Biak naked-backed fruit bat

The Biak naked-backed fruit bat (Dobsonia emersa) is a species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.

Biak naked-backed fruit bat
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Pteropodidae
Genus: Dobsonia
Species:
D. emersa
Binomial name
Dobsonia emersa
Bergmans & Sarbini, 1985
Biak naked-backed fruit bat range

Taxonomy and etymology

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The Biak naked-backed fruit bat was first described as a species in 1985. Its species name "emersa" is from Latin "emergere," meaning "to emerge." Bergmans and Sarbini selected this name because zoologists such as Fredericus Anna Jentink had written about Dobsonia species from this area long ago, but had overlooked this taxon.[2]

Description

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It has a curved snout and relatively large eyes. Its teeth are small and narrow. Adults have a forearm length of approximately 114 mm (4.5 in) and weigh 169–180 g (6.0–6.3 oz).[2]

Range and status

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It is endemic to Indonesia. It is a lowland species, found at 0–30 m (0–98 ft) above sea level. It occupies both primary and secondary forests.[1]

As of 2020, it is evaluated as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. It is susceptible to population decline via overhunting and disturbance of its roost sites.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Leary, T.; Helgen, K.; Bonaccorso, F.J. (2020). "Dobsonia emersa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T6774A22033892. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T6774A22033892.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Bergmans, W.; Sarbini, S. (1985). "Fruit Bats of the genus Dobsonia Palmer, 1898 from the Islands of Biak, Owii, Numfoor and Yapen, Irian Java (Mammalia, Megachiroptera)". Beaufortia. 34 (6): 181–189.