Recife broad-nosed bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Recife broad-nosed bat |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Platyrrhinus
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| Species: |
recifinus
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The Recife broad-nosed bat (Platyrrhinus recifinus) is a cool species of bat found in South America. It got its name from the city of Recife in Brazil. This is where it was first discovered by a scientist named Oldfield Thomas in 1901.
Even though this bat was once thought to be "Vulnerable" (meaning it was at risk), its status changed in 2008. The IUCN (a big group that checks on animals) now says it's of "Least Concern." This means it's not in immediate danger globally. However, in Brazil, it's still considered an endangered species. This is mainly because its home, or habitat, is being destroyed. This bat doesn't have any different types or subspecies.
What Does It Look Like?
The Recife broad-nosed bat is a medium-sized bat. It measures about 58 to 93 millimeters (2.3 to 3.7 inches) long. It usually weighs between 14 and 19 grams (about 0.5 to 0.7 ounces). Bats living in the northern parts of its range are often a bit smaller than those in the south.
This bat has dark brown to grayish fur. The fur on its belly is lighter than on its back. It has two wide, white stripes of fur on its head. These stripes are easy to see. It also has thinner, less clear stripes on its cheeks. The skin membrane between its legs is shaped like a "U." The back edge of this membrane is covered with thick fur.
Where Does It Live and What Does It Eat?
The Recife broad-nosed bat mostly lives in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. This forest stretches from Ceara in the north down to Santa Catarina in the south. You can also find it on the edges of Brazil's Cerrado savannah and Caatinga shrublands. Some people have even reported seeing them in Guyana and Suriname, but this is not fully confirmed.
These bats like to rest in trees. Sometimes, they also roost in caves. They can be found at heights between 200 and 1530 meters (about 650 to 5,000 feet) above sea level. Unlike some other bat species, their roosting spots are quite small. You'll usually find only three to ten bats together at one site. They love to eat fruit and flowers. Some of their favorite foods are figs and snake fingers (a type of plant).
