African flat head bat

African flat head bat
Systematics
Superordinate :	Laurasiatheria
Order :	Bats (chiroptera)
Superfamily :	Smooth-nosed (Vespertilionoidea)
Family :	Bulldog bats (Molossidae)
Genre :	Platymops
Type :	African flat head bat
Scientific name of the genus
	Platymops
	Thomas , 1906
Scientific name of the species
	Platymops setiger
	( Peters , 1878)

The African flat-headed bat or Peters flat-headed bulldog bat ( Platymops setiger ) is a species of bat in the monotypic genus Platymops within the family of bulldog bats (Molossidae). The species was temporarily included in the genus Mormopterus .

features

With a head-to-trunk length of 50 to 60 mm, a tail length of 22 to 36 mm and a weight of 7 to 18 g, Platymops setiger is one of the smaller members of its family. The forearms are 29 to 36 mm long. The flattened skull is noticeable in order to be able to crawl better into crevices in the rock. Both sexes have a sac-shaped gland on the throat, with a distinct tuft of hair. Unlike various other bulldog bats, the ears do not butt together and they are not connected to a strip of skin. Another characteristic are the heavily wrinkled lips, which are covered by stiff hair.

Distribution and way of life

Platymops setiger occurs in the western part of Kenya and reaches neighboring areas in Ethiopia , South Sudan and Tanzania . The species can be found in the lowlands and in mountains up to 2000 meters above sea level. Dry savannas serve as habitat . There it is often seen in stony or rocky areas near water holes.

The animals rest individually or in small groups of two to five specimens. They leave their hiding place at the end of dusk and mainly hunt small bugs . Presumably a litter consists of a young animal.

status

There is no known significant threat to Platymops setiger . The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists the species as "not endangered" ( Least Concern ).

Individual evidence

↑ Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference . 3. Edition. 2 volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 (English, Platymops ).
↑ ^a ^b Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Bats of the World. , 1994, p. 234, ISBN 0-8018-4986-1 . ( Flat-headed Free-taild Bat )
↑ ^a ^b Kingdon, Jonathan (Ed.): Mammals of Africa . A & C Black, 2013, ISBN 978-1-4081-2254-9 , pp. 483-485 (English, Peters's Flat-headed Bat ).
↑ ^a ^b Platymops setiger in the Red List of Threatened Species of the IUCN 2014.3. Posted by: Mickleburgh, S., Hutson, AM, Bergmans, W., Cotterill, FPD & Fahr, J., 2008. Retrieved February 22, 2015.

[Wilson_2005-1] Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference . 3. Edition. 2 volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 (English, Platymops ).

[Walkers94-2] Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Bats of the World. , 1994, p. 234, ISBN 0-8018-4986-1 . ( Flat-headed Free-taild Bat )

[Kingdon-3] Kingdon, Jonathan (Ed.): Mammals of Africa . A & C Black, 2013, ISBN 978-1-4081-2254-9 , pp. 483-485 (English, Peters's Flat-headed Bat ).

[IUCN-4] Platymops setiger in the Red List of Threatened Species of the IUCN 2014.3. Posted by: Mickleburgh, S., Hutson, AM, Bergmans, W., Cotterill, FPD & Fahr, J., 2008. Retrieved February 22, 2015.