The Japanese long-eared bat (Plecotus sacrimontis ) is a species of vesper bat endemic to Japan, where it is found in Hokkaido, Honshu and Shikoku. It has distinctive, long ears, hence its Japanese name, the 'rabbit bat'. Formerly included as a subspecies of the European bat Plecotus auritus, genetic studies now indicate Plecotus sacrimontis is a separate species.
It has woolly fur and a "mask" of darker fur on its face.
Its range includes several islands of Japan, including Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Rebun, and Rishiri.It is also found on the Kuril Islands, specifically Iturup and Kunashir.It has been documented at a range of elevations from 700–1,700 m (2,300–5,600 ft) above sea level.
As of 2019, it is evaluated as a least-concern species by the IUCN.It meets the criteria for this classification because its geographic range is relatively large; it is found in a variety of habitats; and no major threats to its existence are known.
