Atacama myotis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atacama myotis |
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Myotis chiloensis atacamensis, Vespertilio atacamensis |
The Atacama myotis (Myotis atacamensis) is a type of vesper bat that lives in Chile and Peru. It's a small bat that belongs to a group called Myotis. These bats are known for catching insects while flying. You can find them in places like the Chilean matorral.
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How Scientists Classify This Bat
Scientists first described the Atacama myotis in 1892. A French zoologist named Fernand Lataste studied three bats found in the Atacama Desert. That's how this bat got its name!
For a while, some scientists thought it was just a type of Chilean myotis. But Lataste believed it was different. He noticed it was much smaller, had a unique skull, and different teeth.
Since 1973, scientists have agreed that the Atacama myotis is its own special species.
What Does the Atacama Myotis Look Like?
This bat is one of the smallest Myotis species found in South America. It usually weighs about 4–6 g (0.14–0.21 oz), which is less than a quarter of an ounce!
Its forearms are about 31.3–39.5 mm (1.23–1.56 in) long. The fur on its back is soft and has three colors. The bottom part of each hair is black.
How to Tell it Apart from Other Bats
The Atacama myotis is similar in size to another bat called Myotis diminutus. But you can tell them apart by looking at their tail membrane, called the uropatagium.
On the Atacama myotis, the top side of this membrane has fur. This fur goes about halfway down the membrane. On M. diminutus, the tail membrane is almost bare.
Bat Behavior and Habits
The Atacama myotis is an insectivore, meaning it eats insects. It catches its food while flying through the air.
These bats start looking for food about an hour before sunset. They usually hunt for about three hours.
They live in groups, forming colonies of around 30 bats. This bat is also the only Myotis species in the Neotropical realm that hibernates. This means it goes into a deep sleep during colder times.
Where Do Atacama Myotis Live?
These bats are found in arid (very dry) and semi-arid (partially dry) areas.
In 2013, scientists found this bat for the first time in the Choapa Province of Chile. This was the furthest south they had ever been seen.
Then, in 2014, their known range extended even further south. An individual bat was found in La Campana National Park. This park has a Mediterranean climate, which is different from the dry places where these bats are usually found.
Scientists think these bats might sleep in cracks in rocks. They have also been seen roosting under the roof of a house.
Protecting the Atacama Myotis
The conservation status of the Atacama myotis has changed several times. The IUCN checks on species to see if they are in danger.
- In 1996, it was listed as vulnerable.
- In 2008, it was listed as near threatened.
- In 2016, its status changed to endangered.
Being "endangered" means this bat is at high risk of disappearing. This is because the area where they live is small, less than 500 km2 (190 sq mi). Their habitat is also broken up into small pieces. Scientists also expect their living areas and habitat quality to get worse.
Threats to These Bats
Several things threaten the Atacama myotis:
- Mining: Digging for minerals can destroy their homes.
- Urbanization: Cities growing means less natural space for bats.
- Agriculture: Farming can change their habitat.
- Wind power: Wind turbines can be dangerous for flying bats.
See also
In Spanish: Murciélago orejas de ratón de Atacama para niños
