Natal free-tailed bat
| Natal free-tailed bat | |
|---|---|
| File:Mormopterus acetabulosus type illustration.jpg | |
| Type illustration by Paul Jossigny from 1770 | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Molossidae |
| Genus: | Mormopterus |
| Subgenus: | Mormopterus |
| Species: | M. acetabulosus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mormopterus acetabulosus Hermann, 1804
| |
| Synonyms | |
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The Natal free-tailed bat (Mormopterus acetabulosus) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae, the free-tailed bats. It is endemic to the island of Mauritius. It is known from fewer than five locations in its range, but it is common at a few sites. It roosts in caves, and it is considered to be an endangered species due to disturbance of its cave habitat.[1]
Taxonomy and etymology
[edit | edit source]It was described as a new species in 1804 by French naturalist Johann Hermann. Hermann placed it in the genus Vespertilio.[2] In 2008, the Natal free-tailed bat was split into two taxa with the description of a new species, Mormopterus francoismoutoui. The species is called the "Natal" free-tailed bat because of another species Hermann described, Dysopes natalensis, named after the Natal Province of South Africa.
Dysopes natalensis was later synonymized with the Natal free-tailed bat.[3] Its species name "acetabulosus" is Latin for saucer-shaped.[4]
Description
[edit | edit source]The Natal free-tailed bat is a very small species of bat. Its upper lip is very wrinkled. Its ears are small and connected in the back by a thin interaural membrane. Males have a sebaceous gland, as with some other free-tailed bats, but they do not have an interaural crest. Its dental formula is 1.1.1.33.1.2.3 for a total of 30 teeth.[2]
Range and habitat
[edit | edit source]It is endemic to Mauritius. There is one "doubtful" record from Madagascar and two records from South Africa which may be vagrants.[1]
Conservation
[edit | edit source]As of 2017, it is listed as endangered by the IUCN. From 1999–2017, its population likely declined by more than 80%. Its caves are being disturbed for tourism.[1]
References
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