| Pohle's fruit bat | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Pteropodidae |
| Genus: | Casinycteris |
| Species: | C. ophiodon |
| Binomial name | |
| Casinycteris ophiodon Pohle, 1943 | |
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| Pohle's fruit bat range | |
Pohle's fruit bat (Casinycteris ophiodon) is a near threatened species ofmegabat found in the subtropical and tropical forests ofCameroon, theRepublic of Congo,Côte d'Ivoire,Ghana, andLiberia.[1]
In 2014, its taxonomy was revised. While it was previously in the genusScotonycteris, analysis ofmitochondrial DNA showed that it should be placed inCasinycteris to avoidparaphyly ofScotonycteris.[2]
Pohle's fruit bats are also known as 'tear-drop' fruit bats because of the prominent tear-like white spots found on both sides of their eyes and on their upper lips. Their fur is tinted and the wings are dark brown. They measure 74-78 millimeters and weigh between 35 and 60 grams.[3]
They live in the lowland forests ofWest andCentral Africa, mostly in the lowest level ofundergrowth, where they feed on various fruits and flowers. The main threats to the species' habitat include agriculture, mining, logging, and other human disturbances such as fire. There are established policy-based legislation actions as well as habitat and site-based action in protected areas.
