In News:

A new bat species, the Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis (Myotis himalaicus), has been described based on fieldwork in Uttarakhand and historical specimens from Pakistan. Published in Zootaxa journal by a team of Indian and international scientists.

Key Findings of the Study

• Study Area: Western Himalayas – Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand (2017–2021).
• Total Bat Species Documented: 29, including new records and confirmations.
• Raises India's bat species count to 135.

About Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis (Myotis himalaicus)

Feature                    Description

Family/Genus         Belongs to the Myotis frater complex

Habitat                    Deodar, pine, and cedar forests on southern Himalayan slopes

Distribution            Found in Uttarakhand (India) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)

Size                          Medium-sized (~3.5 inches, <1 oz)

Morphology           Delicate feet, long thumbs with short claws, short ears, fine teeth

Conservation Status  Recently described; appears rare

Other Major Additions/Clarifications

• East Asian Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida insignis):
  • First confirmed record in India.
  • Extends known range eastward by 2,500 km.
  • Earlier misidentified as Tadarida teniotis.
• Babu’s Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus babu):
  • Revalidated as a distinct species, not a synonym of Javan pipistrelle.
  • Distribution: Pakistan, India, Nepal.
• First specimen-based confirmations in India for:
  • Savi’s pipistrelle (Hypsugo savii)
  • Japanese greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus nippon)

Ecological Importance of Bats

• Insect Control: Consume pests and mosquitoes.
• Pollination & Seed Dispersal: Important for forest regeneration.
• Fertilizer Contribution: Bat guano rich in Nitrogen & Phosphorous; boosts crop yield.