The only indigenous mammals of Bermuda are five species of bats, all of which are also found in the eastern United States: Lasionycteris noctivagans, Lasiurus borealis, Lasiurus cinereus, Lasiurus seminolus and Perimyotis subflavus. Other commonly known fauna of Bermuda include its national bird, the Bermuda petrel or cahow. It was rediscovered in 1951 after having been thought extinct since the 1620s. It is important as an example of a Lazarus species. The government has a programme to protect it, including restoration of a habitat area. The Bermuda rock skink was long thought to have been the only indigenous land vertebrate of Bermuda, discounting the marine turtles that lay their eggs on its beaches. Recently through genetic DNA studies, scientists have discovered that a species of turtle, the diamondback terrapin, previously thought to have been introduced, pre-dated the arrival of humans in the archipelago. As this species spends most of its time in brackish ponds, some question whether it should be classified as a land vertebrate to compete with the skink's unique status. COUNT 9
QSN1 The only indigenous mammals of Bermuda are five species of what animal? ANS1 bats QSN2 What is the national bird of Bermuda? ANS2 Bermuda petrel or cahow QSN3 What animal was believe to be the only land vertebrate of Bermuda? ANS3 Bermuda rock skink QSN4 What animal was found, through DNA testing, to pre-date the arrival of humans to the archipelago? ANS4 diamondback terrapin QSN5 What are the only native mammals found in Bermuda? ANS5 bats QSN6 What is the national bird of Bermuda? ANS6 Bermuda petrel or cahow QSN7 Why is the National bird of importance? ANS7 example of a Lazarus species QSN8 What animal has held the title of Bermuda's only native land vertabrate? ANS8 Bermuda rock skink QSN9 Why is there a debate as to dubbing the diamondback terrapin the oldest indigenous land vertebrate? ANS9 this species spends most of its time in brackish ponds