Phanluong’s Myotis – Myotis phanluongi – Borisenko, Kruskop & Ivanova, 2008

Science name: Myotis phanluongi – Borisenko, Kruskop & Ivanova, 2008

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

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Size and Weight: Phan Luong’s Myotis is a small bat species, with a body length of approximately 4.5 centimeters and a wingspan of about 20 centimeters. Its weight ranges between 3 to 4 grams, making it a lightweight bat well-suited for agile flight.

Body and Fur: The body of Myotis phanluongi is covered in short, dense fur, which is typically dark brown or black. The fur provides both insulation and protection in its forested and cave environments.

Wings: The bat’s wings are delicate and covered in a thin membrane, providing a large surface area relative to its body size. This characteristic allows for swift, agile flight, especially in dense vegetation or while foraging.

Facial Features: The bat has a narrow snout that aids in catching prey in tight spaces. Its large eyes are adapted for low-light vision, while its prominent, pointed ears play a critical role in detecting sound for navigation and hunting.

Distribution and habitat:

Range:
Myotis phanluongi is a species found primarily in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, Laos, and potentially Cambodia. Its habitat is endemic to these regions, meaning it is not found anywhere else in the world.

Habitat:
This bat inhabits a variety of environments, including lowland forests, montane forests, and agricultural landscapes. It prefers forested areas such as evergreen and deciduous forests, but it can also be found in limestone caves, karst formations, and occasionally in man-made structures like buildings and temples. These bats are known to forage in open areas, including rice paddies and cultivated fields.

Elevation:
The species has been observed at both lowland and montane elevations, indicating its adaptability to various altitudes within its range.

Behaviour and ecology:

Diet:
Myotis phanluongi is an insectivorous bat, feeding primarily on insects such as beetles, moths, flies, and mosquitoes. It is a skilled predator, capable of hunting its prey mid-air using its advanced echolocation abilities. The bat emits high-frequency sounds to locate insects in the dark and catches them with precision.

Living Habits:
These bats are primarily cave dwellers, roosting in limestone caves and karst formations. They form colonies that can range in size from dozens to several hundred individuals, and within the caves, they often roost in crevices or niches, which offer protection from predators and harsh weather.

Activity Patterns:
Myotis phanluongi is a nocturnal species, being most active during the night. During daylight hours, it hangs upside down from cave ceilings or similar structures, conserving energy and avoiding predators. At night, it leaves the roost to forage for insects using echolocation.

Communication:
These bats are social creatures, communicating with each other through a range of vocalizations. Their calls are beyond the range of human hearing and serve multiple functions, including locating prey, coordinating with colony members, and playing a role in courtship and mating.

Breeding Season:
Mating typically occurs during the rainy season, and after a gestation period of two to three months, the female bat gives birth to a single pup, occasionally to twins.

Birth and Care:
Newborn pups are extremely small, weighing only 2 to 3 grams. They are entirely dependent on their mothers, who nurse them with nutrient-rich milk. The pups cling to their mother’s body for the first few weeks, during which they grow and develop rapidly.

Independence:
As the pups grow, they begin to explore their surroundings and gradually become more independent, learning to fly and hunt under the guidance of their mothers. They reach sexual maturity by one year of age, but typically do not breed until two or three years old, after establishing their territories.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Myotis phanluongi is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN, meaning there is insufficient information to assess its conservation status.

Population Trend:
The population size of Myotis phanluongi is currently unknown, but it is believed to be relatively rare. The species is under potential threat due to habitat loss and degradation, particularly the destruction of limestone caves and deforestation.

Threats:
The primary threat to this species is habitat loss, particularly the destruction of limestone karst habitats due to quarrying and human disturbance. Agricultural expansion also impacts its forest habitats. Further research is needed to determine the full extent of its population and distribution.