Lesser Angolan epauletted fruit bat

The lesser Angolan epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus grandis) is a species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae. It is found in Angola and Republic of the Congo. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, dry savanna, and moist savanna. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Lesser Angolan epauletted fruit bat
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Pteropodidae
Genus: Epomophorus
Species:
E. grandis
Binomial name
Epomophorus grandis
(Sanborn, 1950)
Lesser Angolan epauletted fruit bat range
Synonyms
  • Micropteropus grandis Sanborn, 1950

Taxonomy

The lesser Angolan epauletted fruit bat was described as a new species in 1950 by Colin Campbell Sanborn. Sanborn placed it in the genus Micropteropus, with a binomen of Micropteropus grandis.[2] The holotype had been collected at Dundo, Angola.[1]

Description

Based on three individuals, it has a forearm length of 62–66 mm (2.4–2.6 in). It has a dental formula of 2.1.2.12.1.3.2 for a total of 28 teeth. The fur of its back is a pale, reddish-brown, while the fur of its belly is pale or whitish brown. Its ears are brown, short, and somewhat pointed at the tips.[2]

Range and habitat

It is native to Africa where it has been documented in two countries: Angola and the Republic of the Congo. As of 2016, it had only been documented in the type locality of Dundo, Angola in addition to Pointe-Noire, Congo. Its habitat is likely savanna, though may also include tropical forest.[1]

Conservation

As of 2016, it is evaluated as a data deficient species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this classification because there is little up-to-date information on its geographic range, ecological needs, and threats that it may be facing.[1]

References
  1. Fahr, J.; Mildenstein, T. (2016). "Epomophorus grandis". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T7902A22122832. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T7902A22122832.en.
  2. Happold, M. (2013). Kingdon, J.; Happold, D.; Butynski, T.; Hoffmann, M.; Happold, M.; Kalina, J. (eds.). Mammals of Africa. 4. A&C Black. p. 244-245. ISBN 9781408189962.
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