New bat species discovered in SL

by Ifham Nizam 

A groundbreaking study has revealed that a population of bats in Sri Lanka, previously thought to belong to an existing species, is actually a distinct species altogether. Scientists have officially named it Hipposideros srilankaensis, marking a significant discovery in South Asian mammalogy.

The study was conducted by a team of researchers from India, Sri Lanka, and other international institutions. Their findings suggest that what was once considered a South Asian subspecies of Hipposideros galeritus, a leaf-nosed bat species first described in 1846, is actually two separate species: H. brachyotus in India and the newly identified H. srilankaensis in Sri Lanka.

The researchers used a combination of morphological comparisons, DNA analysis, and echolocation studies to distinguish the species. They found significant differences in noseleaf structure, ear shape, and skull features between the Sri Lankan, Indian, and Southeast Asian bat populations.

“Our results show that these bats have been misclassified for years,” said Dr. Bhargavi Srinivasulu, one of the lead researchers. “This discovery highlights the need for further taxonomic revisions in South Asian bat species.”

The study also revealed substantial genetic differences between the bat populations, suggesting that even more cryptic species may exist in the region. This discovery is particularly important for conservation efforts, as recognizing H. srilankaensis as a unique species allows for targeted conservation strategies in Sri Lanka.

With deforestation and habitat loss threatening bat populations worldwide, the identification of new species like H. srilankaensis underscores the urgent need for biodiversity protection. The researchers hope their work will encourage further exploration into the rich, yet often overlooked, diversity of South Asian bats.