Northern free-tailed bat
The northern free-tailed bat (Chaerephon johorensis) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae. It is found in Indonesia and Malaysia.
| Northern free-tailed bat | |
|---|---|
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| Ears of the Northern free-tailed bat as seen from the back | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Molossidae |
| Genus: | Chaerephon |
| Species: | C. johorensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Chaerephon johorensis (Dobson, 1873) | |
Taxonomy and etymology
It was described as a new species in 1873 by Irish zoologist George Edward Dobson. Dobson had obtained the holotype from James Wood-Mason. Dobson initially placed it in the genus Molossus and the subgenus Nyctinomus, with a scientific name of Molossus (Nyctinomus) johorensis.[2] Its species name "johorensis" is Latin for "belonging to Johor." Johor is a state in Malaysia; the holotype was collected there.
Description
Its ears are large and round. Its tragi are small and squarish in shape. Its ears are connected to each other by a band of tissue called the interaural membrane. As a free-tailed bat, its tail extends beyond the uropatagium. Its dental formula is 2.1.2.34.1.2.3, for a total of 36 teeth.[2]
Conservation
It is currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this designation because its population have declined by more than 30% from 2004–2014.[1]
References
- Senawi, J.; Csorba, G.; Kingston, T. (2020). "Chaerephon johorensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T4313A22019065. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T4313A22019065.en. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
- Dobson, G. E. (1873). "Description of a Remarkable New Species of Molossus (Nyctinomus), from Johore in the Malay Peninsula". Asiatic Society of Bengal: 22.