Smithers's horseshoe bat
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Genus
SPECIES
Rhinolophus smithersi

Smithers's horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus smithersi ) is a species of horseshoe bat found in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It was described as a new species in 2012.

Appearance

This species can be differentiated from sympatric members of its genus by its high echolocation frequencies, small cranium, and wide nose-leaf.Its mean echolocation frequency is 40–46 kHz.The forearm length of the holotype is 60.7 mm (2.39 in).Its nose-leaf is 10–14 mm (0.39–0.55 in) wide.The sella has long hairs and narrows at its tip.The lancet is relatively long and straight.The fur of its back is grayish-brown, with individual hairs long.Its ventral surface is paler than its back.

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Biogeographical realms

This species is known from one individual in Zimbabwe and 19 sites in South Africa.During the day, it roosts in natural or man-made underground cavities.

Population

Conservation

It is currently evaluated as near threatened by the IUCN.It meets the criteria for this designation because it has small colony sizes, its occurrence is scattered throughout the landscape, it is limited by roosting site availability, and its population size is thought to be small (perhaps fewer than 1,000 individuals).The population in South Africa occurs in two biosphere reserves, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve and Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.

References

1. Smithers's horseshoe bat Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithers's_horseshoe_bat
2. Smithers's horseshoe bat on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64588371/64589277

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