The Dhofar pipistrelle (Pipistrellus dhofarensis) is a species of vesper bat in the genus Pipistrellus. It is found in Southern Arabia, including Oman and Yemen.

Dhofar pipistrelle
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
Genus: Pipistrellus
Species:
P. dhofarensis
Binomial name
Pipistrellus dhofarensis
Benda, Reiter, Uhrin & Varadínová, 2016

Taxonomy

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Pipistrellus dhofarensis was described as a new species in 2016. The holotype was collected at Ain Tabruq spring in the Dhofar Governorate of Oman, which is reflected in its species name "dhofarensis".[1]

Description

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Pipistrellus dhofarensis is considered a medium- or large-bodied bat relative to other Pipistrellus species. It has a forearm length of 33–39 mm (1.3–1.5 in). It has a robust skull with a long and broad snout; the braincase is broad and very high. Two color variations are known: some individuals are grayish-brown with a silvery tint, while others are reddish-brown. Both color morphs have belly fur that is paler than their back fur. Its face, ears, and wing membranes are all dark grayish-brown.[1]

Range and habitat

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The species occurs in a very limited area situated between easternmost Yemen and south-western Oman. Its habitat is humid savanna. It has been documented at elevations of 59–735 m (194–2,411 ft) above sea level. It is one of four bat species that are endemic to Southern Arabia, the other three being the Yemeni mouse-tailed bat, Yemeni trident leaf-nosed bat, and the Arabian trident bat.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Benda, Petr; Reiter, Antonín; Uhrin, Marcel; Varadínová, Zuzana (2016). "A New Species of Pipistrelle Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Southern Arabia". Acta Chiropterologica. 18 (2): 301–323. doi:10.3161/15081109ACC2016.18.2.001. ISSN 1508-1109. S2CID 89117165.