Australian False Vampire [1] ( lat. Macroderma gigas ) is a species of bats from the spear- bearing family. The only representative of the genus Macroderma .
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International Red Book IUCN 3.1 Vulnerable : 12590 |
An Australian false vampire is common in Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia). The species lives mainly in the arid zone, near rock outcrops, arranging shelters in caves, mines, rock crevices. The species is also found in areas of tropical forests, throughout the tropical savannah, in the savannah and in the mangroves.
The body is 10-14 cm long, there is no visible tail, wingspan 60 cm, weight 130 to 170, maximum 216 g.
The hair on the back is usually white with pale grayish-brown tips creating an ash-gray effect. The head, ears, nose, membranes and lower body are whitish. Some samples from Queensland had a deep grayish-brown color of the top and lead color of the lower side.
Keeps alone or in small groups. As a rule, it eats within 1-2 km from the resting place. Most of the diet is made up of large invertebrates, such as beetles, but also consumes small vertebrates, including other bats, birds, lizards, and snakes. The mouse kills its prey with a bite in the back of the head.
An Australian false vampire moves between several caves seasonally or according to weather conditions. Thus, he needs a series of caves. Forms maternal colonies, mainly in mines.
Reproduction occurs in the Australian winter (July-August). Pregnancy lasts 3 months. The female gives birth to the only cub in September-November. After 7 weeks, he begins to learn to fly and is recovering with his mother to hunt. At the age of 6 months, the cub leaves the mother, puberty occurs at 2 years. The maximum life expectancy in captivity is 16 years.
This species is very sensitive to violations of its resting places. Most of the famous colonies are located in conservation areas.
Notes
- ↑ Sokolov V.E. The pagan dictionary of animal names. Mammals Latin, Russian, English, German, French. / edited by Acad. V. E. Sokolova. - M .: Rus. lang., 1984. - S. 55. - 10,000 copies.
Literature
- Ronald M. Nowak. Walker's mammals of the world . - 1999. - T. 1. - 1936 p. - ISBN 0801857899 .