First Records of<i>Myotis altarium</i>(Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from India and Vietnam

Abstract

The Szechwan myotis, Myotis altarium, was first described in 1911 from southeastern China, and for the next 100 years was thought to be restricted to that country with just one additional individual known from Aung Kang region in northern Thailand. We captured eight individuals of this species during surveys in Copia Nature Reserve in northwestern Vietnam and two individuals from East Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya state, northeastern India. They are described here as the first records for Vietnam and India. We also provide comparative mensural data including the holotype and other specimens from Southeast Asia. The record of M. altarium from Meghalaya significantly extends the westward distribution range of this species beyond Thailand. Our study affirms previous observations of the cave dwelling habits of M. altarium and suggests that this species temporarily hibernates during cold winter periods in Vietnam. It is also suggested that its distribution range may encompass other karstic habitats in the mainland Indomalayan region.