Hipposideros khaokhouayensis Guillen-Servent & Francis 2006

76.

Phou Khao Khouay Leaf-nosed Bat

Hipposideros khaokhouayensis

French: Phyllorhine du Khao Khouay I German: Phou-Khao-Khouay-Rundblattnase / Spanish: Hiposidérido de Khao Khouay

Other common names: Phou Khao Khouay Roundleaf Bat

Taxonomy. Hipposideros khaokhouayensis Guillén-Servent & Francis, 2006,

“ Tak Leukwaterfall, along Nam (river) Leuk, in Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Saisombun Special Zone, Central Lao PDR, 18°23’N, 103°04’E, 180 m elevation.”

Hipposideros khaokhouayensis was formerly included in the bicolor species group, but is now placed in the new ater species group. Monotypic.

Distribution. Endemic to Laos, known only from type locality and Ban Nampe, C.I 1 km NE of Vang Vieng, Vang Vieng district, Vientiane Province.

Descriptive notes. Ear 24—26 mm, forearm 46-49 mm. Noseleaf of the Phou Khao Khouay Leaf-nosed Bat is narrow and without lateral supplementary leaflet Intemarial septum forms an intermediate-sized disk shape. Anterior leaf has narrow emargination. Dorsal pelage is generally mid-brown, with individual hairs white at base, brown in the middle, and pale at tip; ventral side is paler. Rostrum is inflated with large posterolateral chamber. Sagittal crest is moderately developed.

Habitat. The Phou Khao Khouay Leaf-nosed Bat was captured in patches of intact and disturbed evergreen forests both near and far from caves it is known to occupy. It can be found at elevations of 180—400 m.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. Lactating female was captured in May-June.

Activity patterns. The Phou Khao Khouay Leaf-nosed Bat roosts in limestone caves. Echolocation call frequency is 87-91 kHz.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List. The major threat to the Phou Khao Khouay Leaf-nosed Bat is habitat loss; this is aggravated by lack of law enforcement.

Bibliography. Bates & Francis (2008a), Francis (2008a), Guillén-Servent & Francis (2006).