Black-gilded pipistrelle


The black-gilded pipistrelle, also known as the bronze sprite, is a species of vesper bat found in China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal.

Taxonomy

The black-gilded pipistrelle was described as a new species in 1840 by Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck, who placed it in the genus Vespertilio with a scientific name of Vespertilio circumdatus.

Description

Its forearm length is. The fur of its back is black with some hairs tipped in orange. Its belly fur is paler than its back and brown.

Range and habitat

The black-gilded pipistrelle is found in South and Southeast Asia, including the following countries: Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. It has been documented at a range of elevations from above sea level.

Conservation

As of 2019, the black-gilded pipistrelle is evaluated as a least-concern species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this designation due to its large geographic range, and thus, presumably large population. Additionally, it is not thought to be experiencing rapid population decline.