Rhinolophus nereis K. Andersen 1905

59. Anamban Horseshoe Bat

Rhinolophus nereis

French: Rhinolophe des Anambas / German: Anambas-lnseln-Hufeisennase I Spanish: Herradura de Anambas

Other common names: Neriad Horseshoe Bat

Taxonomy. Rhinolophus nereis K. Andersen, 1905,

“ Pulo [= Island] Siantan, Anamba Group [= Islands],” Indonesia.

Traditionally included in the megaphyUus species group, but this has yet to be tested. The species has been included in A bomeensis but is considered distinct, based on its larger size. Monotypic.

Distribution. Known only from Siantan I (Anambas Is) and North Natuna (Natuna Is), Indonesia.

Descriptive notes. Tail 17 mm, hindfoot 9- 3 mm, forearm 43- 5 mm. The Anamban Horseshoe Bat is similar to the Bornean Horseshoe Bat (A bomeensis), although it is larger overall, and has different wing shape, where third finger has lengthened second phalanx (more than 150% of first phalanx, as opposed to less than 150% in the Bornean Horseshoe Bat). Pelage of holotype specimen is apparently “mars-brown” dorsally (base of hairs “ecru-drab”), while ventral aspect is strangely drab yellow (possibly due to staining from formalin preservation); no orange morph has been recorded. Ears are medium in size. Noseleaf lancet is relatively short and straight-sided; connecting process seems to be high, hairy and rounded, connecting approximately halfway up lancet; sella is separated from intemarial cup by sudden deep constriction, and its sides are slightly converged above middle, being rounded at top; horseshoe is wide at 9 mm, has shallow median emargination, and lateral leaflets visible from above. Lower lip has three well defined mental grooves. Skull is of medium build (zygomatic width is longer than mastoid width); anterior and lateral nasal swellings are moderately developed while posterior compartments are less inflated; sagittal crest is moderately defined; frontal depression is well developed; supraorbital crests are sharp and well defined. P2 is situated nearly in axis of tooth row and has nearly imperceptible cusp; C1 and P4 come into contact; the only examinable specimen is missing the mandible.

Habitat. Presumably forested habitats.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The Anamban Horseshoe Bat may roost in caves.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The JCN ed List. The Anamban Horseshoe Bat is known from only two localities on different islands and virtually nothing is known about the species. Further research into the species’ ecology, taxonomy, and potential threats is needed.

Bibliography. Andersen (1905), Bates, Bumrungsri, Walston & Csorba (2016), Corbet & Hill (1992), Csorba et al. (2003).