A team of researchers led by Bhargavi Srinivasulu from the Zoology Department of Osmania University has discovered a new species of leaf-nosed bat in Sri Lanka.

The species has been named Hipposideros srilankaensis and is unique to Sri Lanka. This discovery is an important addition to the biodiversity of the region. The findings have been published in the international taxonomy journal Zootaxa.

The research was conducted with the help of bat biologists from Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. The team was led by C. Srinivasulu, head of the Wildlife Biology and Taxonomy Lab at Osmania University. They surveyed multiple locations, collected samples, and gathered evidence to confirm their discovery.

Unique features of the new species

Hipposideros srilankaensis has special characteristics that make it different from other bats. It has a broad noseleaf, a distinct ear shape, and unique skull features. Scientists also performed genetic analysis, which confirmed that it is a completely new species.

An official release from Osmania University stated that the study also examined the taxonomic status of Hipposideros brachyotus. This species was previously thought to be a subspecies of Hipposideros galeritus. However, the research confirmed that H. brachyotus is a separate species found only in India. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan population represents the newly discovered Hipposideros srilankaensis.

More hidden species may exist

The study also found that there are major genetic differences between populations of Hipposideros galeritus across Southeast Asia. Scientists believe that there could be more hidden species that need further research.

The research involved experts from Osmania University, Zoological Survey of India, University of Ruhuna, Rajarata University, University of Colombo, Prince of Songkla University, and University of Reading. This collaborative effort has helped expand knowledge about bat species in South Asia.

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