Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Hipposideridae
Genus:	Hipposideros
Species:	H. khaokhouayensis
Binomial name
Hipposideros khaokhouayensis Guillén-Servent & Francis, 2006
Range of the Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat
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The Phou Khao Khouay leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros khaokhouayensis) is a special type of bat. You can find it in countries like Laos and Vietnam. Scientists officially named it a new species in 2006. Sadly, it is now considered vulnerable to disappearing forever by the IUCN.

About the Phou Khao Khouay Bat's Name

Scientists first described this bat as a new species in 2006. They found it in central Laos in 1997 and 1998. The bat's full scientific name is Hipposideros khaokhouayensis.

Why is it Called khaokhouayensis?

The second part of its name, "khaokhouayensis", comes from Phou Khao Khouay. This is a special nature area where the bat was first found. Scientists chose this name to highlight how important these protected areas are. They help save unique animals like this bat.

Family Tree: Bat Relatives

This bat belongs to a group called Hipposideros. Its closest relative is the Laotian roundleaf bat. These two bat species are very similar.

What Does the Phou Khao Khouay Bat Look Like?

When scientists first saw this bat, they thought it was the Laotian roundleaf bat. This is because the two species look very much alike.

Special Bat Features

However, the Phou Khao Khouay bat has a smaller nose-leaf than its relative. It also uses a different sound frequency for echolocation. It "sees" with sounds at 87–91 kHz. This is 20 kHz higher than the Laotian roundleaf bat.

Measurements and Weight

• Its forearm is about 45.5–48.5 mm (1.79–1.91 in) long.
• Its tail measures about 35–37.5 mm (1.38–1.48 in) long.
• Its ear is about 24.4–25.2 mm (0.96–0.99 in) long.
• It weighs between 7.7–9.6 g (0.27–0.34 oz). This makes it a medium-sized bat in its group.

Fur and Ears

The fur on its back is long and brown. Each hair has three colors: white at the bottom, dark brown in the middle, and light brown at the tip. The fur on its belly is lighter. Its ears are long, wide, and brown, with blunt tips.

Bat Biology and Reproduction

Scientists do not know much about how this bat lives or reproduces. They have found female bats in February, May, and June. However, they have not seen any pregnant females.

Nursing Bat Pups

Two females caught in May and June were nursing their babies. This species has two extra nipples near its belly, called pubic nipples. Many bat families have these. These extra nipples might help baby bats hold onto their mothers more securely. They could also help feed the pups.

Where Does This Bat Live?

This bat was first found in the Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area. It has been caught in places from 180–400 m (590–1,310 ft) above sea level.

Other Locations

It has also been found near Vang Vieng in central Laos. The bat lives in both untouched and slightly changed evergreen forests. In 2008, it was also found in mangrove areas in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam.

Protecting the Phou Khao Khouay Bat

The IUCN says this bat is a vulnerable animal. This means it is at risk of disappearing.

Why is it Vulnerable?

• It lives in a small area, probably less than 20,000 km² (7,700 sq mi).
• It has only been found in two main places.
• Its home is shrinking and getting worse.

Threats to Its Home

Even though it lives in a protected area in Laos, its home is still in danger. Rules to protect the area are not always followed. The Phou Khao Khouay bat's habitat is threatened by trees being cut down. New roads and buildings are also being built there.