- Scientific name: Myotis hussoni
- Family: Vespertilionidae
- Genus: Myotis
Husson's yellow bat (Myotis hussoni) is a species of vesper bat belonging to the family Vespertilionidae. It is named after Dr. A.M. Husson, a Dutch zoologist who first described the species in 1962.
Description Myotis hussoni is a small-to-medium-sized bat within the Myotis genus. It is characterized by its distinctive pelage, which typically ranges from yellowish-brown to golden-brown on its dorsal (back) side, contrasting with a lighter, often yellowish-white or cream-colored ventral (belly) side. Specific measurements and morphological details are scarce due to the limited number of specimens studied, but it shares general Myotis characteristics such as relatively large ears and a lack of a nose-leaf.
Distribution and Habitat Husson's yellow bat is endemic to northern South America. Its known distribution is restricted to parts of Suriname and French Guiana, with potential extensions into neighboring areas of Brazil, though confirmed records remain limited. This species primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and is often associated with foraging over or near water bodies, such as rivers and streams, which are typical foraging grounds for many insectivorous bats.
Diet and Behavior Like most species in the genus Myotis, Husson's yellow bat is insectivorous, feeding on flying insects caught during flight. It is a nocturnal animal, emerging at dusk to forage. Due to its rarity and the challenges of studying bats in dense rainforest environments, specific details regarding its roosting habits, reproductive patterns, and social structure are largely unknown. It is presumed to roost in tree hollows, foliage, or other sheltered locations common to Myotis bats.
Conservation Status The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List currently lists Myotis hussoni as Data Deficient. This classification indicates that there is insufficient information available to make a direct or indirect assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. The limited number of documented individuals and its restricted, somewhat inaccessible habitat contribute to the lack of comprehensive data. Further research is needed to understand its population size, ecological requirements, and potential threats to accurately assess its conservation status. Threats could include habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, particularly within its rainforest habitat.