Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Animalia
Subregnum: Eumetazoa
Cladus: Bilateria
Cladus: Nephrozoa
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Superclassis: Tetrapoda
Cladus: Reptiliomorpha
Cladus: Amniota
Cladus: Synapsida
Cladus: Eupelycosauria
Cladus: Sphenacodontia
Cladus: Sphenacodontoidea
Cladus: Therapsida
Cladus: Theriodontia
Cladus: Cynodontia
Cladus: Mammaliaformes
Classis: Mammalia
Subclassis: Trechnotheria
Infraclassis: Zatheria
Supercohort: Theria
Cohort: Eutheria
Cohort: Placentalia
Cladus: Boreoeutheria
Superordo: Laurasiatheria
Ordo: Chiroptera
Subordo: Microchiroptera
Superfamilia: Molossoidea
Familia: Molossidae
Subfamilia: Molossinae
Genus: Chaerephon
Species: Chaerephon bregullae
Name
Chaerephon bregullae Felten, 1964
Type locality: New Hebrides, Malo Island.
References
Felten, 1964. Senkenberg. Biol., 45: 9.
Conservation status: IUCN: Chaerephon bregullae (Near Threatened)
Chaerephon bregullae in Mammal Species of the World.
Wilson, Don E. & Reeder, DeeAnn M. (Editors) 2005. Mammal Species of the World – A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Third edition. ISBN 0-8018-8221-4.
Distribution
Vanuatu, Fiji Islands
Vernacular names
English: Fijian Mastiff Bat.
The Fijian mastiff bat (Chaerephon bregullae), also known as the Fijian free-tailed bat, is a species of bat in the family Molossidae. It is found in Fiji and Vanuatu. In 2013, Bat Conservation International listed this species as one of the 35 species of its worldwide priority list of conservation.[2] This species is currently listed as endangered [1] and considered a species of special concern due to habitat fragmentation and cave disturbance. The Fijian free-tailed bat is endemic to Fiji and Vanuatu islands. This species was previously documented on the islands of Taveuni and Vanua Levu, current research indicates possible small fragmented populations inhabiting both islands. Only two insectivorous bats occupy Fiji, the Pacific sheath-tailed bat and the Fijian free-tailed bat. Both species consume night flying insects, foraging high above the canopy.
Population
Estimated populations of Fijian free-tailed bats are approximately 7,000 individuals globally. Cave disturbance, over harvesting, and deforestation are contributing to population decline throughout the species range.[1]
Habitat
The habitat range and ecology of this species is unknown. Previously, the Fijian free-tailed bat was observed in caves located on the island of Vanuatu. The foraging behavior of this species has been observed in coconut groves, farmland, forest and coastal regions of Fiji.[3]
Conservation
The Fijian free-tailed bat is evaluated as endangered by the IUCN, a species at risk of becoming extinct. The first Fijian bat sanctuary was established in 2018, The National Trust of Fiji acquired Nakanacagi Cave. The Fijian free-tailed bat is considered extirpated from Tonga due to disturbance and overharvesting.[3]
References
Waldien, D.L.; Scanlon, A.; Thompson, B.L.; Sherwin, R.E.; Naikatini, A.; Tikoca, S. (2019). "Chaerephon bregullae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T4309A22020149. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T4309A22020149.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
"Annual Report 2013-2014" (PDF). batcon.org. Bat Conservation International. August 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 7, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
Palmeirim, Jorge M.; Champion, Alan; Naikatini, Alivereti; Niukula, Jone; Tuiwawa, Marika; Fisher, Martin; Yabaki-Gounder, Mere; Qalovaki, Stanley; Dunn, Thomas (September 2005). Distribution, Status, and Conservation of Bats in the Fiji Islands (PDF) (Report). University of the South Pacific, Fauna & Flora International, and University of Lisbon. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
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