SCIENTIST DISCOVERS CRYPTIC SPECIES OF BENT-WINGED BAT

In a remarkable collaboration, Dr. Bhargavi Srinivasulu, a researcher affiliated with Osmania University, and her son, Aditya Srinivasulu, a dedicated PhD researcher at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, have unearthed a fascinating new species of bat Following extensive study and analysis, the duo has christened their discovery "Miniopetrus srinii Srini's Bent-winged Bat." This remarkable find took place in the depths of Makuta, located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, within a large subterranean cave nestled amidst the dense jungles of the Western Ghats.

The Bent-winged Bats, characterized by their smaller stature, prefer to dwell in sizeable colonies of several hundred individuals, with their favored habitat being caves. These bats can be found across a wide range of regions, including southern Europe, Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australia, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. In India, the researchers note that four known species of bent-winged bats existed prior to their discovery. With the unearthing of this new species, the tally now stands at an exciting five, offering an enriched understanding of the bat population in the country.

The mother-son duo collected bat specimens during their exploration of the vast subterranean cave located within the lush surroundings of Makuta Initially, the pair suspected that the bats they encountered might be a cryptic species, tentatively identified as the Small Bentwinged Bat This hunch prompted them to conduct a comprehensive analysis, employing various methodologies and lines of evidence to discern the true nature of their findings

Dr. Bhargavi Srinivasulu, a UGC Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Zoology in Osmania University, elucidated their research approach

"Through our study of Andaman bats, we have unveiled the genetic distinctiveness between island fauna and their mainland counterparts It led us to question whether the specimens we collected in Makuta, along with those reported from other regions of the Western Ghats, may represent cryptic species To ascertain this, we undertook meticulous examinations encompassing morphological, cranial, echolocation, and genetic studies," she shared

The researchers' investigations have culminated in the publication of their groundbreaking findings in the latest edition of Zootaxa, a prestigious peerreviewed scientific journal renowned for its focus on animal taxonomists The article offers an in-depth exploration of the newly discovered species, paying homage to Prof C Srinivasulu, a distinguished bat biologist affiliated with Osmania University

The naming of the newly discovered bat species after Prof. C Srinivasulu serves as a testament to his notable contributions to the field of bat biology. His dedication and expertise have inspired a new generation of researchers, including Dr Bhargavi Srinivasulu and Aditya Srinivasulu, as they unravel the mysteries of these fascinating creatures. The implications of this discovery extend beyond the immediate thrill of identifying a new species. It underscores the importance of comprehensive research and conservation efforts to safeguard the remarkable biodiversity harbored within the Western Ghats. The identification of a cryptic species emphasizes the need for diligent examination and analysis to uncover hidden diversity within seemingly familiar ecosystems.

Moreover, the genetic distinctiveness between island fauna and mainland populations, as revealed through the researchers' study of Andaman bats, highlights the significance of preserving isolated habitats. Safeguarding such habitats is crucial not only

- NSH