[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 • 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] 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

[Mammalogy • 2023] Myotis nustrale • Newly described and already Endangered: A New mammal Species endemic to Corsica (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Myotis nustrale Ruedi, Beuneux & Puechmaille, 

in Puechmaille, Dool, Beuneux et Ruedi, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.35929/RSZ.0108 

 Researchgate.net/publication/374825218

Abstract

The Myotis nattereri species complex has been the focus of several recent morphological and molecular surveys to assess the species status of various named forms, including three informally referred to as Myotis sp. A, M. sp. B and M. sp. C. The first two forms have now been formally described as distinct biological species, and named M. crypticus and M. zenatius, respectively, both distinct from the nominotypical M. nattereri s. str. and M. escalerai. The latter form, Myotis sp. C is known only from Corsica. Here we demonstrate that this form has not only unique mitochondrial haplotypes but also several nuclear alleles that are divergent and not found anywhere else, which emphasizes its long independent evolution. We therefore confirm its specific status and describe it as a new species. Its ecology and rupicolous roosting habits resemble those of the Iberian M. escalerai, but it is otherwise morphologically most similar to M. crypticus. This new species is endemic to Corsica and is apparently very rare and essentially localised to mountain forests. Owing to its restricted distribution, its small population size, and limited population connectivity, it seems highly vulnerable to climate change and thus should be classified as endangered.

KEYWORDS: cryptic species, DNA, Myotis, nuclear loci, taxonomy, Vespertilionidae

External characters of Myotis nustrale sp. nov. Panels are close-ups of the female holotype (MNHN-ZM-2023-12), except the lower right one which is a picture from a released adult individual (Photo © Yann Le Bris). The upper left panel illustrates the stiff hairs running along the uropatagium, viewed from below. The upper right panel is the right foot with wing insertion to the base of the outer toe, in ventral view. The lower left panel illustrates the long and straight tragus and unnotched ear of the female holotype. On the portrait of the live individual, notice the black chin spot on the lower lip.

Portraits and hind feet (dorsal view) of an adult female Myotis nustrale sp. nov. caught near Bavella, in southern Corsica (left) and an adult female M. crypticus from the Jura mountains in Switzerland (right). Notice that the latter individual has a faint line bordering the lower lip, while the former has a much more conspicuous chin spot. Wing insertion to the outer toe is, however, identical in both species. For the left individual, the wing was not stretched while it was stretched for the right individual.

Myotis nustrale sp. nov. Ruedi, Beuneux & Puechmaille

Distribution: This species is endemic to the island of Corsica (France), in the Mediterranean Sea (Fig. 1).

Diagnosis: Medium sized Myotis (W 5.5-9.5 g; FA 38.4-41.3 mm) with relatively long, unnotched ears; tragus straight, reaching beyond half the length of the conch (Fig. 5). The long, unkeeled and S-shaped calcar running along the proximal half of the uropatagium, as well as the stiff hairs visible on the trailing edge of the uropatagium are typical features of all taxa in the Myotis nattereri species complex. Stiff hairs of the uropatagium occur in two rows, with only few hairs being reflected backwards (Fig. 5).

...

Etymology: The specific epithet nustrale is a pronoun in apposition meaning “ours - le notre” in the Corsican language.

Sébastien J. Puechmaille, Serena Dool, Gregory Beuneux and Manuel Ruedi. 2023. Newly described and already Endangered: A New mammal Species endemic to Corsica. Revue suisse de Zoologie. 130(2); 335-351 (2023). DOI: 10.35929/RSZ.0108

  Researchgate.net/publication/374825218_a_new_mammal_species_endemic_to_Corsica

Myotis nattereri représente un complexe d'espèces qui a mobilisé l'attention récente de morphologistes et de généticiens pour définir le statut spécifique de diverses formes, y compris celles informellement connues sous l'appellation de Myotis sp. A, M. sp. B et M. sp. C. Les deux premières formes ont depuis été reconnues comme espèces à part entière et nommées respectivement M. crypticus et M. zenatius; elles diffèrent des espèces nominales M. nattereri au sens strict et M. escalerai. La dernière forme, Myotis sp. C, n'est connue que de Corse. Nous démontrons ici qu'elle possède non seulement des haplotypes mitochondriaux uniques, mais aussi plusieurs allèles nucléaires divergents que l'on ne retrouve nulle part ailleurs et qui démontrent une longue évolution indépendante de ce taxon. Ceci confirme son statut spécifique et nous la décrivons par conséquent comme espèce nouvelle. Son mode de vie et ses affinités rupicoles la rapprochent de l'espèce ibérique M. escalerai, bien que morphologiquement elle soit plus semblable à M. crypticus. Cette nouvelle espèce est endémique de Corse et y est apparemment très rare et presque exclusivement localisée aux régions montagneuses boisées. En raison de sa distribution restreinte, de la petite taille de ses populations, et de la connectivité restreinte de ses populations, elle semble très vulnérable au changement climatique et devrait être classée comme espèce en danger.

[Ethology • 2023] Bat Droppings Collection by Ants in Epigean Environments

Interactions observed between ant species and bat droppings in the different habitats of the Doñana Biological Reserve of the Doñana National Park, Huelva, SW Spain.

(b) Linepithema humile workers extracting Nyctalus lasiopterus droppings fragments,  (d) Crematogaster scutellaris worker transporting N. lasiopterus droppings,

(e) Pheidole pallidula workers extracting N. lasiopterus droppings fragments, (c) Aphaenogaster senilis worker transporting Pipistrellus pygmaeus droppings. 

 in Vidal-Cordero, Nogueras & Tena, 2023.

DOI: 10.1111/een.13305 

twitter.com/BarbastellaJ

Abstract

1. Ants can be found in insect communities associated with droppings, but most studies about this interaction have been carried out in subterranean environments, specifically in the study of the interaction between ants and bat guano. 

2. In this report, we describe the first case of interaction between seven different ant species and the droppings of two bat species in epigean environments. The study was performed in bat roosts monitored from March to October 2022 in the Doñana Biological Reserve of the Doñana National Park (Huelva, SW Spain). It was carried out via direct observations of droppings deposited on the ground surface or in tree-mounted dropping collectors below bat boxes. 

3. We report a total of 37 interactions by seven different species of ants with droppings of two species of bat, the soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) and the greater noctule (Nyctalus lasiopterus), in four different habitats (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Pinus pinea, Populus alba and ground surface). 4. The generalist characters and the omnivorous diets of the ant species observed, in addition to the abundant availability of droppings during a period of food scarcity, suggest that droppings are transported as a food resource, with the consequent implications that this interaction may have on faecal degradation and nutrient cycling, as one of the supporting services provided by ants.

Keywords: ant ecology, Chiroptera, ecological service, Formicidae, guano, invasive species

Interactions observed between ant species and bat droppings in the different habitats of our study area and information about the general distribution and diet of the different ant species (Lebas et al., 2017). The percentages calculated for the bat species and the different habitats are based on a total of 37 observations of bat-droppings interactions. The observation of Pheidole pallidula corresponds to the one found at the Zoobotanical Park of Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz, Spain).

The study area located in southwestern Spain and photographs of a bat box with a dropping collector and four examples of different ant species observed interacting with bat droppings on the ground surface.
(a) Bat box in Populus alba with droppings collector below,
(b) Linepithema humile workers extracting Nyctalus lasiopterus droppings fragments, (c) Aphaenogaster senilis worker transporting Pipistrellus pygmaeus droppings, (d) Crematogaster scutellaris worker transporting Nyctalus lasiopterus droppings, (e) Pheidole pallidula workers extracting Nyctalus lasiopterus droppings fragments.

J. Manuel Vidal-Cordero, Jesús Nogueras and Elena Tena. 2023. Bat Droppings Collection by Ants in Epigean Environments. Ecological Entomology. DOI: 10.1111/een.13305

   twitter.com/BarbastellaJ/status/1734484300400075239