New species of bamboo-dwelling bat found in Meghalaya: UPSC Daily Important Topic | 12 July 2022

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.

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