Platyrrhinus ismaeli explained

Platyrrhinus ismaeli is a species of bat found in South America.

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 2005 by zoologist Paul Velazco. Its description was the result of a taxonomic split in Thomas's broad-nosed bat, P. dorsalis. The holotype was collected in May 1987 near Balsas District, Peru.[1] Phylogenetically, it belongs to the "Andean" clade of its genus.Other members of this clade are P. albericoi, P. aurarius, P. chocoensis, P. dorsalis, P. infuscus, P. masu, P. nigellus, and P. vittatus. P. masu is the sister taxa of P. ismaeli, or its closest relative.[2]

The eponym of the species name is Ismael Ceballos Bendezú, a Peruvian mammalogist.[3] Velazco named the species after him "in recognition of his important contributions to the study of Peruvian bats."[1]

Description

It is a medium-sized member of its genus, with a forearm length of NaNmm and a body mass of NaNg. The fur on its back is dark brown, and its ventral fur is grayish. It has dark facial stripes of differing sizes. It has a stripe running down the length of its spine that is lighter than its facial stripes. Its nose-leaf is longer than it is wide. Males and females are similar in appearance.[1]

Biology

Little is known about its reproduction. A pregnant female was once documented in late January, while another female with more advanced pregnancy was documented in early March.[4] It is "basically frugivorous".

Range and habitat

It has been documented on both sides of the Andes in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It occurs at relatively high elevation, from NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet) above sea level.[1] It is often found in montane forests.

Conservation

It is currently evaluated as near-threatened by the IUCN. Its most recent assessment in 2016 was a down-listing from its 2008 assessment as vulnerable.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Velazco. P. M.. 2005. Morphological Phylogeny of the Bat Genus Platyrrhinus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) with the Description of Four New Species. Fieldiana Zoology. 105. 27–53.
  2. Velazco. P. M.. Patterson. B. D.. 2008. Phylogenetics and biogeography of the broad-nosed bats, genus Platyrrhinus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 49. 3. 749–759. 10.1016/j.ympev.2008.09.015. 18926914.
  3. Book: Beolens, Bo . Watkins, Michael . Grayson, Michael. The Eponym Dictionary of Mammals. The Johns Hopkins University Press. 2009. Baltimore. 440. 978-0-8018-9304-9. 270129903.
  4. Book: Eger. J. L.. 2008. Family Molossidae P. Gervais, 1856. Mammals of South America. Volume 1. Marsupials, xenarthrans, shrews, and bats. Gardner. A.L.. The University Chicago Press. Chicago. 338. 978-0801884948.