Spectral bat

Preparation of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.

The Big Spit leaf projection ( Vampyrum spectrum) is a bat species from the subfamily of the lance noses ( Phyllostominae ). It is the largest bat in the Americas.

Description

The Great skewer leaf nose reaches a body length from 12.5 to 13.5 centimeters, a wingspan 76-102 centimeters and a weight of 145-190 grams. Their fur is reddish-brown, the underside is lighter. Charakterisitisch are the missing tail, the elongated muzzle with the big nose leaf and large round ears.

Way of life

Like most bats, these animals are nocturnal, during the day they sleep in small groups of up to five animals in tree hollows. These groups usually consist of one male, one female and their offspring. These monogamous relationships are long-lasting, possibly the partners remain all their lives together. When the young are small, one parent stays with them while the other goes in search of food. After returning the booty is shared with the remaining partners and offspring.

As the genus name, Vampyrum implies, keeping the big spit Journal noses earlier mistaken for blood -eating vampire bats. However, they are predators that feed on birds, bats and small rodents.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproduction of these animals. Comes As with most bats usually a single young is born, probably at the end of the dry season. Both parents care for the offspring.

Distribution and habitat

These bats live in Central and northern South America, their range extends from southern Mexico to Peru and the central Brazil. Their habitat is primarily primary rain forests to 1600 meters above sea level, often they are found near water or in swamps. Although the Great skewer leaf nose has a large distribution area, it is pulled through the clearing of the forests affected. In addition, it is rarely caught or observed and likely to respond sensitively to habitat fragmentation and other human influences. The IUCN lists the species as near threatened and indicative of a decline in the populations.