Black Tube-nosed Bat – Murina beelzebub – Son, Furey & Csorba, 2011

Science name: Murina beelzebub – Son, Furey & Csorba, 2011

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Mammalia>> Chiroptera >> Vespertilionidae >> beelzebub

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: LC (Least Concern)

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Size and Weight: Murina beelzebub is a small-sized bat species. It has a body length ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 inches (4.5 to 5.5 centimeters), with a wingspan of about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Despite its small size, it is well-adapted for navigating through dense forests.

Distinctive Features: The most striking feature of this species is its tube-shaped nose, which protrudes outward from the face. This tube-like structure plays a crucial role in its echolocation abilities, helping the bat navigate and locate prey in its habitat. The bat’s tube-shaped nose is particularly efficient in dense vegetation.

Fur and Coloration: The Beelzebub Tube-nosed Bat has short, dense fur, which can vary in color from dark brown to reddish-brown, providing camouflage in the forest environment. The fur helps insulate the bat in various climatic conditions.

Wings: The wings of Murina beelzebub are large relative to its body, supported by elongated finger bones and covered by a thin membrane. This adaptation enables efficient flight through dense forest canopies.

Ears and Eyes: The bat has relatively large, pointed ears that enhance its hearing and ability to detect prey. Its eyes are small, reflecting its reliance on echolocation rather than vision for navigation in low-light conditions.

Distribution and habitat:

Range:
Murina beelzebub is primarily found in Vietnam. This species has been reported from several locations, including Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve (Quang Tri), Kon Ka Kinh Nature Reserve (Gia Lai), Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (Kon Tum), and the Ba To area (Quang Ngai).

Habitat:
This bat inhabits a variety of forested environments, including primary montane forests and disturbed secondary forests. The species has been collected in a range of elevations, from lowland areas at 400 meters above sea level to montane regions at 1,600 meters.

Elevation:
The species is known to occur between elevations of 0 to 1,600 meters.

Behaviour and ecology:

Diet:
This species is known to feed primarily on insects. It uses echolocation to detect and capture prey, particularly small flying insects like beetles and moths. Murina beelzebub is also known to feed on nectar from flowering plants, playing a role in pollination within its ecosystem.

Living Habits:
The Beelzebub Tube-nosed Bat is primarily nocturnal, becoming active at night to forage for food. During the day, it roosts in caves, tree hollows, or dense foliage, which provide protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions. The species tends to form colonies, although the exact group behavior and colony size remain unclear.

Activity Patterns:
These bats are active during the night, using echolocation to forage in dense forests and along trails, often at varying heights from the ground or water surface. They emerge from their roosts at dusk and return before sunrise.

Breeding Season:
The breeding season of Murina beelzebub typically occurs during the warmer months. During this period, males may engage in vocalizations and other displays to attract females. Mating behavior is thought to be competitive among males.

Gestation and Birth:
After mating, the female bat undergoes a gestation period of approximately three to four months. The female usually gives birth to a single offspring, known as a pup, although twins may occasionally occur. The pup is born in a sheltered roost, such as a cave or tree hollow.

Parental Care:
The newborn pups are blind and hairless, relying entirely on their mothers for nourishment. The mother nurses the young with milk, allowing the pups to grow rapidly. As they develop, the young bats begin to explore their surroundings and eventually learn to fly and forage independently.

Independence:
The young bats become independent after several weeks to months, depending on their growth rate and environmental conditions. They gradually learn to forage and navigate using echolocation, with guidance from their mothers.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Murina beelzebub is currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. This classification reflects the lack of sufficient information to assess the species’ population trends and conservation status.

Population Trend:
The population size and trends of this species remain unknown, although it is believed that habitat loss poses a significant threat to its survival.

Threats:
The primary threat to Murina beelzebub is habitat loss, particularly deforestation and degradation of its forested habitat due to logging, agriculture, and human development.