[Mammalogy • 2026] Glauconycteris baka & G. lobeke • An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest

A. Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Djombi village, LNP;
B. G. beatrix, ♂, Pont cassé platform, LNP; 
 C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Mambele village, LNP. 

Gomeh-Djame, Bates, Juste, Suarez-Rubio, Torrent, García-Mudarra, Ayangma, Yettore, Bilong & Bakwo-Fils, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038

Not to scale.

Abstract 

The genus Glauconycteris (Vespertilionidae) comprises small, forest-dependent bats distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its distinctive morphology, the genus remains poorly represented in collections and its taxonomy unresolved. During recent field surveys in southeastern Cameroon, ten Glauconycteris specimens were collected from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest, eight from Lobéké National Park (LNP) and two from the Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR). Morphometric and molecular analyses assigned these specimens to eight species, including representatives of three species groups (poensis, beatrix, and humeralis). One species, G. superba, is recorded for the first time from Cameroon and two are described herein as new to science, Glauconycteris baka sp. nov. and Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. These findings increase the total number of recognised Glauconycteris species to 15 and confirm that G. beatrix, as previously understood, represents a species complex, revealing further cryptic diversity within the genus. By combining taxonomic, ecological, and distributional data, our results indicate that most members of the genus tolerate moderate habitat degradation and that all 11 species recorded from Cameroon occur within or adjacent to at least one protected area. This study provides the first integrated taxonomic assessment of Glauconycteris in Cameroon, refines species distributions, and contributes additional ecological data for three species (G. gleni, G. egeria, and G. curryae) currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Our findings underscore the importance of continued sampling in the Guineo-Congolian region to better inform the conservation of Africa’s forest-dependent bats.

Key words: Conservation status, cryptic diversity, forest dependent bats, Guineo-Congolian region, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics

Three small, morphologically similar species of Glauconycteris from Cameroon with dark pelage and wings, a pale shoulder spot and no lateral stripe shown at an enlarged scale to highlight diagnostic external characters. Ventral/lateral views above, dorsal view below.
A. G. lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.11.19.151, Djombi village, LNP; B. G. beatrix, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.182, Pont cassé platform, LNP; C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.07.18.18, Mambele village, LNP.  Not to scale.

Additional species of Glauconycteris recorded in Cameroon, illustrating broader variation in size and pelage across the genus. Species order follows Table 1.
A. Glauconycteris superba, ♂, Mes 26, Mba’a village, DBR; B. G. gleni, ♂, (subadult), AD.2024.22.05.222, Yenga fishing site, LNP; C. G. variegata, ♂, AD.2024.Z73, Zega village, LNP;
D. G. argentata, ♂, Mbouroukou école publique, Mount Manengouba National Park; E. G. curryae, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.181, Pont cassé platform, LNP. The focal, closely related species are illustrated at larger scale in Fig. 3. Not to scale.

 

Glauconycteris baka sp. nov.  

Etymology. The species is named in honour of the Baka people, who live in and around LNP, and who have a close relationship with the forest and its wildlife. The name was discussed with members of the local community, including through park rangers, and was positively received, with community members expressing pride in the association. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon Baka’ and the proposed English name is ‘Baka butterfly bat’.

Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. 

Etymology. The species is named after Lobéké National Park, where the individuals were captured. We wish to draw attention to the important role the park can play in protecting a highly diverse fauna of Congolian forest bats, including new and rare species. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon de Lobéké’ and the proposed English name is ‘Lobéké butterfly bat’.

 Aicha Gomeh-Djame, Paul J. J. Bates, Javier Juste, Marcela Suarez-Rubio, Laura Torrent, Juan Luis García-Mudarra, Eugenie Agodigo Ayangma, Félécité Yettore, Charles Félix Bilong Bilong and Eric-Moise Bakwo-Fils. 2026. An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest. ZooKeys. 1282: 161-204. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038 [15 Jun 2026]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Afronycteris rautenbachi • A New Species of African Pipistrelle-like Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Afronycteris)

Afronycteris rautenbachi

Kearney, de Vries & Markotter, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.1

Abstract 

The taxonomy of the small, sub-Saharan, insectivorous bat, Afronycteris helios (Heller, 1912), has been unresolved for decades. The name A. cf. helios was introduced in the literature to recognise bats found in east and southern Africa that were like A. helios but had glands on the uropatagium. Cranio-dental morphology, bacular morphology, and molecular genetics (albeit the latter two being without representation of A. helios), provided evidence to formally describe “A. cf. helios”, which is currently known from Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa. Bayesian analyses based on cytochrome oxidase b, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, and 12S rRNA confirm that it belongs to the genus Afronycteris with A. nanus (Peter, 1852) and A. helios. These analyses also revealed genetic, bacular, and cranio-dental morphological differences within A. nanus, which are described here. Pending a more thorough geographic analysis, including all existing synonyms, A. cf. nanus has been introduced to refer to bats that were smaller than A. nanus. Although co-occurring in north-eastern parts of South Africa, A. cf. nanus has a more westerly distribution extending to west Africa, relative to the more easterly distribution of A. nanus. Afronycteris sp. nov. showed at least a 6.9%, 3.4% and 2.9% nucleotide difference to its nearest relative based on cytochrome oxidase b, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, and 12S rRNA respectively. It is cranio-dentally smaller than A. helios, slightly smaller than A. nanus, and larger than A. cf. nanus, with a distinct baculum, and a unique pair of glands on the uropatagium.

Mammalia, molecular genetics, taxonomy, morphology, Afronycteris nanus, Afronycteris helios, Kruger National Park

Lateral head and shoulder view of Afronycteris rautenbachi in the hand, of the holotype TM 48535 (left), and TM 48537 (right), both from South Africa, Limpopo province, Kruger National Park, Makuleka Contract Park.

Images of ears (above) and tragi (below) of  Afronycteris rautenbachi, TM 48537 (left) and A. cf. nanus TM 48572 (right), both from South Africa, Limpopo province, Kruger National Park, Makuleka Contract Park.

Dorsal ventral and lateral views of the cranium and a lateral view of the mandible of the holotype, TM 48535, of Afronycteris rautenbachi from South Africa, Limpopo province, Kruger National Park, Makuleka Contract Park. All images were scaled to the same size. Scale bar = 3 mm.

Afronycteris rautenbachi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Afronycteris rautenbachi is a small Vespertilionidae and among the smallest of the Vespertilionini, being most similar in size and appearance to A. nanus, A. cf. nanus and A. helios. Afronycteris rautenbachi has a pair of glands on the uropatagium on either side of the tail, near the body (Figure 7).

Etymology. This species is named in honour of Igantius (“Naas”) L. Rautenbach (1942–2024) who was head of the mammal section at Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (formerly Transvaal Museum) from 1968 to 1991, and then the director of the museum from 1991 to 1999. He conducted extensive field research on southern African mammals, including the northern part of the Kruger National Park, which considerably increased the size of the museum collection. Over the years he managed various research collaborations that started with field collection and resulted in numerous publications. The proposed English common name is Kruger tail-gland bat.

Teresa KEARNEY, Marinda DE VRIES and Wanda MARKOTTER. 2026. Description of A New Species of African Pipistrelle-like Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Afronycteris). Zootaxa. 5768(1); 1-28. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.1 [2026-03-09]

[Mammalogy • 2025] Pipistrellus etula • Taxonomic Revision of African pipistrelle-like Bats (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) with A New Species from the West Congolean Rainforest

  

Pipistrellus etula

Torrent, Juste, Garin, Aihartza, Dalton, Mamba, Tanshi, Powell, Padidar, Mudarra, Richards & Monadjem, 2025

Bioko pipistrelle  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf020 

https://www.batcon.org

Abstract

The taxonomic conundrum of pipistrelle-like or pipistrelloid bats remains one of the unsolved challenges posed by African Chiroptera. Historically, their cryptic morphology has led to a frequently confused classification and cast doubt on taxonomic arrangements at both genus and species levels. While molecular analyses and extensive reviews of specimens housed in collections worldwide have clarified many systematic relationships among pipistrelloid bats, some species still require validation, leaving gaps in our overall understanding of the systematics of the group. The Congo rainforest, one of Africa's least explored regions, remains underrepresented in systematic studies of pipistrelloid bats. In this study, we combine the use of two mitochondrial genes and cranial morphometric analyses to provide an updated perspective on African pipistrelloid bats, focusing on new material from Equatorial Guinea sampled over multiple years. We confirm the placement of Af. musciculus and Af. crassulus within the genus Afropipistrellus. The former was previously included in Hypsugo, while the latter lacked generic confirmation. Additionally, we describe a new species of Pipistrellus from Bioko Island, Central Africa, uncovered during systematic bat surveys in the region. Further surveys in the Congo rainforest are needed to unveil African bat diversity and its phylogenetic relationships fully.

Africa, baculum, Chiroptera, genus revision, Mammalia, mitochondrial DNA, morphometrics, systematics, taxonomy

Portrait of a Pipistrellus etula sp. nov. female captured in Basilé Peak, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.

Photo by Gerard Carbonell.

Family Vespertilionidae Gray, 1821 

Tribe Pipistrellini Tate, 1942 

Genus Pipistrellus Kaup, 1829 

Pipistrellus etula Torrent et al., sp. nov. 

Bioko pipistrelle 

Etymology: ‘etula’ means island or nation in the language of the original Bubi people of Bioko Island.

Laura Torrent, Javier Juste, Inazio Garin, Joxerra Aihartza, Desiré L Dalton, Mnqobi Mamba, Iroro Tanshi, Luke L Powell, Sara Padidar, Juan Luis Garcia Mudarra, Leigh Richards and Ara Monadjem. 2025. Taxonomic Revision of African pipistrelle-like Bats with A New Species from the West Congolean Rainforest. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 204(2); zlaf020, DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf020  [13 June 2025]

https://www.batcon.org/press/1500th-bat-species-discovered-in-africas-equatorial-guinea/

[Mammalogy • 2025] Murina alvarezi, M. philippinensis, M. luzonensis, ... • Systematics and Biogeography of Tube-nosed Bats, Murina (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), from the Philippines with Descriptions of Six New Species

 Murina alvarezi (A, paratype, FMNH 205827), M. baletei (B, holotype, FMNH 205411), 
M. luzonensis (C, holotype FMNH 190764), M. philippinensis (D, holotype, FMNH 205834)

Eger, Sedlock, Lim & Heaney, 2025  

   DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.1

 photos by J. Sedlock & D. Balete. 

Abstract

Murina is a wide-ranging genus of insectivorous bats that occurs throughout Asia whose known diversity has recently been increasing with the description of 26 new species in the past 20 years. The Philippine archipelago—mostly comprised of islands with oceanic origin and thus a history of isolation—has produced a fauna rich in endemic species, including bats. Here, we describe the morphological and genetic diversity among Murina specimens collected from across the Philippine islands and compare them to representatives from the Southeast Asian mainland and adjacent islands. Our results show that the wide-spread M. cyclotis represents a radiation, beginning around 11 mya, of five distinct Murina species endemic to the Philippines, including three single-island endemics. These five new M. cyclotis group species are mostly allopatric in distribution, except for two species—the smallest and largest that occur in the Philippines—that co-occur on Mindanao Island. Our study documents Murina suilla, a species occurring in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, and only occurring on Mindoro and Palawan Islands within the Philippines. Additionally, we describe a new species that is sister to M. suilla and is widespread across the Philippine archipelago. Overall, our study has increased the number of Philippine Murina species from two to seven. As the first phylogeographic analysis of a laryngeal echolocating bat genus within the Philippines, our study provides evidence that the diversification of understory insectivorous bats largely echoes that of fruit bats (Pteropodidae), which is characterized by endemic Philippine lineages that are primarily confined to known biogeographic regions that constitute sets of modern islands that were connected during the last ice age, or to individual oceanic islands. We hypothesize that subsequent phylogeographic investigations of other bat taxa may reveal similar, previously unrecognized, endemic radiations within the highly biodiverse Philippines.

Mammalia, diversification, endemism, Miocene, phylogeny, oceanic islands, species limits, Southeast Asia

Representative photographs of Murina alvarezi (A, paratype, FMNH 205827; photo: J. Sedlock), M. baletei (B, holotype, FMNH 205411; photo: D. Balete),
M. luzonensis (C, holotype FMNH 190764; photo: D. Balete), M. philippinensis (D, holotype, FMNH 205834; photo: J. Sedlock).

Judith L. EGER, Jodi L. SEDLOCK, Burton K. LIM and Lawrence R. HEANEY. 2025. Systematics and Biogeography of Tube-nosed Bats, Murina (Mammalia, Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), from the Philippines with Descriptions of Six New Species.  Zootaxa. 5691(1); 1-44. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.1 [2025-09-08]

[Mammalogy • 2025] Taxonomic Reassessment of Bats from the Western Himalayas, India and Description of A New Species of the Myotis frater complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

 

Myotis himalaicus

Saikia, Chakravarty, Csorba, Laskar & Ruedi, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5644.1.1 

facebook.com: Rohit CHAKRAVARTY 

Abstract

Based on specimens collected during recent field surveys and re–examination of museum specimens, we critically reviewed the taxonomic status of several bat species occurring in the Western Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in India. The present review incorporates both morphological and molecular data and additionally illustrates new echolocation call characters of some little–known species from the region. A new species, Myotis himalaicus sp. nov., belonging to the My. frater complex is described based on multiple evidence of unique characters. We revised putative records of Tadarida teniotis as Ta. insignis and report this species for the first time from India. We also detail the first occurrence of Rhinolophus nippon, Hypsugo savii and My. sicarius from the Western Himalayas. We conclusively delineate Pipistrellus babu occurring in the Western Himalayas as a species distinct from Pi. javanicus in Southeast Asia and draw attention to several species–complexes (i.e. Rhinolophus macrotis, Eptesicus pachyomus, Murina cyclotis or Mu. huttonii) where further material and analyses are needed to clarify the species boundaries.

Mammalia, Himalayas, Chiroptera, systematics, DNA barcode, echolocation

  Myotis himalaicus sp. nov

Uttam SAIKIA, Rohit CHAKRAVARTY, Gabor CSORBA, Mostaque Ahmed LASKAR and Manuel RUEDI. 2025. Taxonomic Reassessment of Bats from the Western Himalayas, India and Description of A New Species of the Myotis frater complex (Mammalia, Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae). Zootaxa. 5644(1); 1-78. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5644.1.1 [2025-06-05]

  facebook.com/rohitchak77/posts/10163352798278993

Researchgate.net/publication/392409770_Taxonomic_reassessment_of_bats_from_the_Western_Himalayas_India

[Mammalogy • 2025] Murina beibengensis, M. medogensis, ... • Four New Tube-nosed Bat Species of the Genus Murina (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Xizang Autonomous Region, China, based on morphological and molecular data

 

Murina beibengensis Luo, Mao & Zhou,
 Murina yadongensis Mao, Zhao & Zhou,
Murina medogensis Mao, Lan & Zhou, 

in Luo, Mao, Lan, Zhao, Z.-L. Wang, Yu, J.-J. Wang, Yan, Xiao & Zhou, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.144375 

Abstract

The genus Murina Gray, 1842, recently had four new species discovered in China over the last four years, suggesting its diversity may have been previously underestimated. Herein, we describe four new species—Murina beibengensis sp. nov., Murina medogensis sp. nov., Murina milinensis sp. nov., and Murina yadongensis sp. nov.—based on morphological and genetic evidence from specimens collected during bat diversity surveys conducted in the Xizang Autonomous Region of China over the past three years. Each of these four new species forms an independent lineage on a phylogenetic tree reconstructed using the mitochondrial COI and Cyt b genes, and each is genetically distinct from its congeners. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from the 43 recognized congeners by features including forearm length, hair color, and skull morphology. We elevated M. huttoni rubella from a subspecies of M. huttoni to a species based on morphological and genetic evidence. The new species discussed herein increase the number of species in the genus Murina to four worldwide and from 23 to 28 in China. This study not only enriches our understanding of bat species diversity but also underscores the importance of conducting bat surveys in the specialized highland habitats of the Himalayas.

Key Words: Diversity, Himalaya, morphology, Murina, taxonomy

Murina beibengensis Luo, Mao & Zhou, sp. nov.

Murina milinensis Luo, Mao & Zhou, sp. nov.

 Murina yadongensis Mao, Zhao & Zhou, sp. nov.

Murina medogensis Mao, Lan & Zhou, sp. nov.

 Murina rubella Thomas, 1914

 Tao Luo, Ming-Le Mao, Chang-Ting Lan, Zi-Fa Zhao, Zhong-Lian Wang, Jing Yu, Jia-Jia Wang, Chen-Rui Yan, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2025. Four New Tube-nosed Bat Species of the Genus Murina (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from Xizang Autonomous Region, China, based on morphological and molecular data. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(3): 1023-1055. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.144375 

[Mammalogy • 2025] Myotis guarani • Unveiling the Shelf Life: A New cryptic Species of Myotis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from South America revealed by an integrative taxonomy approach

 

Myotis guarani   

Novaes, Cláudio, Bertocchi, Oliveira, Semedo, Saldanha, Wilson & Moratelli, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaf016  

  Researchgate.net/publication/390280119 

  facebook.com/AmericanSocietyofMammalogists

Photo: Guilherme S. T. Garbino.

 

Abstract

Myotis is a diverse genus of vesper bats with a global distribution. Currently, over 35 Neotropical species are recognized, but molecular studies suggest the existence of a large number of distinct evolutionary lineages, revealing cryptic diversity. Thus, this genus poses a challenge for systematists since its high species diversity is not reflected in phenotypic differences. Using an integrative approach, we identified and described here a new species of Myotis. Ecological niche modeling indicates a strong association with the South American Chaco, Pantanal, and Cerrado ecoregions—spanning Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. Phylogenetic inference, genetic divergence, and morphological analyses support the recognition of the new species. Additionally, we present a set of external and skull diagnostic characters by comparing them with other Neotropical Myotis species. Specimens of this new species have been deposited in biological collections for more than 120 years. This discovery underscores the importance of systematic studies based on multiple lines of evidence and highlights the crucial role of natural history museums as biological repositories.

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chaco, ecological niche modeling, integrative taxonomy, Pantanal, Paraguay, phylogeny, species delimitation 

Myotis guarani collected in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Photo: Guilherme S. T. Garbino.

 

Roberto Leonan M Novaes , Vinícius C Cláudio , Natasha A Bertocchi , Karoliny de Oliveira , Thiago B F Semedo , Juliane Saldanha , Don E Wilson , Ricardo Moratelli. 2025. Unveiling the Shelf Life: A New cryptic Species of Myotis (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from South America revealed by an integrative taxonomy approach. Journal of Mammalogy. gyaf016. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaf016 [27 March 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/390280119_a_new_cryptic_species_of_Myotis_from_South_America

  facebook.com/AmericanSocietyofMammalogists/posts/1096104195888972 

Resumo: Myotis é um gênero diverso de morcegos vespertilionídeos com distribuição global. Mais de 35 espécies neotropicais são atualmente reconhecidas, porém, estudos moleculares indicam um número maior de linhagens evolutivas distintas, indicando existência de diversidade críptica. Logo, esse gênero impõe um desafio para a taxonomia, pois a sua alta diversidade de espécies não é refletida fenotipicamente. Usando uma abordagem integrativa, nesse estudo identificamos e descrevemos uma nova espécie de Myotis. Modelagem de nicho ecológica indicou uma forte associação ao Chaco, Pantanal e Cerrado da Argentina, Bolívia, Brasil e Paraguai. Inferências filogenéticas, divergência genética e análises morfológicas corroboram o reconhecimento da nova espécie. Adicionalmente, apresentamos um conjunto de caracteres diagnósticos (externos e cranianos) identificados a partir de comparações com outras espécies neotropicais de Myotis. Os espécimes dessa nova espécie foram depositados em coleções biológicas por mais de 120 anos. Essa descoberta reforça a importância de estudos sistemáticos baseados em múltiplas linhas de evidências e o papel dos museus de história natural como repositórios biológicos.

Argentina, Bolívia, Brasil, Chaco, delimitação de espécies, filogenia, modelagem de nicho ecológico, Pantanal, Paraguai

[Mammalogy • 2025] Hipposideros srilankaensis • Taxonomic Revision of the South Asian allies of Hipposideros galeritus Cantor, 1846 (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae)

 

Hipposideros srilankaensis 

Kusuminda, B. Srinivasulu, Amarasinghe, A. Srinivasulu, C. Srinivasulu & Yapa, 

in B. Srinivasulu, Kusuminda, A. Srinivasulu, Ukuwela, Amarasinghe, Siriwardana, Kaur, Mannakkara, Soisook, Kamalakannan, Yapa et C. Srinivasulu, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.3 

facebook.com/Srinivasulu Chelmala

Abstract

Hipposideros galeritus was described in 1846, with subsequent studies suggesting four subspecies across South and Southeast Asia. Our study indicates that the Indian and Sri Lankan populations previously considered subspecies of H. galeritus are, in fact, distinct species in need of taxonomic revisions. Based on the morphometric analysis, structure of the baculum, molecular phylogenetics, and echolocation call analysis, the Indian, Sri Lankan, and Southeast Asian populations of Hipposideros galeritus are distinct. We provide a detailed description of H. brachyotus Dobson, 1874 and describe a new species—Hipposideros srilankaensis sp. nov.—from Sri Lanka. Key morphological differences were found in the noseleaf, ear shape, and cranial features between the Indian (H. brachyotus), Sri Lankan (H. srilankaensis sp. nov.), and Southeast Asian populations (H. galeritus s.l.). Substantial genetic distances were found between H. galeritus populations, suggesting cryptic diversity that is yet to be resolved.

Mammalia, Chiroptera, Hipposideros brachyotus, Hipposideros srilankaensis, new species, India, Sri Lanka

Hipposideros srilankaensis sp. nov.

Bhargavi SRINIVASULU, Tharaka KUSUMINDA, Aditya SRINIVASULU, Kanishka D. B. UKUWELA, Chamara AMARASINGHE, Sahan SIRIWARDANA, Harpreet KAUR, Amani MANNAKKARA, Pipat SOISOOK, Manokaran KAMALAKANNAN, Wipula Bandara YAPA and Chelmala SRINIVASULU. 2025. Taxonomic Revision of the South Asian allies of Hipposideros galeritus Cantor, 1846.  Zootaxa. 5590(4); 507-530. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.3 [2025-02-25]   ශ්‍රී ලංකා පත්නැහැ-වවුලා 

  facebook.com/hyd2masawa/posts/10162937536644407

[Mammalogy • 2024] Almost Two hundred Years of Monotypy and A poorly known Life History: Multiple Lineages of Furipterus (Chiroptera: Furipteridae) were Hidden by Rocks

 

Thumbless bat Furipterus horrens (Cuvier, 1828)

in Moras, Nobre, Vasconcelos, Garbino, de Souza, ... et Tavares, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s42991-024-00465-9 

 x.com/ValeriaCTavares

Abstract

The Thumbless bat Furipterus horrens (Cuvier, 1828) (Chiroptera: Furipteridae) is a tiny insectivorous bat species that has not undergone comprehensive systematic revisions, as taxonomic studies about this species are only represented by the middle XIX century description of F. caerulescens Tomes, 1856. Concurrently there also has been no assessment on the genetic diversity within the species along its distribution. We analyzed patterns of mitochondrial genetic variation of F. horrens under the prediction that structured populations could be associated with the naturally patchy distribution of these bats’ roosts. Our data revealed highly divergent lineages, with low haplotype sharing and indicating well-structured populations. For the phylogeny we recovered well-supported clades, and the outcome of species limits tests suggests the split of F. horrens into a complex of four to six putative species. Lineages recovered were mostly allopatric along South America, except for two sympatric populations from the low-medium Xingu River. Based on the outstandingly high genetic discontinuities found for Furipterus, we hypothesize that historical metapopulational arrangements composed of spatially structured populations with different degrees of isolation resulted in limited gene flow for at least part of the lineages found. The observed results may reflect a female-inherited variation at least partially related to yet unknown biological traits of Furipterus such as social structure, female philopatry or other biological characteristics. Whether part of these lineages represent separate full species needs further examination based on independent datasets (morphology and nuclear data) but it is now clear that Furipterus horrens is composed of distinct populations likely containing more than one species, a diversity that has remained virtually overlooked for over two centuries.

Keywords: Thumbless bat, Rocky outcrop, Genetic variation, Species delimitation, Cave bats, Tree roost

 

Ligiane M. Moras, Carla C. Nobre, Santelmo Vasconcelos, Guilherme S. T. Garbino, Érica M. S. de Souza, Fabrício R. Santos, Guilherme Oliveira and Valéria da C. Tavares. 2024. Almost Two hundred Years of Monotypy and A poorly known Life History: Multiple Lineages of Furipterus (Chiroptera: Furipteridae) were Hidden by Rocks. Mammalian Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s42991-024-00465-9

  x.com/ValeriaCTavares/status/1874124314611769852

  

[Mammalogy • 2024] Murina yushuensis • A New Species of Tube-nosed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murina) from Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China

  

Murina yushuensis Han, Csorba & Wu, 

  

in Wang, Han, Csorba, Wu, Chen, Zhao, Dong, Yu et Lu, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae104

Abstract

In 2018, an adult male of a small-sized Tube-nosed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murina) was captured at an arid cave located on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in Yushu City, Qinghai Province, China. Despite external morphological similarities with those of M. harpioloides and M. chrysochaetes, the individual in question displays explicit craniodental differences that distinguish it from either species. Morphological and morphometric evidence, coupled with phylogenetic analyses utilizing the mitochondrial COI gene, confirmed that it represents a distinct and still unknown species of Murina, described herewith as M. yushuensis sp. nov. Our research highlights the importance of future surveys aimed at exploring cryptic species diversity in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and adjacent under-surveyed regions.

morphometrics, Murininae, phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy

Skull and dentition of Murina yushuensis sp. nov. (Holotype, GZHU 20077).
(A) Lateral view of skull and mandible. (B) Dorsal view of skull. (C) Ventral view of skull with details of the upper toothrow. (D) Occlusal view of mandible with details of the lower toothrow.

 External features and habitat of Murina yushuensis sp. nov. (Holotype, GZHU 20077).
(A) Live individual. (B) Dorsal, and (C) ventral aspect of the body. (D) Surrounding environment of the cave in July, and (E) in March. (F) Type specimen hibernating in the cave.

Photos by Xuesong Han, Yi Wu, and Wenhua Yu.

Xiaoyun Wang, Xuesong Han, Gábor Csorba, Yi Wu, Huaiqing Chen, Xiang Zhao, Zhengyi Dong, Wenhua Yu and Zhi Lu. 2024. A New Species of Tube-nosed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murina) from Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China. Journal of Mammalogy. gyae104. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae104

Researchgate.net/publication/385175912_A_new_species_of_Murina_from_Qinghai-Tibet_Plateau_China

本研究于2018年在中国青海玉树1个河流旁的干燥洞穴中捕获1只雄性小型管鼻蝠（翼手目Chiroptera：蝙蝠科Vespertilionidae：管鼻蝠属Murina）。其主要特征为，前臂长31.34 mm，颅全长14.14 mm；耳小而圆，无缺刻；背毛呈现基部黑色，顶端为棕金色；腹毛基部较长，呈深黑色，顶部呈灰白色。基于形态学证据和COI构建的系统发育树，本研究将其鉴定为管鼻蝠属的新物种，命名为玉树管鼻蝠（Murina yushuensis sp. nov. Han, Csorba et Wu, 2024）。该发现不仅丰富了翼手目物种多样性，还说明了在青藏高原及周边区域等特殊生境开展翼手目调查的重要性。 ||   形态度量学, 管鼻蝠亚科, 系统发育关系, 系统学, 分类学

 

[Mammalogy • 2024] Rhinolophus webalai • Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae), with Evidence for 3 Additional Afrotropical Bat Species

  Rhinolophus webalai Patterson, Dick, Bartonjo & Demos,

in Patterson, Demos, Torrent, Grunwald, Montauban, Peterhans, McDonough, ... et Juste, 2024. ,  

Webala’s Horseshoe Bat  ||  DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae085

Abstract

Roughly a third of all horseshoe bat species (Rhinolophidae: Rhinolophus) are found in Africa, where a recent continent-wide genetic survey suggested the presence of both undescribed and apparently invalid species. Here, we focus on the R. landeri species complex and the recent elevation of R. lobatus Peters, 1852, to species rank. That action created ambiguity in the taxonomy of East African members of the group—are both R. landeri Martin, 1838, and R. lobatus sympatric in East Africa or is another, unnamed species present there? Here, we refine genetic, morphological, and behavioral characterizations of R. landeri and its erstwhile synonyms with samples from the vicinity of their type localities. The distribution of R. landeri appears to be limited to Central and West Africa; existing genetic records attributed to this species from Mali clearly represent another taxon. We marshal genetic evidence for the species-level distinction of R. dobsoni Thomas, 1904, from Sudan, which was previously considered a synonym of R. landeri. We reject R. axillaris J. A. Allen, 1917, as a synonym of the R. landeri complex, provisionally regarding it as a valid member of the landeri species group. Finally, we demonstrate that East Africa is home to a fourth species of the landeri complex that is named herein. Final resolution of the systematics of this species complex awaits expanded characterizations (especially of genetics, vocalizations, and noseleaves) and studies of variation in regions of contact.

 

Afrotropical, Chiroptera, genetics, Rhinolophidae, species complex, systematics, vocalizations

Cranial and mandibular views of the Rhinolophus landeri species complex, all to same scale:
(a) R. dobsoni, FMNH 48714; (b) R. landeri, FMNH 240685; (c) R. lobatus, FMNH 229146; and (d) Rhinolophus webalai sp. nov., FMNH 215894 (holotype).

External characteristics of Rhinolophus webalai sp. nov., showing nose leaf, axillary tufts, and typical grayish-brown pelage condition of FMNH 233830, adult male from Marsabit National Park and Reserve, Kenya.

Rhinolophus webalai Patterson, Dick, Bartonjo, and Demos, new species

Webala’s Horseshoe Bat

Diagnosis: A small member of the R. landeri species complex with spade-shaped sella, acutely triangular connecting process, lancet with strongly concave tip, and the presence of rust-colored axillary tufts in a majority of adult males (Fig. 6). Middle lower premolar tiny, displaced labially and barely reaching the cingula of flanking premolars (Fig. 7). Echolocation call (Supplementary Data SD6) dominated by long constant-frequency signal flanked by brief initial and terminal frequency-modulated elements, the latter with a greater frequency span, making call bandwidth very broad. Peak frequency averages 109.7 kHz, end frequency 80.2 kHz, and bandwidth 30.2 kHz. Unlike other sampled members of the landeri complex, the fundamental (first) harmonic of the call is conspicuous.

Etymology: We are pleased to name the new species after one of Africa’s foremost bat biologists, Dr. Paul Waswa Webala, in recognition of his important contributions as a field biologist, conservation scientist, prolific author, and mentor to Africa’s next generation. We suggest Webala’s horseshoe bat as a common name for this species.

Bruce D Patterson, Terrence C Demos, Laura Torrent, Amanda L Grunwald, Cecilia Montauban, Julian C Kerbis Peterhans, Molly M McDonough, Carl W Dick, Michael Bartonjo, M Corrie Schoeman, Luis A Ruedas, Javier Juste. 2024. Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex, with evidence for 3 additional Afrotropical bat species. Journal of Mammalogy. gyae085. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae085

 

[Mammalogy • 2024] Chalinolobus orarius • A New Species of Lobe-lipped Bat Genus Chalinolobus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from southern Papua New Guinea

[A-B] Chalinolobus orarius sp. nov., adult female from Serki, Western Province PNG;
 [C] C. gouldii, adult male, Barakula State Forest, NW of Chincilla, Qld. 

in Parnaby, King, Hamilton et Eldridge, 2024.

Coastal Lobe-lipped Bat  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5492.3.1

Not to scale. (Photos by Steve Hamilton, Ron Lovatt, AM Digivols).

 

Abstract

The Hoary Bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus is the only species of the genus known from the island of New Guinea. A new species of Chalinolobus from Papua New Guinea is described based on DNA sequence and morphological criteria using material previously assigned to C. nigrogriseus. The new species most resembles the eastern Australian subspecies of the Hoary Bat C. n. nigrogriseus in general size and appearance but is easily distinguished by an enlarged, rather than rudimentary lobe at the terminal outer ear margin. The new species might also be confused on external characters with smaller individuals of Australian Gould’s Wattle Bat C. gouldii, from which it differs in having bifid first upper incisors and uniform dark dorsal fur. The inclusion of C. nigrogriseus in the bat fauna of New Guinea is now in doubt, pending a re-assessment of the identity of Chalinolobus specimens in world museum collections. Locality records of all Chalinolobus spp. from Papua New Guinea are reviewed. Most localities are below 60 m elevation in coastal savannah and woodlands. The identity of specimens of C. nigrogriseus and C. gouldii from northern Australia should be reviewed to determine whether the new species also occurs in Australia.

Mammalia, Chalinolobus nigrogriseus, Chalinolobus gouldii, Trans-Fly, savannah, woodland, taxonomy, morphology, genetics

Similarity of the enlarged lobe (white arrow) formed by the downwardly directed, lower ear margin near the angle of the mouth of A) and B), AM M.49709 (PNGM 28231), adult female from Serki, Western Province PNG, paratype of Chalinolobus orarius sp. nov.; and C), southern Australian C. gouldii, AM M.16073, adult male, Barakula State Forest, NW of Chincilla, Qld.

Not to scale. (Photos: a and b, Steve Hamilton; c, Ron Lovatt, AM Digivols).

Holotype of Chalinolobus orarius sp. nov., AM M.15114 adult male from Port Moresby, PNG.

(Photo: Ron Lovatt, AM Digivols).

Chalinolobus orarius sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other species of Chalinolobus by the combination of an enlarged ear margin which terminates as a lobe near the angle of the mouth (Fig. 8), and the presence of a secondary cusp on I1 (Fig. 9). Further differentiated by DNA sequence divergence of at least 6.7% in the mtDNA COI gene from other sampled Chalinolobus species. Distinguished from Australian C. gouldii gouldii, C. gouldii venatoris and Norfolk Island C. cf. gouldii, the only other Chalinolobus in which the enlarged ear terminal lobe is present, by smaller mean body size, e.g. mean FA = 37.24 mm (n = 8 females) vs. northern Australian C. gouldii 40.97 mm (n = 66 females) (Table 4). Northern Australian C. gouldii (north of latitude 20° S) of equivalent forearm length to C. orarius sp. nov. tend to have larger skulls, e.g. CON typically greater than 12.9 mm, C1–C1 usually greater than 4.8 mm and CM3 greater than 5.0 mm (Table 3).

Etymology. Derived from the Greek adjective oraria meaning “of the coast”, a reference to the species distribution in the coastal and subcoastal eucalypt savannahs of southern New Guinea.

Common name. Coastal Lobe-lipped Bat is suggested as a vernacular name for this species.

Pelage colour of A), dorsal, and B), ventral surface of paratype of Chalinolobus orarius sp. nov., AM M.10385 adult female study skin from Port Moresby, PNG, compared to variation in northern C. gouldii from the Gulf of Carpentaria, Qld: C), AM M.8515 adult female, and D), AM M.8516 adult male.

(Photos: Harry Leung, AM).

Harry E. Parnaby, Andrew G. King, Steve Hamilton and Mark D.B. Eldridge. 2024. A New Species of Lobe-lipped Bat (Chalinolobus: Vespertilionidae) from southern Papua New Guinea.  Zootaxa. 5492(3); 301-324. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5492.3.1