First record of Coleura (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae) on Madagascar and identification and diagnosis of members of the genus |
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| Authors: | Steven M Goodman Scott G Cardiff Fanja H Ratrimomanarivo |
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| Institution: | 1. Field Museum of Natural History , 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60605, USA E-mail: sgoodman@fieldmuseum.org;2. Vahatra, BP 3972, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar;3. Columbia University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology , 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, New York, 10027;4. Division of Vertebrate Zoology (Mammalogy) , American Museum of Natural History , Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York, 10024, USA;5. Vahatra, BP 3972, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar;6. Département de Biologie Animale , Université d'Antananarivo , BP 906, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The genus Coleura contains two species: C. seychellensis restricted to the Seychelles Archipelago and C. afra broadly distributed on the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula. We recently captured and collected specimens of Coleura from Madagascar, an island from which it was previously unknown. Using museum specimens and the new material from Madagascar, we review morphological variation in members of this genus and present characters for species identification. On the basis of these comparisons, specimens from Madagascar are referable to C. afra. We present information on the natural history of the recently discovered Malagasy population. |
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| Keywords: | Coleura Emballonuridae Madagascar Ankarana |
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