Greater Long-tailed Bat

Choeroniscus periosus is a small nectar-feeding bat endemic to the Chocó bioregion of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It belongs to the subfamily Glossophaginae, specialized in feeding on nectar and pollen from tropical flowers. This species is remarkable for its elongated rostrum and tongue adaptations that allow it to access deep tubular flowers, making it an important pollinator in its restricted range. It is one of the rarer and less-studied members of the long-tailed bat genus.

Western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador

Endemic to the Chocó biogeographic region, occurring along the Pacific slope of the Andes in western Colombia and extending into northwestern Ecuador. Its range is narrow and fragmented, closely tied to remaining forest patches.

Altitude and depth

0-1500 meters above sea level, with most records from lowland to lower montane forests.

Seasonal movements

No long-distance migration is documented; the species may show localized movements tracking seasonal flowering patterns of key nectar plant species.

Primarily found in humid tropical lowland and premontane forests, including primary and secondary growth. It also occurs in forest edges and areas with abundant flowering plants that provide nectar resources.

Adaptations to its environment

Possesses an elongated snout and extensible, brush-tipped tongue specialized for nectarivory, allowing efficient extraction of nectar from deep corolla flowers. Reduced dentition and a lightweight skull structure are adaptations for a liquid-based diet and agile hovering flight.

Classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN due to its restricted geographic range, ongoing habitat loss from deforestation, and fragmented, small population size. The species meets criteria under B1ab(iii) due to a small area of occupancy and continuing decline in habitat quality.

Estimated population

No precise population estimate exists, but the population is considered small and declining due to continued habitat degradation across its limited range.

Major threats include deforestation for agriculture, cattle ranching, and logging within the Chocó region, along with habitat fragmentation that isolates populations and reduces availability of nectar-producing plants.

Some populations occur within protected areas in the Chocó region of Colombia and Ecuador, though enforcement and habitat connectivity remain challenges. Broader Chocó conservation initiatives indirectly benefit this species.

Recommended actions

Priority actions include expanding protected forest areas within the Chocó bioregion, promoting reforestation and habitat corridors, and conducting further field surveys to clarify population status and ecological requirements.

Small bat with brownish-gray fur, an elongated snout typical of nectar-feeding phyllostomids, and a small, simple nose-leaf. The tail is relatively long compared to related species, giving rise to its common name.

Size

Body length approximately 5-6 cm, with a forearm length of around 33-36 mm.

Weight

Approximately 8-10 grams.

Distinctive features

Distinguished from other Choeroniscus species by its notably elongated rostrum and specific cranial measurements, as well as a proportionally longer tail membrane structure.

Differences between males and females

Minimal sexual dimorphism reported; males and females are similar in size and coloration.

Likely roosts in small groups or solitarily in tree hollows, caves, or foliage, though detailed social structure data is limited due to the species' rarity and elusiveness.

When it is active

Nocturnal, foraging at night for nectar-producing flowers.

Diet

Primarily nectarivorous, feeding on nectar and pollen from tropical flowering plants; may supplement diet with occasional insects for protein.

How it feeds and hunts

Uses hovering flight and its long tongue to extract nectar from tubular flowers, similar to hummingbird foraging strategies, often visiting multiple flowers in sequence to maximize energy intake.

Communication

Likely uses echolocation calls for navigation and orientation, along with possible olfactory cues for locating flowers; social vocalizations are not well documented.

Interactions with other species

Serves as a pollinator for various Chocó forest plant species; potential predators include owls and other nocturnal raptors, though specific predator-prey relationships are not well studied.

Role in its ecosystem

Plays an important ecological role as a pollinator of tropical flowering plants in the Chocó rainforest, contributing to plant reproduction and forest regeneration.

Reproductive biology is poorly documented, but likely follows patterns of related glossophagine bats with possible seasonal breeding tied to flowering cycles, single offspring per litter, and gestation of around 3-4 months.

Raising the young

Presumed maternal care typical of bats, with females nursing a single pup until it is capable of flight and independent foraging, though specific data for this species is lacking.

Maturity and lifespan

Specific data unavailable, but related glossophagine bats typically reach sexual maturity within the first year and can live 5-10 years in the wild.

Classification

Mammalia > Chiroptera > Phyllostomidae > Choeroniscus > Choeroniscus periosus

Recent studies

Recent studies have focused on Chocó bat diversity and conservation prioritization, though species-specific research on Choeroniscus periosus remains limited due to its rarity.

Compared with similar species

Similar to other Choeroniscus species such as Choeroniscus minor, but distinguished by its longer rostrum and larger body size; occupies a narrower geographic range than its more widespread relatives.

This bat's tongue can extend far beyond its snout to reach nectar deep within flowers, functioning much like a hummingbird's bill. It is one of the least documented bat species in South America, making every sighting scientifically valuable.

Where and how to see it

Best observed at night near flowering trees and shrubs in Chocó lowland forests of Colombia, particularly in protected reserves with intact forest cover; patience and specialized bat detection equipment are recommended due to its rarity.

Risks to humans

No notable risk to humans.