HYDERABAD
A team of researchers led by Bhargavi Srinivasulu of Zoology Department of Osmania University right here, have recognized and described a new species of leaf-nosed bat from Sri Lanka.
The species named Hipposideros srilankaensis is endemic to Sri Lanka and represents a important addition to the biodiversity of the area. This discovery, together with the taxonomic revision of the South Asian allies of Hipposideros galeritus, has been revealed within the worldwide taxonomy journal Zootaxa.
The research was performed in collaboration with bat biologists from Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand underneath C. Srinivasulu, head, Wildlife Biology and Taxonomy Lab, Osmania University. The team surveyed a number of areas collected samples and proof to help their findings.
Hipposideros srilankaensis has distinctive morphological options, together with a broad noseleaf, distinct ear form, and cranial traits. Genetic evaluation additional confirmed its distinctiveness from different identified species within the area, an official launch from Osmania University acknowledged.
In addition, the research re-evaluated the taxonomic standing of Hipposideros brachyotus, a species beforehand thought-about a subspecies of Hipposideros galeritus. The research confirmed that H. brachyotus is a distinct species endemic to India, whereas the Sri Lankan inhabitants represents the newly described H. srilankaensis.
The research additional revealed important genetic divergence amongst populations of Hipposideros galeritus throughout Southeast Asia, suggesting the presence of cryptic species that warrant additional investigation, they famous.
The research was a collaborative effort involving scientists from Osmania University, Zoological Survey of India, University of Ruhuna, Rajarata University, University of Colombo, Prince of Songkla University, and University of Reading.
The detailed research could be accessed on Zootaxa (DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.3)
Published – March 01, 2025 07:09 pm IST
