Greater monkey-faced bat

Greater monkey-faced bat
Conservation status
Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Pteropodidae
Genus:	Pteralopex
Species:	P. flanneryi
Binomial name
Pteralopex flanneryi Helgen, 2005
Greater monkey-faced bat range

The greater monkey-faced bat or greater flying monkey (Pteralopex flanneryi) is a megabat endemic to Solomon Islands, Bougainville, in Papua New Guinea, and nearby small islands. It is listed as a critically endangered species and the population is decreasing. It is the largest monkey-faced bat.^[2]

Taxonomy and etymology

Prior to 2005, it was considered synonymous with the Bougainville monkey-faced bat. It was described as a new species in 2005 by Kristofer Helgen. Helgen chose the species name flanneryi to honor Dr. Tim Flannery, "in recognition of his studies of Melanesian mammals."^[2] As of 2017, no genetic analysis has been conducted on the members of the genus Pteralopex; however, it is hypothesized that the closest relative of the greater monkey-faced bat is the Guadalcanal monkey-faced bat.^[2]

Description

It is the largest member of its genus, with forearm lengths ranging from 159–169 mm (6.3–6.7 in).^[2] Its wingspan is over 1.5 m (4.9 ft).^[3] It weighs approximately 790 g (1.74 lb). Its fur is short, and its ears are relatively visible. The forearm and shin are sparsely furred. Their fur is black with occasional white- or yellow-tipped hairs interspersed throughout the chest. Unlike the Bougainville monkey-faced bat, which has an overlapping range, it does not have a large white or yellow patch on its chest.^[2] It has a unique "double canine tooth", which may be used in conjunction with their powerful jaws to break open coconuts.^[3]

Biology

As it is so rarely encountered, little is known about its biology. A lactating female was once encountered in July.^[4] Juvenile individuals have been encountered in February, April, and September. It is thought to be frugivorous, and it has been observed eating unripe coconuts.^[2][5]

Range and habitat

It has been recorded from elevations of 0–200 m (0–656 ft) above sea level. It depends on old-growth lowland forest. It has been found on several islands of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, including Bougainville Island, Puruata Island, Buka Island, Choiseul Island, Santa Isabel Island, and Barora Fa Island.^[1]

Conservation

It is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. It is threatened by hunting for bushmeat and habitat destruction. Only one individual has been documented since 1990.^[1] Some of the islands on which it is found have been assessed as highly susceptible to environmental impacts by climate change, which could threaten the species.^[6] In 2013, Bat Conservation International listed this species as one of the 35 species of its worldwide priority list of conservation.^[7]

Efforts by Bat Conservation International to conserve the species include partnering with the indigenous Rotokas people, Volunteer Service Abroad, and the Bougainville Bureau for the Environment to develop a conservation plan for Kunua Plains & Mount Balbi Key Biodiversity Area. These efforts are intended to conserve the greater monkey-faced bat and the Bougainville monkey-faced bat.^[8] Conservation actions identified by Bat Conservation International include identifying alternate protein sources for indigenous peoples so that they do not have to rely on bushmeat, creating native tree nurseries for reforestation efforts, mitigating conflicts between the fruit-eating bats and farmers seeking to protect their crops, and engaging the community more frequently in conservation dialogue. Researchers seeking to work in Kunua Plains & Mount Balbi Key Biodiversity Area will pay the Rotokas people for access to their land, hire guides and porters from local villages, and purchase their produce locally to provide income for the Rotokas people.^[9]

References