Mystacinidae
From Freepedia
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M. robusta (believed extinct) |
The New Zealand short-tailed bats are the Mystacinidae family of bats. There are two species in one genus, Mystacina - M. robusta is the New Zealand Greater Short-tailed Bat. M. tuberculata is the New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat. As the name suggests the species are endemic to New Zealand. Scientists think that M. robusta became extinct in the 1960s as they were obvious prey to rats introduced to the country.
Mystacinidae are the most "un-batlike" family of bats. They spend much of the time on the ground and are unique in having the ability to fold their wings into a leathery membrane when not in use.
References
- Weinstein, B. and P. Myers. 2001. "Mystacinidae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed May 27, 2005 at [1].
- Daniel. M. 1985. New Zealand's Unique Burrowing Bats Are Endangered. [2].
