Distribution patterns, acoustic-external features, and ecological niche modelling of the pale bent-wing bat, Miniopterus pallidus (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) in Iran

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

• Robab Mehdizadeh ¹
• Mozafar Sharifi ²
• Vahid Akmali ¹

¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Baghe-Abrisham, 6714967346, Kermanshah, Iran

² Mozafar Sharifi, Professor of Biology Address: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi university,Baghabrisham 67145, Kermanshah, Iran. Tel/Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

10.22067/ijab.2025.82335.1055

Abstract

In this review, we summarize the historical and recent knowledge on the distribution and ecology of the pale bent-wing bat (Miniopterus pallidus) in Iran. We revisit earlier records and incorporate 14 newly identified localities documented between 2014 and 2017. To explore the species’ ecological preferences, a presence-only niche model was developed using MaxEnt, which showed strong predictive performance (AUC = 0.85; regularized gain = 0.67), with annual precipitation contributing 81.7% to the model. The predicted distribution aligns closely with montane regions of the Zagros and Alborz Mountains, highlighting the role of topography and climate in shaping the species’ range. We further review available data on the species’ acoustic characteristics and present new echolocation call parameters from 44 individuals across six localities. The recorded FM-type calls suggest adaptation to relatively open habitats. Additionally, external morphological measurements from 96 individuals at ten localities showed no significant sexual dimorphism across 13 traits. This integrative review provides updated insights into the spatial ecology, bioacoustic features, and potential habitat suitability of M. pallidus in Iran, emphasizing the value of combining historical data with recent field records and modelling approaches for conservation-oriented assessments.

Keywords

• distribution
• niche modelling
• morphological
• acoustic
• echolocation

Main Subjects

• Ecology
• Systems analysis and Modeling
• Zoogeography

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