Identification:
The dorsal fur is thick and soft; the hair shafts have a brown-gray tip and a dark gray base. The ventral fur is pale gray; the hair shafts have a white tip and a dark gray base. The wing membranes and the interfemoral membrane are uniformly dark brown.
Biology, Ecology:
Large-footed myotis bats typically inhabit limestone mountain forest areas; they roost in habitats near rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, caves, tunnels, crevices, and canyons.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Lang Son, Nghe An, and Quang Binh provinces.
- Worldwide: China (Hong Kong)
Value:
A rare species, valuable for scientific research, aesthetics, and the control of harmful insects in nature.
Status:
From 1994 to the present, confirmed records exist only in Lang Son (Huu Lien), Quang Binh (Phong Nha – Ke Bang), and Nghe An (Pu Mat National Park). However, the recorded population size is very rare.
Assessment:
Data Deficient (DD)
Conservation Measures:
Included in the IUCN Red List in 1996. It is necessary to prevent hunting and other harmful impacts on the bats’ life in the cave systems of Huu Lien, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, and Pu Mat.