Mount Missim long-eared bat explained

The Mount Missim long-eared bat (Nyctophilus shirleyae) is a species of vesper bat found in Papua New Guinea.

Taxonomy and etymology

The Mount Missim long-eared bat was described as a new species by H. Parnaby in 2009. The holotype had been collected in 1988 on Mount Missim by H. Parnaby. The eponym for the species name "shirleyae" was H. Parnaby's mother, Shirley Jean Parnaby. H. Parnaby wrote that she was "a great admirer of the people of the Papua New Guinea nation and its biodiversity," in addition to a supporter of his childhood interest in mammals.^[1]

Description

Its forearm length is approximately . Individuals weigh .^[1]

Range and habitat

It is endemic to Papua New Guinea. It has been documented at elevations between above sea level.

Conservation

As of 2020, it is assessed as a data deficient species by the IUCN.

Notes and References

1. 10.7882/AZ.2009.005. A taxonomic review of Australian Greater Long-eared Bats previously known as Nyctophilus timoriensis (Chiroptera:Vespertilionidae) and some associated taxa. Australian Zoologist. 35. 39–81. 2009. Parnaby. H. E.