Hodgson's Bat (Myotis formosus) lives in tropical forests across Southeast Asia. It feeds on insects and spiders. Its conservation status is Near Threatened.
Fascinating facts about the Hodgson's Bat
- Its short dense fur is a vivid yellow, much more yellow than that of other bats in its Asian range, giving it the common name copper-winged bat. This striking yellowish colouration sets it apart from the typically darker Myotis species that share its mountain-forest habitat. The hue is especially noticeable because the fur is both short and densely packed, covering the head and body.
- In Taiwan breeding begins in March and peaks in May, when up to two hundred females assemble in an underground maternity cave to give birth during May and June. Before parturition the bats normally spend about nine hours each night foraging for insects, but after the young are born this nightly foraging time is reduced. Newborns measure roughly 2.15 cm and weigh 3.7 g, remaining in the roost while the mother continues to hunt.
- In Taiwan the species has vanished from its former strongholds, with the biggest colonies shrinking by more than 90% and an estimated 70% loss of individuals over the past three decades. This dramatic decline has contributed to its classification as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, despite the bat still occupying a wide range across Asia. The reduction is thought to be linked to factors such as pesticide exposure, light pollution and disturbance of cave roosts.
- A detailed 2014 morphological analysis uncovered pronounced differences in body shape and wing pattern among populations that had previously been lumped together, leading researchers to divide Hodgson's bat into multiple distinct species. The redefined Myotis formosus now occupies the range from Central Asia east to Taiwan, while several newly recognised relatives inhabit neighbouring regions. The study also identified M.
- Analyses of droppings from Taiwanese colonies have revealed pesticide residues, suggesting that intensive chemical use may be harming the bats. This exposure is thought to be one of several drivers of the steep population declines recorded in recent decades. The species also shows a marked aversion to artificial lighting, which can degrade its forest habitat, disturb roost sites and interfere with seasonal movements.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeSoutheast Asia
HabitatTropical forests
DietInsects and spiders
About the Hodgson's Bat
In the velvety blackness of a Taiwanese forest, the Hodgson's Bat unfurls its delicate wings, a whisper of leather and bone, as it embarks on a nocturnal waltz, weaving through the trees with an ethereal elegance. With each gentle beat, it navigates the shadows, its high-pitched calls piercing the night air as it pursues the tiny insects that dance in the moon's silver glow. As it flits and swoops, its remarkable agility belies a deeper vulnerability, for this near-threatened species is a poignant reminder of the fragility that underlies the beauty of the natural world.
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