Kontum’s Tube-nosed Bat – Murina kontumensis – Son, Csorba, Tu & Motokawa, 2015

Science name: Murina kontumensis – Son, Csorba, Tu & Motokawa, 2015

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

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Size and Weight: The Kon Tum Tube-nosed Bat is small in size, with a body length of around 4-5 centimeters, excluding its tail. It typically weighs between 5-7 grams, making it one of the lighter bat species.

Distinctive Features: One of the most distinctive physical features of Murina kontumensis is its elongated, tube-like nose, which extends from its face. This tube helps the bat with its echolocation abilities, allowing it to navigate through dense forest environments. Its fur is soft and dense, with colors that vary from dark brown to reddish-brown, which provides camouflage in its natural forest habitat.

Ears and Eyes: The bat has large, rounded ears that enhance its echolocation skills. These ears are positioned on the sides of its head and help it detect and interpret sound waves. The eyes, though small, are adapted for low-light conditions, aiding in nocturnal hunting.

Wingspan: Its wingspan ranges from 20 to 25 centimeters, which provides agile flight and precise maneuverability, especially when catching prey mid-air. The wings are thin, membranous, and covered in fine fur to provide warmth.

Distribution and habitat:

Range:
The Murina kontumensis, or Kon Tum Tube-nosed Bat, is primarily found in the Kon Tum Province of Vietnam, from which it derives its name. This region is located in the central highlands of Vietnam, near the borders of Laos and Cambodia. The species has also been recorded in neighboring countries such as Laos and Thailand, though its presence is primarily concentrated in Vietnam.

Habitat:
This bat inhabits a variety of environments, including lowland and montane forests. It tends to favor areas with dense vegetation, such as tropical rainforests and evergreen forests. Murina kontumensis has been observed roosting in limestone caves and karst formations, which provide protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. The bat often forms colonies within these caves, roosting in crevices or hanging from ceilings.

Behaviour and ecology:

Diet:
The Kon Tum Tube-nosed Bat is an insectivore, primarily feeding on insects such as beetles, moths, and flies. It uses echolocation to emit high-frequency sounds, listening for echoes to locate its prey. This species is known for its aerial agility, catching insects mid-flight.

Living Habits:
The bat is nocturnal, meaning it is most active at night. During the day, it roosts in caves, tree hollows, or even man-made structures like abandoned buildings. The species is highly social, often forming colonies that may consist of several individuals. These bats communicate through vocalizations, including chirps and calls used to establish social bonds and territorial boundaries.

Activity Patterns:
Murina kontumensis is known for its impressive flight capabilities, navigating dense vegetation with ease as it hunts for insects. The bat’s tubular nose plays a crucial role in enhancing its echolocation, allowing it to detect and catch its prey even in the dark.

Reproduction
Breeding Season:
Though little is known about the specific breeding habits of the Kon Tum Tube-nosed Bat, it is believed that, like other bat species, it reproduces sexually. Mating likely occurs once a year, with females giving birth to one or two pups after a gestation period of around three to four months.

Gestation and Birth:
The female gives birth to a single pup, which is completely dependent on its mother for nourishment and protection. The mother provides milk for the pup and keeps it warm until it is old enough to fly and forage on its own.

Development:
Young bats typically stay with their mothers for the first few months, learning essential skills such as flying and hunting. By three to four months of age, the young bat becomes independent. The species is thought to reach sexual maturity at around one year of age, continuing the life cycle.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
The Murina kontumensis is currently listed as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss. Its dependence on intact forest ecosystems makes it highly vulnerable to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment.

Population Trend:
The population of the Kon Tum Tube-nosed Bat is unknown but believed to be declining. Conservation efforts are needed to protect its forest habitats and ensure the species’ survival.

Threats:
The primary threat to Murina kontumensis is habitat destruction, particularly deforestation in the tropical and subtropical forests it inhabits. Loss of roosting sites, especially limestone caves and karst formations, due to human activities such as logging and mining, is a significant concern.