Pohle's fruit bat

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Pohle's fruit bat
Naturalis Biodiversity Center - ZMA.MAM.19715.b ven - Scotonycteris ophiodon - skin.jpeg
Conservation status

Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Pteropodidae
Genus: Casinycteris
Species:
C. ophiodon
Binomial name
Casinycteris ophiodon
Pohle, 1943
Pohle's Fruit Bat area.png
Pohle's fruit bat range

Pohle's fruit bat (Casinycteris ophiodon) is a near threatened species of megabat found in the subtropical or tropical forests of Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia.[1]

Taxonomy[]

In 2014, its taxonomy was revised. While it was previously in the genus Scotonycteris, analysis of mitochondrial DNA showed that it should be placed in Casinycteris to avoid paraphyly of Scotonycteris.[2]

Description[]

These bats are also known as 'tear-drop' fruit bats because of the prominent tear-like white spots found on both sides of their eyes and on their upper lips. Their fur is tinted and the wings are dark brown. They measure 74-78 millimeters and weigh between 35 and 60 grams.[3]

Ecology[]

These bats live in the lowland forests of West and Central Africa, mostly in the lowest level of undergrowth, where they feed on various fruits and flowers.

Conservation[]

The main threats to this species' habitat include agriculture, mining, logging, and human disturbances such as fire. There are established policy based legislation actions as well as habitat and site-based action in protected areas.

References[]

  1. ^ a b Mickleburgh, S.; Hutson, A.M.; Bergmans, W.; Fahr, J.; Juste, J. (2010). "Scotonycteris ophiodon". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T20059A9140239. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-2.RLTS.T20059A9140239.en.
  2. ^ Hassanin, A. (2014). Description of a new bat species of the tribe Scotonycterini (Chiroptera, Pteropodidae) from southwestern Cameroon. Comptes Rendus Biologies, 337(2), 134-142.
  3. ^ Kingdon, Jonathan. The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals. California: Academic Press, 1997.
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