Ozimops ridei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ozimops ridei |
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Ozimops ridei is a small bat that lives in Australia. It belongs to a group of bats called molossid bats, also known as free-tailed bats. These bats are known for their strong flight and often have tails that stick out beyond their tail membrane.
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About This Bat
Ozimops ridei is a special type of bat within the Ozimops group. Scientists created the Ozimops group to help sort out different Australian free-tailed bats.
At first, this bat was thought to be a kind of Mormopterus loriae, which is Loria's mastiff bat. But in 2008, scientists decided it was unique enough to be its own species. More studies in 2014 confirmed this idea.
The name "ridei" likely honors William Ride. He was a famous Australian zoologist who studied animals.
What Does It Look Like?
This bat is one of the smaller bats in its group. It weighs about 5–11.2 g (0.18–0.40 oz). That's like weighing a few paperclips!
Its forearm, which is part of its wing, is about 30–35 mm (1.2–1.4 in) long. The color of its fur can be different from one bat to another. Some bats are a light brownish-gray, while others are a darker brown.
Daily Life of the Bat
Ozimops ridei is a nocturnal animal. This means it is active at night. During the day, it rests in safe, hidden spots.
It often roosts inside hollows of Eucalyptus trees. It can also be found resting in buildings.
This bat is insectivorous, meaning it eats insects. It usually hunts for food near the edges of forests or other natural areas.
Where Does It Live?
You can find Ozimops ridei along much of the eastern coast of Australia. It prefers to live in places that get a good amount of rain.
It is generally found in areas where more than 500 mm (20 in) of rain falls each year.
Is It Safe?
The IUCN lists Ozimops ridei as "least concern". This is the lowest level of worry for a species.
It has this rating because it lives in a very large area. It also uses many different kinds of habitats. Plus, many of the places it lives are protected lands.
However, scientists are not sure if its population is growing, staying the same, or shrinking. More study is needed to know for sure.
