1.

Arabian Trident Leaf-nosed Bat

Asellia arabica

French: Asellia dArabie I German: Südarabische Dreizackblattnase / Spanish: Asellia de Arabia

Other common names: Arabian Trident Bat, Yemeni Trident Bat

Taxonomy. Asellia arabica Benda, Vallo & Reiter, 2011,

“ Republic of Yemen, Province of Al Mahra, oasis of Hawf (easternmost edge of the country), 16°39’N, 53°03’E, 410 m a.s.l.”

This recendy described species was previously included in. tridens, from which it is distinct both in molecular and morphological features. Monotypic.

Distribution. Endemic to S Arabian Peninsula, recorded from a narrow coastal strip in SE Yemen and SW Oman.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 41-60 mm, tail 16-29 mm, ear 14-22 mm, hindfoot 8-10 mm, forearm 43-1-46-5 mm; weight 6-13 g. Muzzle of the Arabian Trident Leafnosed Bat is relatively short with large, distinctive noseleaf that has three subtriangular projections from its posterior margin. Pelage is beige or pale brownish gray dorsally, somewhat paler ventrally. Dental formula for all members of all species of Asellia is I 1/2, C 1/1, P 1/2, M 3/3 (x2) = 28.

Habitat. Coastal arid savanna and shrubland of southern Arabian Peninsula.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The Arabian Trident Leaf-nosed Bat roosts during the day in caves and rock caverns. Echolocation call is not known.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Arabian Trident Leaf-nosed Bats roost in small groups of up to 30 individuals.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on 77ie IUCNRed List. This recently described species may be threatened by habitat destruction and disturbance at roost sites.

Bibliography. Benda (2017a), Benda, Vallo & Reiter (2011), Harrison & Bates (1991).