Nyctimene robinsoni (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

Abstract

Nyctimene robinsoni (Thomas 1904) is currently the only species of tube-nosed bat in Australia. This medium-sized bat in the group commonly referred to as megachiropterans, is distinguishable by tube-shaped nostrils that protrude 5–6 mm from the end of its rostrum. It is currently considered to be endemic to the eastern coastal regions of Australia, although recent taxonomic revisions and continued field studies may soon expand the known range to include some islands north of the Australian mainland. The conservation status of N. robinsoni is considered “Vulnerable” by the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act due to accidental death by impalement on barbed wire fences, habitat loss, and predation; however, it is considered as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act.