New species of bamboo-dwelling bat found in Meghalaya-
✅Scientists have discovered a new species of bamboo-dwelling bat in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
✅The species, found near the forested patch of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, has been named Glischropus meghalayanus
● About the newly discovered bat:
✅It is small in size and has a dark brown colour with sulphur yellow belly.
✅It is the first report of a thick-thumbed bat not only from India but also from South Asia.
✅The recently collected Glischropus specimens from Meghalaya State in northeastern India extend the known distribution range of the genus westward into South Asia
✅These bats are a particular kind of bats living in the internodes of bamboo with specialised morphological characters that help them to adapt to the life inside a bamboo.
✅The nomenclature of the newly discovered species celebrates the State of Meghalaya, where the new species was found.
✅A few of these bat species from Meghalaya are endemic to the region.
● Reasons behind Meghalaya being the largest harbour of bat population:
✅Unique terrain, vegetation and climate conditions
✅Unique caves provide roosting opportunities for a large number of bats.
✅Rich bamboo forests around the wildlife sanctuaries
✅There are a number of cave-dwelling bats species from Meghalaya, the most common being Horseshoe bat and Leaf-nosed bats.
● Prelims Takeaway:
✅Glischropus meghalayanus
✅Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
✅Geographical location of Meghalaya.
