Cozumelan Golden Bat

About the Cozumelan Golden Bat

The Cozumelan golden bat (Mimon cozumelae) is a bat species found in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia. At one time, this species was considered to be a subspecies of the golden bat (Mimon bennettii). Little is known about the biology of this bat, but it has a wide range, no particular threats have been identified, and the population seems steady, so the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "the least concern".

It was described as a new species in 1914 by American zoologist Edward Alphonso Goldman. The holotype had been collected on Cozumel by G. F. Gaumer. At times, it has been considered a subspecies of the golden bat, Mimon bennettii.

Its forearm length is 53.1–59 mm (2.09–2.32 in). Individuals weigh approximately 35 g (1.2 oz). It has a dental formula of 2.1.2.31.1.2.3 for a total of 30 teeth. It roosts in small groups by day, mostly in limestone caves, but sometimes in hollow logs. It hunts at night and may glean prey from tree foliage. Its diet is known to include beetles, katydids, birds and lizards.... Wikipedia →