93.

Lord Howe Long-eared Bat

Nyctophilus howensis

French: Nyctophile de Lord Howe / German: Lord-Howe-Langohrfledermaus / Spanish: Nictofila de Lord Howe

Other common names: Lord Howe Island Long-eared Bat

Taxonomy. Nyctophilus howensis McKean, 1975,

Calcarenite Cave, North Bay, Lord Howe Island, Australia.

Nyctophilus howensis is only tentatively included under Nyctophilus because the only skull known ofthe species is possibly a subfossil and only vaguely similar to other Nyctophilus . It 1s currently the only member of the howensis species group until additional studies are conducted. Monotypic.

Distribution. Lord Howe I off New South Wales, Australia.

Descriptive notes. There are no specific measurements available because Lord Howe Long-eared Bat is known only from a single skull and there is no basis to predictits external characteristics. If extant, the Lord Howe Long-eared Bat is the largest species of Nyctophilus currently recognized. Skull was thought to be a subfossil, but reexamination ofit indicates thatit is likely from the 20™ century. Skull is very large and narrow compared with other species of Nyctophilus, and lateral profile is low unlike other large Nyctophilus; and tooth row is also comparatively short. Premolars and molars broadly resemble other Nyctophilus, M" is reduced, but second and third commissures are present and subequal. Antorbital foramina are relatively much narrower and smaller than other large congeners; anterior palatal emargination is relatively much smaller, and rostral sulcus is narrower; interdental palate is relatively broader and shallower; and interpterygoid fossa width is relatively much narrower but is similar in absolute size. Compared with the major species group, skull has a less reduced M” and has a relatively much longer palate than in Corben’s Long-eared Bat (N. corbeni) and the Pallid Long-eared Bat (N. daedalus).

Habitat. Lord Howe Island is a relic of an eroded volcano with unique subtropical vegetation assemblages,similar to Australian flora and fauna with a high degree of endemism.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The single skull was found in a cave possibly brought there by an owl.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) on The [UCN Red List. Extensive surveys have failed to locate a living Lord Howe Long-eared Bat, and it is almost certainly extinct. It might have been casually observed in flight during the 20" century because reports by locals included two sizes of bats flying at dusk, with the larger being unidentified. Exact reasons forits decline and possible extinction are unclear, but predation by introduced owls and rats might have been involved.

Bibliography. Eldridge et al. (2017); Hall, Lumsden & Parnaby (2008), McKean (1975), Parnaby (2002a, 2009), Richards (1995b).