5]
References
- Cawthen, L. & Pennay, M. (2020). "Nyctophilus sherrini". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T15009A22003478. Retrieved 10 July 2020.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- Thomas, Oldfield (1915). "XLI.—Notes on the genus Nyctophilus". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 15 (89): 495–496. doi:10.1080/00222931508693662.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.