We investigate the taxonomic status of a molossid bat from the western Seychelles that has been previously considered distinct and then subsequently synonomized with the widespread Chaerephon pumilus. We compare specimens available from the Seychelles (Aldabra and Amirantes), including the holotype and paratype of C. pusillus, to specimens assigned to C. pumilus from Kenya, the Comoros Archipelago (Mayotte, Mohéli, Anjouan, and Grande Comore), and from lowland areas of the northern half of Madagascar. Based on these comparisons, the animals from the Aldabra and Amirantes are distinctly smaller than these other regional island and mainland populations and we conclude that the name C. pusillus should be resurrected for this endemic Seychelles species.
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1 December 2007
The taxonomic status of Chaerephon pumilus from the western Seychelles: resurrection of the name C. pusillus for an endemic species
Steven M. Goodman,
Fanja H. Ratrimomanarivo
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Aldabra
Amirantes
Chaerephon pusillus
Specific status