Chaerephon gallagheri (Harrison, 1975)

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2019, Molossidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 9 Bats, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 598-672 : 646

63.

Gallagher's Free-tailed Bat

Chaerephon gallagheri

French: Tadaride de Gallagher / German: GallagherBulldogfledermaus / Spanish: Caerepon de Gallagher

Other common names: Gallagher's Wrinkle-lipped Bat, Zaire Gland-tailed Bat

Taxonomy. Tadarida (Chaerephon) gallagheri D. L. Harrison, 1975 ,

“Scierie Forest, 30 km S W of Kindu, Zaire [= DR Congo], 3:10'8,25 49° kK)”

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Known only from type locality in EC DR Congo.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 49 mm, tail 28 mm, ear 19 mm, hindfoot 8-4 mm, forearm 37-5 mm (type specimen). Gallagher’s Free-tailed Bat is a highly distinctive species, possessing large, bulbous, interaural lobe, which projects well forward over muzzle, dominating lateral profile of head, not found in any other molossid. Pelage is short and umber-brown above and below with no spots or flecking, no mid-ventral markings or contrasting flank-stripe. Upperlip has five well-defined wrinkles on each side and few spoon-hairs except in front of snout. Ears are relatively large, extending beyond snout when laid forward, inner marginsjoined by naked interaural membrane that rises centrally to form flat-topped, truncated triangle with convex sides. Interaural lobe is penetrated by deep, backward-opening pocket containing interaural crest of long (c. 9 mm) erectile dark brown hairs. Tragus is small but not concealed by antitragus. Antitragus is well developed, roughly rectangular. There is no gular gland. Wing and tail membranes are grayish black. Rostrum is relatively very long, with prominent paired nasal swellings surrounding nasal aperture. Anterior palatal emargination is closed, and incisive foramina are not visible in holotype. Basisphenoid pits are deep. M? has third ridge more than one-half the length of second ridge.

Habitat. The holotype was mist-netted in a clearing within the thick, evergreen undergrowth of a partly deciduous forest. The forest had been heavily logged and only a few giant trees remained.

Food and Feeding. Based on other members ofits genus, Gallagher's Free-tailed Bat may forage for insects at relatively high altitudes, with a fast but not maneuverable flight.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Gallagher's Free-tailed Bat is nocturnal. Like similar members of the genus, the species may roost in hollow trees, crevices, and caves.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red Lust. Gallagher's Free-tailed Bat is known only from the type specimen. Additional surveys in the area have yielded no further specimens.

Bibliography. ACR (2017), Cotterill (2013l), Gallagher & Harrison (1977), Harrison (1975b), Mickleburgh, Hutson, Bergmans & Cotterill (2008a).

Figures

On following pages: 61. Spotted Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon bivittatus); 62. Long-crested Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon chapini); 63. Gallagher's Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon gallagheri); 64. Grandidier's Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon leucogasten); 65. Lappet-eared Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon majon; 66. Nigerian Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon nigeriae); 67. Sao Tome Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon tomensis); 68. Little Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon pumilus);, 69. Russet Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon russatus); 70. Seychelles Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon pusillus); 71. Madagascar Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon atsinanana); 72. Black-and-red Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon jobimena); 73. Lesser Northern Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon johorensis); 74. Wrinkle-lipped Free-Tailed Bat (Chaerephon plicatus); 75. Fijian Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon bregullae); 76. Solomons Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon solomonis); 77. Greater Northern Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon jobensis).

Distribution. Known only from type locality in EC DR Congo .