Archive · 6 Jun 2025
New Bat Species Discovered, Blurring India-Pakistan Divide
Scientists found a new type of bat in the Himalayas, named Himalayan long-tailed myotis.
This bat was found in both India and Pakistan, making it a shared discovery.
Researchers looked at many bats and found 29 different kinds in the Himalayas.
The study confirmed the existence of this new bat species, and some others.
The findings have extended the understanding of bat species.
The discovery is expected to contribute to animal documentation and conservation.
A new bat species, the Himalayan long-tailed myotis (Myotis himalaicus), was identified in the Western Himalayas.
The study documented 29 bat species in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The new species was also found in Pakistan, blurring the India-Pakistan divide in species identification.
The study validated the species status of Babu's pipistrelle.
The research increased the total number of bat species in India to 135.
- Who
- Indian scientists and an international team described the Himalayan long-tailed myotis as a new species.
- What
- A new bat species, Himalayan long-tailed myotis, and other bat species documented.
- When
- From 2017 to 2021, surveys were conducted, with the study published in June 2025.
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the Western Himalayas and also Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Why
- To document bat species, resulting in identifying a new bat species and validating others.
- New Species Name
- Himalayan long-tailed myotis (Myotis himalaicus)
- Location of Surveys
- Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
- Number of Bat Species Documented
- 29
- Total Bat Species in India
- 135
- Publication Date
- June 06, 2025