Asian barbastelle

Asian barbastelle
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Vespertilionidae
Genus:	Barbastella
Species:	B. leucomelas
Binomial name
Barbastella leucomelas Cretzschmar, 1826
Synonyms
Vespertilio leucomelas Cretzschmar, 1826

The Asian barbastelle (Barbastella leucomelas), also known as the levant barbastelle or eastern barbastelle, is a species of vesper bat. Its habitat is temperate forests and caves. It is threatened by habitat loss. It can be found in Egypt (Sinai), Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Eritrea.

Taxonomy and etymology[]

It was described as a new species in 1826 by German scientist Philipp Jakob Cretzschmar. Cretzschmar initially placed it in the genus Vespertilio, with the binomial Vespertilio leucomelas.^[2] Its species name "leucomelas" is from Ancient Greek "leukomélās" meaning "black and white."

Description[]

Its forearm is 38–39 mm (1.5–1.5 in) long and its tail is 19–20 mm (0.75–0.79 in) long. Its ears are large and forward-facing. The tragi are large as well and very hairy. Its fur is blackish on its back but more brown on its ventral side. Its thumb is quite small, at 4 mm (0.16 in) long including the claw.^[3]

Biology and ecology[]

During the day, it roosts in sheltered places such as old buildings.^[3]

Range and habitat[]

It is widely distributed throughout Asia and its range extends into a few African and European countries as well. It has been documented in the following countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, China, Egypt, Eritrea, Georgia, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It has been documented up to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) above sea level.^[1]

References[]