Mammals of North Africa and the Middle East (Pocket Photo Guides)

(Elliott) #1

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BATS (Chiroptera)


Bats are the only mammals capable of powered flight. They are
divided into two major groups: the fruit-eating bats (Megachiroptera)
and the insect-eating bats (Microchiroptera). The fruit-eating bats are
generally much larger in size than those in the insect-eating group.
Only two species of fruit-eating bat occur in the region, but there are
at least 58 species (21 genera) of insect-eating bat. Obviously all of
them cannot be covered here, so this section includes just a few of the
most common species you may encounter in the area.


Barbary Striped Grass Mouse


Nile or Kusu Rat

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