Ethiopian large-eared roundleaf bat

The Ethiopian large-eared roundleaf bat (Hipposideros megalotis) is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae. It is found in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, caves, and hot deserts.

Ethiopian large-eared roundleaf bat
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Hipposideridae
Genus: Hipposideros
Species:
H. megalotis
Binomial name
Hipposideros megalotis
(Heuglin, 1862)
Ethiopian large-eared roundleaf bat range
Synonyms
  • Phyllorrhina megalotis Heuglin, 1862
  • Phyllorhina megalotis Heuglin, 1862

Taxonomy and etymology

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It was described as a new species in 1862 by German ornithologist Theodor von Heuglin. Von Heuglin placed it in the now-defunct genus Phyllorrhina (misspelling of Phyllorhina), with a scientific name of Phyllorrhina megalotis.[2] Its species name "megalotis" means "long-eared."

Biology and range

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It is nocturnal, roosting in sheltered places during the day such as man-made structures. It also possibly uses caves for roosts.[1] It has been found in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia. It has been found at elevations up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).[1]

Conservation

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It is currently assessed as least concern by the IUCN—its lowest conservation priority.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Monadjem, A.; Fahr, J.; Hutson, A.M.; Mickleburgh, S.; Bergmans, W. (2017). "Hipposideros megalotis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T10150A22101286. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T10150A22101286.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^ von Heuglin, Theodor (1861). "Beiträge zur Fauna der Säugethiere N.O.-Afrikas". Novorum actorum Academiae Caesareae Leopoldino-Carolinae Germanicae Naturae Curiosorum. 29 (8): 8–10.