Dhofar pipistrelle
Species of bat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Dhofar pipistrelle (Alionoctula dhofarensis) is a species of vesper bat in the genus Alionoctula. It is found in Southern Arabia, including Oman and Yemen.
| Dhofar pipistrelle | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Vespertilionidae |
| Genus: | Alionoctula |
| Species: | A. dhofarensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Alionoctula dhofarensis (Benda, Reiter, Uhrin & Varadínová, 2016) | |
Taxonomy
Alionoctula dhofarensis was described as a new species in 2016. The holotype was collected at Ain Tabruq spring in the Dhofar Governorate of Oman, which is reflected in its species name "dhofarensis".[1]
Description
Alionoctula dhofarensis is considered a medium- or large-bodied bat relative to other Pipistrellus species. It has a forearm length of 33–39 mm (1.3–1.5 in). It has a robust skull with a long and broad snout; the braincase is broad and very high. Two color variations are known: some individuals are grayish-brown with a silvery tint, while others are reddish-brown. Both color morphs have belly fur that is paler than their back fur. Its face, ears, and wing membranes are all dark grayish-brown.[1]
Range and habitat
The species occurs in a very limited area situated between easternmost Yemen and south-western Oman. Its habitat is humid savanna. It has been documented at elevations of 59–735 m (194–2,411 ft) above sea level. It is one of four bat species that are endemic to Southern Arabia, the other three being the Yemeni mouse-tailed bat, Yemeni trident leaf-nosed bat, and the Arabian trident bat.[1]