Southern myotis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern myotis |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
 |
The southern myotis (Myotis aelleni) is a type of vesper bat. It is a small, flying mammal that is only found in Argentina.
Contents
What is a Vesper Bat?
Vesper bats are the largest family of bats. They are also known as common bats. These bats usually fly at dusk, which is why they are called "vesper" bats. Vesper means evening.
Where the Southern Myotis Lives
The southern myotis lives in Argentina, a country in South America. It is found in a region called Patagonia. This area is known for its mountains, deserts, and grasslands.
Its Home in Patagonia
Patagonia is a large area at the southern end of South America. It is shared by Argentina and Chile. The southern myotis lives in the Argentine part of Patagonia.
What We Know About This Bat
Scientists named this bat Myotis aelleni in 1979. Not a lot is known about the southern myotis. This is because it is a very rare bat.
How Scientists Study Bats
Scientists study bats by looking at their features. They compare them to other bats. Some scientists think the southern myotis might be the same as another bat. This other bat is called Myotis chiloensis. More research is needed to be sure.
Why This Bat Needs Protection
The southern myotis is listed as "Data Deficient" (DD). This means scientists do not have enough information about it. They do not know how many of these bats exist. They also do not know if its population is growing or shrinking.
What "Data Deficient" Means
When an animal is "Data Deficient," it means we need to learn more. We need to study where it lives and how many there are. This helps us understand if it needs special help to survive.
Images for kids
-
Map showing where the Southern myotis lives in Argentina.
See Also
- Myotis aelleni para niños (in Spanish)
