Otomops papuensis, Lawrence, 1948

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2019, Molossidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 9 Bats, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 598-672 : 660

101.

Papuan Giant Masuff Bat

Otomops papuensis

French: Tadaride papoue / German: Papua-Riesenbulldogfledermaus / Spanish: Otomops de Papua

Other common names: Big-eared Mastiff Bat, Papuan Free-tailed Bat, Papuan Mastiff Bat

Taxonomy. Oftomops papuensis Lawrence, 1948 ,

“Vailala River, Western Papua ... flows into Gulf of Papua about fifteen 15 miles [= 24 km] west of Kerema,” Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Endemic to Papua NewGuinea, known only from two localities, Vailala River near Kerema, in Gulf Province, and Mai-u River near Mt Suckling, in Oro Province.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 67-71 mm, tail 33-36 mm, ear c. 22 mm, hindfoot c. 11 mm, forearm 48-50-9 mm; weight 15-5-17-5 g. The Papuan Giant Mastiff Bat is smaller than the Mantled Giant Mastiff Bat ( O. secundus ) and has a less distinct mantle. It has red brown fur that is darker on crown and alongside the wing junction, and a pale brown mantle; ventral fur is lighter red brown, and there is a diffuse light brown marking at base of throat. Face is sparsely haired and ears are broadly connected by a hairy band that bulges forward over nose. There is no wrinkling on upperlip.

Habitat. The Papuan Giant Mastiff Bat has been captured in low-elevation tropical rainforest. It has been recorded between sea level and 300 m in elevation.

Food and Feeding. The Papuan Giant Mastiff Bat is thoughtto forage above the rainforest canopy and feed on aerial invertebrates.

Breeding. The single adult female specimen was reproductively inactive, and month of collection is unknown.

Activity patterns. The Papuan Giant Mastiff Bat is thought to roost in tree hollows.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List, because it is known only from eleven specimens from two locations. The number of mature individuals and threats are unknown.

Bibliography. Bonaccorso (1998), Bonaccorso & Hamilton (2008a), Lawrence (1948), Ralph et al. (2015), Wiles & Brooke (2010).

Figures

14. Bonda Mastiff Bat (Molossus currentium), 15. Fenton’s Masuft Bat (Molossus fentoni), 17. Pallas’s Mastiff Bat (Molossus molossus), 18. Miller’s Mastiff Bat (Molossus pretiosus), 19. Black Mastiff Bat (Molossus rufus)

Distribution. Endemic to Papua NewGuinea, known only from two localities, Vailala River near Kerema, in Gulf Province, and Mai-u River near Mt Suckling, in Oro Province.