Species of bat
Pipistrellus aladdin, the Turkestan pipistrelle, is a species of bat in the family Vespertilionidae.[2] It is found in Central Asia and Afghanistan. It is assessed as data-deficient by the IUCN.[1]
Taxonomy
It was described as a new species in 1905 by British mammalogist Oldfield Thomas. The holotype had been collected near Isfahan, Iran by Richard Bowen Woosnam during an expedition led by Arthur Churchill Bailward.[3] Its taxonomic status has since been debated: various authors have considered it a full species or a subspecies of the Indian pipistrelle (P. coromandra) or the common pipistrelle (P. pipistrellus).[4] Its status remains in dispute as of 2023, and it is considered invalid by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System.[5]
Description
It is similar in appearance to the common pipistrelle but it has lighter fur. The edge of its wing and tail flight membranes is white. Individuals have a total length of 69–82 mm (2.7–3.2 in) and a forearm length of 27–35 mm (1.1–1.4 in). It weighs 3.4–5.6 g (0.12–0.20 oz).[4]
Biology
Pipistrellus aladdin is insectivorous, consuming small moths and flies.[1]
Habitat and distribution
The bat is found in Afghanistan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.[1]
It inhabits open woodland, semi-desert, farmland, rural gardens and urban areas, and roosts mainly in buildings, trees, cracks in cliffs and caves.[1]
References
