New Zealand greater short-tailed bat (SciiFii)

The New Zealand greater short-tailed bat (Mystacina robusta) is one of two species of New Zealand short-tailed bats, a family (Mystacinidae) unique to New Zealand. The New Zealand greater short-tailed bat was once critically endangered, if not extinct, by 1965, but has since been recovered/brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced throughout New Zealand. The New Zealand greater short-tailed bat is larger than the New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat, having a forearm length of 45.3-47.5 mm as opposed to the latter, 40-45mm, which also has larger ears that reach beyond the muzzle when pushed forward. It is also has a wingspan of 300 mm and a body length of 90 mm. The New Zealand greater short-tailed bat is primarily insectivorous, feeding mainly on beetles, flies, and moths, but it is known to feed on flowers, fruit, nectar, and pollen as well. The New Zealand greater short-tailed bat usually flies no more than ten feet above the ground and it primarily flies after dusk. Like the closely-related New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat, the New Zealand greater short-tailed bat primarily crawls on the ground. As well as roosting in tree cavities, the New Zealand greater short-tailed bat is known to roost in granite caves. The conservation status of the New Zealand greater short-tailed bat is Near Threatened due to some habitat loss and, historically, invasive species such as rats, however, thanks to the conservationists, the invasive species like rats have been eradicated from New Zealand and the New Zealand greater short-tailed bat is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii