Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
The family Vespertilionidae is the second largest mammalian family after the Muridae (Old World rats and mice). It contains 407 species in 49 genera, found throughout the world except for extreme polar regions and remote islands. The family dates back to the middle Eocene (46 million years ago). The subfamily Murininae contains 19 species in two genera (Harpiocephalus: 2 species, and Murina: 17 species).
Size: Head and body length: approx. 33-60 mm
Tail length: approx. 30-42 mm
Forearm length: approx. 28-35 mm
Tail length: approx. 30-42 mm
Forearm length: approx. 28-35 mm
Weight: 2-3.5 g
This small bat has thick brownish fur. The tips of the hairs are yellowish-brown on the animal’s back and ashy grey on the underside. The nostrils are located at the ends of tubes.
Nothing is known of the biology or ecology of this species. Related bats appear to fly relatively low over crops and grass when feeding. They have been observed roosting in groups in the dead dry leaves of cardamom plants and in caves.
Inhabits montane forests in the foothills of the Himalayas (approx. 1,692 m altitude).
The species is known only from a single specimen collected from Kumaon in northern India.
Unknown. Possibly extinct.
Unknown.
Classified as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii)) on the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The species has an extremely restricted range. There has been extensive loss of habitat due to human interference, housing and tourism.
There are no conservation measures in place. The species has not been reported for over a century.
The 2002 Status of South Asian Chiroptera: Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) Workshop stated that this species is a top priority species for research in South Asia. Recommendations include surveys to locate any surviving populations.
Nowak, R.M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Sixth edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London.
Participants of CBSG CAMP Workshop: Status of South Asian Chiroptera. 2004. Murina grisea. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 09 August 2006.
Participants of CBSG CAMP Workshop: Status of South Asian Chiroptera. 2004. Murina grisea. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 09 August 2006.
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