New Zealand Short-tailed Bats: Family Mystacinidae

The two species of short tailed bats are only found in New Zealand and oddly enough, they are most closely related to tropical American bats in the families Noctilionidae, Mormoopidae, and Phyllostomidae.  This isn’t completely surprising though, as much of the flora and fauna of New Zealand first evolved in South America.

Short-tailed bats are uniquely adapted for a terrestrial existence.  The wing membranes are thick and leathery along the forearms and sides of the body.  The wings can be folded up and partially tucked into a body pouch.  The claws of the thumb and feet each have a small, additional claw near their base.  Short-tailed bats have short, stout legs with large, broad feet.  Their soles are soft, and their fur is thicker than that of any other bat.  The tongue has a small, brush-like patch at its tip.  One species may already be extinct.