#myotis

Yanbaru Whiskered Bat Myotis yanbarensis

It is known only from three islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, south of Japan, Okinawa (where the Yanbaru forest is situated), Amami Ōshima, and Tokunoshima. The species has been classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

This bat was first described in 1904, then lumped in with another species, but then made their big comeback in 2006: Escalera’s Bat (Myotis escalerai) [1], also known as Iberian’s Natterer’s Bat. As that name suggests, they are found throughout the Iberian peninsula [2], though their genetics have also been recorded in the French pyrenees [3].

Initially, they look very similar to Natterer’s Bat (M. nattereri), with only the long bristles on the free edge of the tail looking being unique to them [2], so it isn’t surprising that they were considered to be the same species for several decades. Genetic testing then showed that they were definitely distinct [1]. They also have some different behavioural patterns, such as Escalera’s Bat forming very large roosting colonies in caves, while Natterer’s Bat roost in small groups in tree holes [3].

They feed on moths, beetles, and flies, and are likely quite reliant on touch when capturing prey, as would be suggested by their bristled tail [2]. They can adapt to a wide variety of habitats, being present in both coastal areas and mountainous forests, though they do require the caves for both roosting and hibernating in winter [1].

Despite this adaptability and certain localised populations appearing to increase, the IUCN still rates them as Near Threatened. This is because two major roost sites of theirs have already disappeared since the 80s due to landslides or incorrect gating, and land use changes may worsen this problem [1].

Saw this little cutie (and woke him from his nap) while backpacking near Mt St Helens. I'm not familiar with the bat species in the area, do you have any thoughts?

Bat ID - WA, USA:

I'\m not really great at bat ID, but this looks a lot like Long-eared Myotis (Myotis evotis), Verspertillionidae.

Indochinese Myotis Myotis indochinensis

A species of cave-dwelling bat found in Vietnam and China. Although very little is known about the species, it may be under threat from the disturbance of caves and logging in its habitat.

Normal and well-adjusted devil 😈 [Textless / doodleless version below]

cracks new sprites open like a cold beverage

Reblog with 1 troll, alien, ect and Myotis will judge them. If they have an ancestor title to the face attached, please make sure to include that in your reblog. 18+ muns and muses only please for this freak.