The Dhofar pipistrelle (Pipistrellus dhofarensis) is a species of vesper bat in the genus Pipistrellus. It is found in Southern Arabia, including Oman and Yemen.
| Dhofar pipistrelle | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Vespertilionidae |
| Genus: | Pipistrellus |
| Species: | P. dhofarensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Pipistrellus dhofarensis Benda, Reiter, Uhrin & Varadínová, 2016
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Taxonomy
editPipistrellus dhofarensis was described as a new species in 2016. The holotype was collected at Ain Tabruq spring in the Dhofar Governorate of Oman, which is reflected in its species name "dhofarensis".[1]
Description
editPipistrellus dhofarensis is considered a medium- or large-bodied bat relative to other Pipistrellus species. It has a forearm length of 33–39 mm (1.3–1.5 in). It has a robust skull with a long and broad snout; the braincase is broad and very high. Two color variations are known: some individuals are grayish-brown with a silvery tint, while others are reddish-brown. Both color morphs have belly fur that is paler than their back fur. Its face, ears, and wing membranes are all dark grayish-brown.[1]
Range and habitat
editThe species occurs in a very limited area situated between easternmost Yemen and south-western Oman. Its habitat is humid savanna. It has been documented at elevations of 59–735 m (194–2,411 ft) above sea level. It is one of four bat species that are endemic to Southern Arabia, the other three being the Yemeni mouse-tailed bat, Yemeni trident leaf-nosed bat, and the Arabian trident bat.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c Benda, Petr; Reiter, Antonín; Uhrin, Marcel; Varadínová, Zuzana (2016). "A New Species of Pipistrelle Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Southern Arabia". Acta Chiropterologica. 18 (2): 301–323. doi:10.3161/15081109ACC2016.18.2.001. ISSN 1508-1109. S2CID 89117165.