A new species of bat, Hipposideros srilankaensis, has been discovered in Sri Lanka following a decade-long study led by Bhargavi Srinivasalu from the Department of Zoology, Osmania University.
The research, which also included a taxonomic revision of the South Asian allies of Hipposideros galeritus, has been published in the international taxonomy journal Zootaxa.
The team conducted extensive surveys across India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, collecting crucial samples to support their findings.
According to Prof. C. Srinivasulu, one of the researchers, Hipposideros srilankaensis is distinguished by unique morphological features, including a broad noseleaf, distinct ear shape, and specific cranial characteristics. Genetic analysis confirmed its distinctiveness from other known species in the region.
The study also reassessed the taxonomic status of Hipposideros brachyotus, previously considered a subspecies of Hipposideros galeritus.
The research confirmed that H. brachyotus is a distinct species endemic to India, while the Sri Lankan population represents the newly identified H. srilankaensis.
Furthermore, genetic analysis revealed significant divergence among Hipposideros galeritus populations across Southeast Asia, suggesting the presence of additional cryptic species that require further study.
The discovery and taxonomic revision are the result of over a decade of meticulous research. The team conducted surveys in various habitats, from dense forests to caves, using morphometric analyses, bacular morphology studies, echolocation call assessments, and molecular phylogenetics to establish the distinctiveness of the new species.
Prof. Srinivasulu also highlighted that India is home to 136 bat species, with 14 different species found in Hyderabad alone.
