Brachipposideros

Brachipposideros is a genus of bats in the family Hipposideridae. The genus is known to contain two species, the Dwarf Roundleaf Bat (Brachipposideros noorae) and the Least Roundleaf Bat (Brachipposideros minor).

Taxonomy

The genus Brachipposideros was first described by the British zoologist Oldfield Thomas in 1914. The name Brachipposideros is derived from the Greek words brachys, meaning "short", and hipposideros, meaning "horse iron", a reference to the short, iron-like structure of the bat's noseleaf.

Description

Bats in the genus Brachipposideros are small, with a head-body length of 4-5 cm and a wingspan of 15-20 cm. They have a characteristic round noseleaf, which is used for echolocation. The fur is typically dark brown or black, with a lighter underbelly.

Distribution and habitat

Brachipposideros bats are found in South Asia and Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.

Behavior and ecology

Brachipposideros bats are nocturnal and roost in caves, tree hollows, and buildings during the day. They feed on a variety of insects, including moths, beetles, and flies.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists both species of Brachipposideros as Least Concern due to their wide distribution and presumed large populations. However, like all bats, they face threats from habitat loss and disturbance.

See also

• List of bats
• Hipposideridae