Identification:
The dorsal fur is a uniform dark brown. The ventral fur has light brown tips and dark brown bases. The wing membranes and interfemoral membranes are uniformly brown. The ears are long, with a narrow, pointed tragus that is approximately half the height of the ear. The tail extends freely beyond the interfemoral membrane.
Biology and Ecology:
These bats typically roost in caves, tunnels, rock crevices, or under tree canopies. They usually forage at dusk and return to their roosts about 30 minutes before sunrise. This species commonly forages at a height of approximately 2-5 meters above the ground and exhibits a gliding behavior near its roost for about 10-15 minutes before flying elsewhere. The breeding and gestation period (for females) occurs annually from June to August.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Lai Châu, Lào Cai, Lạng Sơn, Ninh Bình, Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, and Kontum.
- World: India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia (Borneo).
Value:
This is a rare bat species in Vietnam and of scientific value. The subspecies Myotis siligorensis alticrantatus is endemic to Vietnam.
Status:
Widely distributed, but with a low population density. Observations of this species are consistently rare.
Conservation Status:
LR nt (Least Concern, near threatened)
Conservation Measures:
Included in the Vietnam Red Data Book in 2000. Hunting and harmful impacts on the species should be prevented in recorded areas.