Armenian whiskered bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Armenian whiskered bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Myotis
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| Species: |
hajastanicus
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| Synonyms | |
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The Armenian whiskered bat (Myotis hajastanicus) is a special type of bat. It is also called the Hajastan myotis or the Armenian myotis. This bat belongs to a group of bats known as the Vespertilionidae family. For a long time, people thought it was just a part of the whiskered bat species. But in 2000, scientists looked closely at its body features. They found enough differences to say it was its own unique species.
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About the Armenian Whiskered Bat
This bat was first described in 1939. At that time, it was seen as a special type of the whiskered bat. In 2000, two scientists, Benda and Tsytsulina, said it should be its own species. They based this on how its body looked. The name "hajastanicus" means "of Hayastan." Hayastan is another name for the country of Armenia.
What Does It Look Like?
The Armenian whiskered bat is quite large for a bat in its group. Its forearm, which is part of its wing, is about 35.6 millimeters (1.4 inches) long. Its fur is brown. The tips of its hairs can look golden or yellowish.
Why Is It Important to Protect Them?
The Armenian whiskered bat is very rare. Scientists did not see any of these bats from the 1980s until 2013. They have only ever been found in one area. This area is around Sevan Lake in Armenia. Before 2013, people thought this bat might have disappeared forever.
But in 2013, something exciting happened! Scientists found 11 pregnant Armenian whiskered bats near Lake Sevan. This was a big discovery. Because it is so rare, the Alliance for Zero Extinction lists it as a species in great danger. This means it could become extinct very soon if we don't protect it.
See also
- Whiskered bat
