NEW DISTRIBUTIONAL RECORDS AND ACOUSTIC IDENTIFICATION OF HIPPOSIDERID BATS (CHIROPTERA: HIPPOSIDERIDAE) FROM SON LA AND LANG SON PROVINCES, NORTHERN VIETNAM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18173/2354-1059.2025-0044Keywords:
biodiversity, conservation, distribution, echolocation, HipposideridaeAbstract
Son La and Lang Son provinces exemplify the characteristic natural conditions of Vietnam’s northwestern and northeastern regions, respectively. Defined by heterogeneous topography, diverse forest ecosystems, and extensive karst cave systems, these provinces constitute critical habitats supporting rich bat faunas, including species of conservation concern. However, local bat populations are increasingly threatened by illegal hunting, rapid urbanization, wind farm development, and other human activities. To assess the current diversity and conservation status of bats, which have been affected by these factors, we conducted intensive field surveys across representative habitats in Son La and Lang Son provinces with a focus on the family Hipposideridae. Six hipposiderid species were recorded during the surveys: Aselliscus stoliczkanus, Hipposideros armiger, H. cineraceus, H. gentilis, H. khaokhouayensis, and H. poutensis. They are distinct in morphological and acoustic characteristics. Among these, H. khaokhouayensis is globally rare and threatened, being listed as Endangered in Vietnam’s Red Data Book and as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It was recorded exclusively in Son La province, whereas the remaining five species were captured in both provinces. This study presents the first comprehensive comparative dataset on the echolocation calls of all six hipposiderid species recorded in the study areas, along with new distribution records of H. khaokhouayensis in northwestern Vietnam. These findings provide valuable insights into the regional diversity of Hipposideridae and establish a critical baseline for future taxonomic, ecological, conservation, and long-term monitoring research.
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