A Review of the Bats (Chiroptera) Of the Republic of Congo, Including Eight Species New to the Country
2013
Bates, Paul J. J. | Cameron, Kenneth | Pearch, Malcolm J. | Hayes, Benjamin
In July–August, 2012, a small collection of bats was made in the Republic of Congo. These 24 specimens represent 14 species, of which eight (belonging to the Hipposideridae, Vespertilionidae and Miniopteridae), are new records for the country. The current paper briefly describes the specimens, illustrates diagnostic characters to assist with future identifications, and provides insights into their taxonomy. In addition, it reviews the literature records and provides distribution data for all 43 bat species, which are included now on the country's faunal checklist. Published collecting localities for bats in Congo are mapped and discussed both in terms of their geographical distribution and in relation to the variety of habitats that have been sampled in the past. Based on the literature, predictions are made about how many species of bat may be present in Congo. Recommendations are made for future bat research and conservation in the country.
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