Ansell's epauletted fruit bat

Ansell's epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus anselli) is a species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae.

Ansell's epauletted fruit bat
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Pteropodidae
Genus: Epomophorus
Species:
E. anselli
Binomial name
Epomophorus anselli
Bergmans & van Strien, 2004
Ansell's epauletted fruit bat range

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 2004. The holotype was collected in 1982 in Kasungu National Park, Malawi at 1,000 m (3,300 ft) above sea level. The eponym for the species name "anselli" is W. F. H. Ansell (d. 1996) "for his important contributions to the mammalogy of Malawi and other African countries."[2]

Description

Its forearm length is approximately 77.4 mm (3.05 in). Its snout is long and narrow.[2]

Biology and ecology

Very little is known about its reproduction, as only a few individuals have been documented. However, a female was collected in mid-May that was classified as "nearly adult."[2]

Range and habitat

It has only been recorded in Malawi. Its range includes the miombo woodland.[1]

Conservation

As of 2016, it is considered a data deficient species by the IUCN. There are very few occurrence records for this species; its geographic range, population trend, and ecological requirements are unknown.[1] When describing the species in 2004, the authors stated that there was "no reason to believe that the species is in any danger [of extinction]", despite its infrequent documentation.[2]

References
  1. Mildenstein, T. (2016). "Epomophorus anselli". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T136351A22024470. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T136351A22024470.en.
  2. Bergmans, Wim; Strien, Nico J. Van (2004). "Systematic Notes on a Collection of Bats from Malawi. I. Megachiroptera: Epomophorinae and Rousettinae (Mammalia, Chiroptera)". Acta Chiropterologica. 6 (2): 249. doi:10.3161/001.006.0205.
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