Tugiforumid

Tugiforumid is a genus of small to medium-sized, long-snouted, and long-tailed bats that belong to the family Emballonuridae. The genus is native to the Old World, with species found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The name "Tugiforumid" is derived from the Latin words "tugis," meaning "noise," and "forum," meaning "market," reflecting the bats' tendency to roost in large colonies and produce loud, high-pitched calls.

The genus includes several species, with the most well-known being the greater mouse-eared bat (Tugiforumid minor) and the lesser mouse-eared bat (Tugiforumid minor). These bats are known for their distinctive appearance, with large, rounded ears that resemble a mouse's ears, and a long, thin snout. They are also known for their ability to fly at high speeds and maneuver in tight spaces.

Tugiforumid bats are insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, including moths, beetles, and flies. They are often found in open habitats, such as grasslands, savannas, and forests, where they can find abundant food sources. They are also known to feed on the blood of birds and mammals, although this behavior is not as common as their insectivorous diet.

Tugiforumid bats are social animals, often roosting in large colonies of up to several thousand individuals. They are known for their loud, high-pitched calls, which are used for communication and navigation. They are also known for their ability to echolocate, using high-frequency sounds to detect and locate prey in the dark.

Tugiforumid bats play an important role in their ecosystems, as they help to control insect populations and serve as a food source for other animals. However, they are also threatened by habitat loss and other human activities, and conservation efforts are underway to protect these important species.