Paraguana moustached bat

There is uncertainty if this taxa represents a species, or if it is a subspecies of Parnell's mustached bat. The status of the bat as a full species was affirmed by genetic sequencing. ==Conservation==

In their 2008 assessment, the IUCN listed the Paraguana moustached bat as critically endangered. In 2015, Bat Conservation International began fundraising for bat detectors to better survey the critical habitat necessary for the species' survival. The species is especially threatened by intentional destruction by humans; in 1997, thousands of dead bats were found in one of the caves after locals set tires on fire at the cave entrance. Some Venezuelans mistakenly believe that all bats are vampire bats, and should therefore be exterminated. To reduce vandalism and protect the bats, a gate was installed in 2003 at the entrance of one of the caves, with gaps large enough for bats to come and go, but too small for human passage. After the gate was installed, the number of bats using the cave "substantially increased". ==References==