First records and extension of the geographic distribution of <i>Cynomops kuizha</i> (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract The insectivorous bat genus Cynomops belongs to the Neotropical fraction of the family Molossidae, which includes Free-tailed Bats or Mastiff Bats. Currently, nine species are recognized within Cynomops . In this study, we present the first records of Cynomops kuizha for the Colombian Caribbean Region. The two female specimens were recovered in the campus of the Puerta Roja of the University of Sucre, Sucre and represent a significant extension in the geographical and ecological distribution of the species. With these new records, the known distribution of this species is extended approximately 520 km northeast of the nearest previous record in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Identification of both specimens was carried out through morphological comparisons and analysis of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome-b ( Cyt-b ). Molecular analyses revealed that the Cyt-b sequences from the Sucre specimens are &gt;99 % similar to those documented for C. kuizha in southwestern Colombia. With these new records, the known distribution of this species is extended approximately 520 km northeast of the nearest previous record in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Additionally, we discuss some morphological peculiarities observed in our Sucre specimens and their relationship with closely related species present in the area: Cynomops abrasus , Cynomops greenhalli , and Cynomops mastivus .