Molecular Phylogeny of Mouse‐Tailed Bats (Chiroptera: Rhinopomatidae): Evolutionary Insights Into a Desert‐Dwelling Family

• Published in: Zoologica scripta
• Main Authors: Uvizl, Marek, Vallo, Peter, Benda, Petr
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 07.07.2025
• ISSN: 0300-3256; 1463-6409
• DOI: 10.1111/zsc.70002

The family Rhinopomatidae comprises six species of mouse‐tailed bats within the genus Rhinopoma , inhabiting arid regions of the Old World from western Africa to Myanmar. While their phylogenetic relationships have been explored through morphology and molecular analyses, many populations still remain insufficiently studied using molecular approaches. This study aims to analyse samples representing all species and populations within the family, employing one mitochondrial and four nuclear genetic markers. These sequences were used to construct phylogenetic trees, estimate divergence times and evaluate biogeographic patterns. Our results revealed the presence of five major genetic lineages within Rhinopoma . Notably, the morphologically distinct East African R. macinnesi was genetically embedded within R. cystops , suggesting synonymisation of the former name and expanding the distribution range of R. cystops southward into eastern Africa. The study also identified greater mitochondrial diversity compared to nuclear markers, uncovering nine mitochondrial lineages across the family, including three polytypic species: R. cystops , R. hardwickii and R. muscatellum . Divergence time estimation placed the family's origin at approximately 45 million years ago. Initial diversification into current species occurred 9.5 million years ago, likely originating in the Arabian Peninsula or Iran, regions that still host the highest diversity of Rhinopoma . This study provides the most comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Rhinopomatidae to date, reducing the recognised species count to five and offering new insights into the evolutionary history and biogeography of this desert‐adapted bat family.