35.

Sumban Leaf-nosed Bat

Hipposideros sumbae

French: Phyllorhine de Sumba I German: Sumba-Rundblattnase I Spanish: Hiposidérido de Samba

Other common names: Sumba Roundleaf Bat

Taxonomy. Hipposideros laruatus sumbae Oey, 1960,

Sumba Island, Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from cave (c. 9°55’S, 120°41’E).

Hipposideros sumbae is in the larvatus species group. This species was previously regarded as a subspecies of H. larvatus, but based on its smaller size it is currently considered a distinct species. Three subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution.

H s. sumbae Oey, 1960 — Sumba I 77. s. rotiensis Kitchener & Maryanto, 1993 -Roti and W Timor Is.

.

H. s. sumbawae Kitchener & Maryanto, 1993 -Sumbawa and Flores Is.

Specimens from Savu and Semau Is have been included in this species but it is unknown to which subspecies they belong.

Descriptive notes. Tail 24-32-5 mm, ear 19-1-23-8 mm, forearm 48-57 mm. Greatest skull lengths are 19-2—21-3 mm. The Sumban Leaf-nosed Bat is very similar to Horsfield’s Leaf-nosed Bat (77. Zaraztus), having three supplementary leaflets on each cheek and also fur color similar but slightly darker; however, its skull is generally smaller. Baculum is very short, somewhat ovoid in shape, with robust basal part and two short distal prongs.

Habitat. The Sumban Leaf-nosed Bat is found in caves and under the roofs of houses, at low elevations (below 1000 m).

Food and Feeding. The Sumban Leaf-nosed Bat is insectivorous.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Sumban Leaf-nosed Bats roost in caves.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Sumban Leaf-nosed Bat is suggested to roost in large colonies.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCNRed List. The Sumban Leaf-nosed Bat is a locally common species. However, as a cave-dwelling bat, it might be at risk due to limestone mining, and quarrying.

Bibliography. Hutson, Schütter & Suyanto (2008), Kitchener & Maryanto (1993), Simmons (2005).