Hipposideros kingstonae can be distinguished from other Hipposideros by differences in external, bacular, and craniodental morphology, as well as their echolocation call frequency, which is, at maximum, 132.3–144.0 kHz, varying in those found in Borneo and those found in the Thai-Malaysian area. Those found in the Thai-Malay habitats have a range of 141.0 - 144.0 kHz, however those in Borneo are 132.3-141.4 kHz. Like their other nose-leafed-bat counterparts, they have a particular rounded swelling on the inside of their nose. Their forearms lengths are 35.3–42.6 mm (1.39–1.68 in), and their skull lengths are 14.94–17.90 mm (0.588–0.705 in). They are genetically similar to Hipposideros einnaythu, also found in Thailand.[1]
Range and habitat
The species is only found in five main locations across Southeastern Asia; two forests in Thailand – Hala Forest in Yala Province, and Phru To Daeng Swamp Forest in Narathiwat Province – one from Malaysia at Krau Wildlife Reserve in Pahang, and two in Sabah, Borneo at Madai Caves and Gunung Kinabalu. It is possible that H. kingstonae was mistakenly documented as the H. cineraceus; if so, the bat has been seen in lowland rainforests, furthermore, its highest recorded elevation has been 1,800 m (5,900 ft) above sea level. Though, its true roosting sites are unknown, as well as the species’ geographic distribution across Southeastern Asia.[1]
Etymology
The bat's named in recognition of its discoverer, Tigga Kingston, who is the founder and chair of the Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit (SEABCRU).[1]
References
^ abcdWongwaiyut, Phutita; Karapan, Sunate; Saekong, Puchit; Francis, Charles M.; Guillén-Servent, Antonio; Senawi, Juliana; Khan, Faisal ALI Anwarali; Bates, Paul J. J.; Jantarit, Sopark; Soisook, Pipat (2023). "Solving the taxonomic identity of Hipposideros cineraceus sensu lato (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, with the description of a new species". Zootaxa. 5277 (3): 401–442. doi:10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5277.3.1. PMID37518310.