Peyton's myotis (Myotis peytoni), also known as Peyton's whiskered bat, is a species of vesper bat endemic to India.[2]
| Peyton's myotis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Vespertilionidae |
| Genus: | Myotis |
| Species: | M. peytoni
|
| Binomial name | |
| Myotis peytoni | |
| |
| Peyton's myotis range in yellow (underestimation of the actual range extent) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Myotis montivagus peytoni | |
Taxonomy
editIt was described in 1913, and was generally considered a subspecies of the Burmese whiskered bat (M. montivagus) for about a century. However, a 2013 study reclassified it as a distinct species on morphological grounds, using cranial and dental features.[1][3] This has also been followed by the American Society of Mammalogists, the IUCN Red List, and the ITIS.[2][4]
Distribution and habitat
editIt is restricted to peninsular India, where it ranges from the vicinity of Vishakhapatnam west to the Karnataka coast, and as far south as inland Tamil Nadu. It is thought to inhabit lowland tropical forests. In 1913, individuals of M. peytoni were recorded swarming among the rocky crevices of Jog Falls, and this was also the type locality of the species.[1]
Status
editThis species may potentially be a cave-dweller, so it may be threatened by caving. In addition, as it is known to inhabit tall forests, it may be threatened by deforestation. However, very little information is known about this species, and it is thus classified as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Görföl, T.; Csorba, G. (2017). "Myotis peytoni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T85568321A85568324. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T85568321A85568324.en. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Explore the Database". www.mammaldiversity.org. Retrieved 2022-01-24.
- ^ Görföl, Tamás; Estók, Péter; Gábor, Csorba (2013-03-28). "The Subspecies Of Myotis Montivagus - Taxonomic Revision And Species Limits (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)". Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae. 59 (1): 41–59. doi:10.5281/zenodo.5736085.
- ^ "ITIS - Report: Myotis peytoni". www.itis.gov. Retrieved 2022-01-24.