Tasmanian long-eared bat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tasmanian long-eared bat
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Nyctophilus
Species:	sherrini
Range map

The Tasmanian long-eared bat (Nyctophilus sherrini) is a species of vesper bat endemic to Tasmania.

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1915 by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas. The holotype had been collected by Ronald Campbell Gunn. The eponym for the species name "sherrini" was William Robert Sherrin. Of Sherrin, Thomas wrote, "every mammalogist who has visited the Museum is indebted [to him] for assistance . . . [his] admirable preparation of tiny skulls and tinier bacula has so immensely helped in the mammalian work done both by staff and visitors."

It was largely considered a synonym of the greater long-eared bat until approximately 2009.

Description

It can be differentiated from other Nyctophilus species by its unique combination of traits: a large size, larger third molars, and a more narrow skull. Additionally, it has a narrow snout, expanded braincase, and fairly large auditory bullae. It has a forearm length of 44.3–46.4 mm (1.74–1.83 in), and individuals weigh 9.8–18.9 g (0.35–0.67 oz). Its ears are large relative to its body, at 27.2–29.8 mm (1.07–1.17 in) long. It has a dental formula of 1.1.1.33.1.2.3 for a total of 30 teeth.

Range and habitat

The Tasmanian long-eared bat is found throughout Tasmania. The IUCN states that it is absent from southwestern Tasmania, though Parnaby states that its range includes the coastal southwest, though there are few recorded instances in this region. It is founded in forest habitat.

Conservation

As of 2020, it is evaluated as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this classification because there is insufficient data to predict its population size or full geographic range. However, its current population trend is likely decreasing.