Long-snouted bat  (Platalina genovensium)

The long-snouted bat is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List (1).

The only species in its genus, the long-snouted bat (Platalina genovensium) is aptly named for its greatly elongated muzzle, an adaptation for feeding on the pollen and nectar of flowers (3) (4) (5). Its tongue is also long and extensible, and is covered in bristle-like projections known as ‘papillae’ (4) (5). The muzzle of the long-snouted bat bears numerous short whiskers (3), and has is a diamond-shaped noseleaf (4).

The long-snouted bat has relatively long, pale brown fur, with the individual hairs having a whitish base and brown tip (3) (5). The tail membrane (interfemoral membrane) is quite long and sparsely haired, and the tail itself is short, only extending about a third of the way into the membrane (3) (4).

Another distinguishing feature of the long-snouted bat is the shape of its inner upper incisor teeth, which are broad and spatulate (spoon-shaped) (3) (4) (5).

The long-snouted bat is known only from five locations in western Peru (1) (4) (5).

This species is found in relatively dry regions, at elevations from near sea level to about 2,600 metres. The long-snouted bat has been recorded roosting in caves, as well as in mines, bridges, tunnels and other man-made constructions (1) (3) (4) (5) (6).

In some areas, the long-snouted bat appears to occupy habitats containing columnar cacti such as Weberbauerocereus weberbaueri (6).

Relatively little is known about the biology of the long-snouted bat. However, its highly specialised muzzle and tongue are believed to be adaptations for feeding on the pollen and nectar of the flowers of columnar cacti, such as Weberbauerocereus weberbaueri (3) (4) (5) (6) (7). It may also eat some seeds, fruit and occasional insects (6). The long-snouted bat is likely to be an important pollinator of Weberbauerocereus weberbaueri and other cacti species, and may also disperse their seeds (6) (7).

Long-snouted bat colonies may number up to 50 individuals, and consist of either males and females or only males. Within the roost, the bats may separate into smaller subgroups of about five to seven individuals (6). No information is available on reproduction in the long-snouted bat, but pregnant females have been captured in September (1) (4) (5).

The long-snouted bat appears to have fairly specific habitat requirements, being dependent on areas with columnar cacti. Unfortunately, this habitat is rapidly disappearing as a result of settlement and urbanisation (1) (6), and the long-snouted bat is thought to be in decline (1). This species is also negatively affected by droughts, which reduce the fruit and flower production of cacti. These conditions are sometimes caused by El Niño events (1) (6), which could become more common with global climate change.

A further threat to the long-snouted bat comes from harvesting for traditional medicine. Within its range, bats of various species are collected and sold for their purported medicinal values, but it is unclear whether this harvest is sustainable over the long term (6).

There are no specific conservation measures known to be in place for the long-snouted bat, although it is reported to occur in some protected areas (1). This rare mammal is still relatively poorly understood, and further research is needed into its populations and ecology, particularly in light of its potentially important role as a pollinator (6).

Find out more about bat conservation:

• Bat Conservation International:
  http://www.batcon.org/
• Organization for Bat Conservation:
  http://www.batconservation.org/