Malaysian whiskered myotis explained

The Malaysian whiskered myotis or Malayan whiskered myotis (Myotis federatus) is a species of vesper bat endemic to Malaysia, although it may possibly also occur in Indonesia.[1]

Taxonomy

It was described in 1916 by Oldfield Thomas as a subspecies of the Burmese whiskered bat (M. montivagus). However, a 2013 study reclassified it as a distinct species on morphological grounds, using cranial and dental features.[2] This has also been followed by the American Society of Mammalogists, the IUCN Red List, and the ITIS.[1] [3]

Distribution

It is only known from Peninsular Malaysia. It is known from a few localities, including the border of Selangor and Pahang, the Genting Highlands, Belum-Temengor, and the Batu Caves. The American Society of Mammalogists also lists it as potentially occurring in Indonesia, although this is yet to be confirmed.[1]

Status

This species may be a cave-dweller, and thus may be at risk of disturbance from caving. As it is known to inhabit tall forests, it may also be at risk from deforestation. However, very little information is known about this species, and it is thus classified as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Explore the Database. 2022-01-27. www.mammaldiversity.org.
  2. Görföl. Tamás. Estók. Péter. Gábor. Csorba. 2013-03-28. The Subspecies Of Myotis Montivagus - Taxonomic Revision And Species Limits (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae. 59. 1. 41–59. 10.5281/zenodo.5736085.
  3. Web site: ITIS - Report: Myotis federatus. 2022-01-27. www.itis.gov.