Niangara free-tailed bat
The Niangara free-tailed bat or Niangara mops bat (Mops niangarae) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae known only from its holotype. It is endemic to Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its natural habitat is either moist tropical forest or savanna.[1][2]
| Niangara free-tailed bat | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Molossidae |
| Genus: | Mops |
| Species: | M. niangarae |
| Binomial name | |
| Mops niangarae J.A. Allen, 1917 | |
Taxonomy
The holotype of the bat was collected in Niangara in northeastern DR Congo, near the border with Sudan. The species was initially called a subspecies of both M. trevori and M. congicus. However, it was retained as an independent species following an assessment that indicated that the holotype's skull significantly differed from skulls of both M. trevori and congicus. The bat's taxonomic relationship with M. trevori is unclear.[1][3]
Habitat and distribution
The bat is only known to inhabit the DRC. Its area of inhabitation is 893 km2 (345 sq mi). It appears to roost in tree stumps. [1][4]
Conservation
Very little is known about the bat's habits, range, and population. Consequently, it is assessed as data-deficient.[1]
References
- Mickleburgh, S.; Hutson, A.M.; Fahr, J.; Bergmans, W. (2019). "Mops niangarae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T13844A22080151. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T13844A22080151.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- "ITIS Standard Report Page: Mops niangarae". www.itis.gov. Retrieved 2020-03-12.
- "Mammal Species of the World - Browse: niangarae". www.departments.bucknell.edu. Retrieved 2020-03-12.
- "Niangara free-tailed bat - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2020-03-12.