Amazonian sac-winged bat

The Amazonian sac-winged bat (Saccopteryx gymnura) is a bat species of the family Emballonuridae from South America.[3] It is found in northern Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and possibly Venezuela.[1]

Amazonian sac-winged bat
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Emballonuridae
Genus: Saccopteryx
Species:
S. gymnura
Binomial name
Saccopteryx gymnura
Thomas, 1901[2]
Amazonian sac-winged bat range

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1901 by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas.[2] Thomas identified "Mr. Wickham" as the collector of the holotype, possibly referring to British explorer Henry Wickham who also collected bird specimens in South America.[4] Wickham collected the holotype in Santarém along the Amazon River.[2] The species name "gymnura" is from Ancient Greek "gumnós" meaning "naked" and "ourá" meaning "tail." Thomas wrote, "the nakedness of the interfemoral [membrane] will readily distinguish this bat from any of its allies."[2]

Biology and ecology

It is insectivorous, catching its prey in the air.[1]

Range and habitat

This bat inhabits humid tropical forests. It is found in several countries and territories in northern South America, including Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.[1]

Conservation

It is currently evaluated as data deficient by the IUCN. It is uncommonly encountered and its range is not clearly defined.[1]

References
  1. Sampaio, E.; Lim, B. & Peters, S. (2016). "Saccopteryx gymnura". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T19806A22005356. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T19806A22005356.en.
  2. Thomas, O. (1901). "New species of Saccopteryx, Sciurus, Rhipidomys, and Tatu from South America". The Annals and Magazine of Natural History; Zoology, Botany, and Geology. 7. 7 (39): 367–368.
  3. Simmons, N.B. (2005). "Order Chiroptera". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 391. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  4. Sclater, P. L. & Salvin, O. (1867). "List of birds collected on the Blewfields River, Mosquito Coast, by Mr. Henry Wickham". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1867: 278–280.
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