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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
Copyright ©
 
 
     

 

 
   
Lesser Sheath-tailed Bat
   

Typical posture when clinging to a cave roof.  
  


Photographed at Panti Forest Reserve, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia.

Order : CHIROPTERA
Family : Emballonuridae
Species : Emballonura monticola

Forearm Length : up to 4.5 cm
Weight : up to 5.5 grams

References : M1, M2

Sheath-tailed Bats are so-called because of their short tail which protrudes from the membrane between their legs, however when the legs are stretched out the tail disappears into the sheath. The Lesser Sheath-tailed Bat is the smallest of the species, weighing just 5 grams. It roosts near cave entrances, in rock crevices, or in large tree h oles.
   
 
   

The fur colour is dark to reddish-brown, and the wings narrow. The ears are triangular-shaped, and the nose simple in form.

The species ranges from Southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Sulawesi.