Marovaza yellow bat | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Chiroptera |
Family: | Vespertilionidae |
Genus: | Scotophilus |
Species: | S. marovaza
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Binomial name | |
Scotophilus marovaza Goodman, Ratrimomanarivo & Randrianandrianina, 2006
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Range of the Marovaza house bat |
The Marovaza yellow bat or Marovaza house bat (Scotophilus marovaza) is a species of bat found in Madagascar.
It was described as a new species in 2006.[2] The holotype was collected in Marovaza, Madagascar, which inspired its species name.[1]
It is relatively small for its genus.[2] Its forearm is approximately 43.5 mm (1.71 in) long.[3]
It has been found roosting in the palm-leave thatching of small huts. It roosts singly or in small colonies of up to five individuals.[1] It navigates and locates prey via echolocation; its calls have a frequency of maximum energy of 43.8–48 kHz and a maximum frequency of 58–72.6 kHz. Echolocation pulses last 6–8 seconds.[3] Individuals can be infected with Leptospira.[4]
The Marovaza house bat is endemic to western Madagascar. It is currently known from lowland areas of 5–200 m (16–656 ft) above sea level.[1]
As of 2017, it is evaluated as a least-concern species by the IUCN.[1]