Findley's myotis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Findley's myotis |
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Findley's myotis (Myotis findleyi) is a tiny type of vesper bat. These bats are special because they are found only on the Tres Marías Islands. These islands are located off the west coast of Mexico.
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How Findley's Myotis Got Its Name
Scientists first found this bat a long time ago, in the late 1800s. At first, they thought it was a different kind of bat. Later, in 1928, they thought it was another known species.
But in 1978, scientists realized that the bats from the Tres Marías Islands were unique. They decided these bats were a brand new species! They named it Myotis findleyi. The name findleyi was chosen to honor a scientist named James Smith Findley. He was a mammalogist, which is a scientist who studies mammals. James Findley was honored for his important work studying bats of the Myotis group.
What Findley's Myotis Looks Like
Findley's myotis is one of the smallest bats in its group found in the Americas. It weighs only about 2–3 g (0.071–0.106 oz), which is super light! It is also quite small in length, measuring about 70–80 mm (2.8–3.1 in) long.
Its fur on its back is dark brown to brownish-black. The tips of the hairs look a bit frosted, while the rest of the hair is dark. The fur on its belly is also two-colored. The bottom part of each hair is black, and the tips are a buffy (light yellowish-brown) color.
This bat has dark brown wings. Its feet are quite large compared to its body, about 6.6 mm (0.26 in) long. They have a few hairs on their toes. Its ears are fairly small, around 11.9 mm (0.47 in) long, and are dark brown. Inside its ear, there's a pointed part called a tragus, which is about 5.5 mm (0.22 in) long. Findley's myotis has 38 teeth in total.
Daily Life of Findley's Myotis
Findley's myotis is an insectivore, which means it eats insects. Scientists have mostly caught these bats using special nets placed over streams and water pools. This suggests they might hunt for insects near water.
Scientists are still learning about these bats. For example, they don't yet know if Findley's myotis sleeps during the day in caves or in hollow trees.
Where Findley's Myotis Lives
This bat lives only in the tropical forests of the Tres Marías Islands. These islands are off the coast of Mexico. They can be found from sea level up to about 600 m (2,000 ft) high.
Protecting Findley's Myotis
Findley's myotis is considered an endangered animal by the IUCN. This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever.
It is endangered because it lives in a very small area, less than 900 km2 (350 sq mi). Also, it is found in only a few places, fewer than five locations. Scientists also expect that the places where these bats live will get smaller and less healthy over time.
Some of the biggest dangers to Findley's myotis include:
- Urbanization: More towns and cities being built.
- Livestock farming: Land being used for farm animals.
- Deforestation: Forests being cut down.
- Invasive species: New plants or animals that are not native to the islands and can harm the local ecosystem.
Good news is that some of the bat's home is protected. Part of their range is within the Islas Marías Biosphere Reserve. This reserve helps to keep the natural environment safe for animals like the Findley's myotis.
