A century after its initial description by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas in 1916, the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat, scientifically known as Histiotus alienus, has reemerged. This enigmatic creature, which had remained elusive since its discovery, was recently found in the Palmas Grassland Wildlife Refuge in 2018 by a team of dedicated researchers. This remarkable rediscovery sheds light on the species’ presence in diverse terrains and altitudes, marking a significant scientific achievement. However, despite this breakthrough, the bat’s conservation status still hangs in the balance, classified as “Data Deficient” due to the ongoing threats to its habitat.
The Strange Big-eared Brown Bat, or Histiotus alienus, was initially identified based on a solitary specimen found in Joinville, Paraná, located in the southern region of Brazil. For over a century, no additional sightings of this bat were reported, leaving scientists reliant solely on its holotype—a singular specimen embodying the physical and genetic characteristics of the species, housed at The Natural History Museum in London, United Kingdom. Now, after a century of absence, this elusive bat has made a triumphant return.
The rediscovery of Histiotus alienus can be attributed to the diligent efforts of a team of scientists, including Dr. Vinícius C. Cláudio, Msc Brunna Almeida, Dr. Roberto L.M. Novaes, and Dr. Ricardo Moratelli from Fundação Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil, along with Dr. Liliani M. Tiepolo and Msc Marcos A. Navarro from Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil. Their findings have been meticulously documented in a paper published in the open access journal ZooKeys.
The breakthrough occurred during field expeditions for the research project Promasto (Mammals from Campos Gerais National Park and Palmas Grasslands Wildlife Refuge) in 2018. The researchers employed mist nets, specialized equipment used for capturing bats and birds, strategically placed at the forest’s edge. Upon close examination, the captured bat was found to be distinct from the commonly encountered Tropical Big-eared Brown Bat (Histiotus velatus) in the region.
The unidentified bat was transported to the Museu Nacional in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for further examination. Following extensive comparisons with hundreds of other big-eared brown bats from various species within the same genus, the researchers confidently confirmed its identity as a Strange Big-eared Brown Bat, marking only the second recorded instance of its existence. This rediscovery holds significant implications, as it contributes vital data to enhance the accurate identification of big-eared brown bats, particularly considering the vague descriptions of several species within the genus dating back over a century.
The distinguishing features of the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat include its oval, enlarged ears connected by a minimal membrane, a uniform dark brown fur covering both its dorsal and ventral surfaces, and a total length ranging from 100 to 120 mm. These characteristics closely resemble those of the Southern Big-eared Brown Bat (Histiotus magellanicus), with the most noticeable distinction being the almost absent membrane connecting the ears.
Remarkably, the only prior known record of this bat was from Joinville, Santa Catarina state, situated approximately 280 kilometers away from its 2018 sighting. The species has demonstrated its adaptability by inhabiting various terrains, ranging from dense rainforests to araucaria and riparian forests, as well as grasslands, at altitudes spanning from sea level to over 1200 meters above sea level.
Regrettably, this expanded distribution of the species does not correlate with an improved conservation status. Currently, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature classifies the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat as “Data Deficient.” Its habitat, the highly fragmented Atlantic Forest, faces relentless pressure from agricultural activities, posing a significant threat to the species’ survival.
Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope. The newfound record of Histiotus alienus in Palmas occurs within a protected area, suggesting that at least one population of the species may find refuge in this sanctuary. This discovery underscores the importance of preserving such protected areas to safeguard the biodiversity of these mysterious and vulnerable creatures.
In conclusion, the rediscovery of the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat, Histiotus alienus, after a century of obscurity, represents a remarkable achievement in the field of wildlife research. This elusive creature’s reappearance not only enhances our understanding of its distribution and characteristics but also highlights the pressing need for conservation efforts to protect its fragile habitat. As scientists continue their dedicated work, there remains hope that this enigmatic bat species can defy the odds and thrive in its protected sanctuary.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rediscovery of Histiotus alienus
Q: What is the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat and why is its rediscovery significant?
A: The Strange Big-eared Brown Bat, scientifically known as Histiotus alienus, is a species of bat first described in 1916 in Brazil by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas. Its significance lies in the fact that, after being unseen for over a century, it was recently rediscovered in 2018. This rediscovery is significant because it adds valuable information about the distribution and characteristics of this elusive species, contributing to our understanding of its biology and ecology.
Q: How was the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat rediscovered?
A: The rediscovery of the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat was the result of field expeditions conducted as part of the research project Promasto in 2018. Researchers used mist nets, specialized equipment for capturing bats and birds, at the Palmas Grassland Wildlife Refuge in Brazil. They captured a specimen that was distinct from other local bats, leading to further examination and confirmation of its identity as Histiotus alienus.
Q: What distinguishes the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat from other bat species?
A: The Strange Big-eared Brown Bat is characterized by its oval, enlarged ears connected by a minimal membrane, a dark brown fur covering both its dorsal and ventral surfaces, and a total length ranging from 100 to 120 mm. Its distinct features set it apart from other bat species, particularly the closely related Southern Big-eared Brown Bat.
Q: What is the conservation status of the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat?
A: Despite its rediscovery, the conservation status of Histiotus alienus remains classified as “Data Deficient” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. This classification reflects the limited data available on the species and its habitat. Its survival is threatened by habitat fragmentation, particularly in the highly fragmented Atlantic Forest, due to activities such as agriculture.
Q: Is there hope for the conservation of the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat?
A: There is some hope for the conservation of the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat. The researchers noted that the new record of this species in Palmas occurred within a protected area, suggesting that at least one population of the bat may be protected. This underscores the importance of preserving such sanctuaries to safeguard the biodiversity of vulnerable species like the Strange Big-eared Brown Bat.
More about Rediscovery of Histiotus alienus
- Original Research Paper: “Rediscovery of Histiotus alienus Thomas, 1916 a century after its description”
- Natural History Museum – London
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
