On October 26, a new species, the Yushu tube-nosed bat, was discovered in the Sanjiangyuan region of Qinghai, China, as reported by the Shan Shui Nature Conservation Center. This discovery marks the first mammal species named after the Yushu region, located deep within the Sanjiangyuan area.
According to the conservation center, in 2018, researchers were conducting a biodiversity survey along the Batang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River that flows through Yushu City. They stumbled upon a hibernating tube-nosed bat at the entrance of a cave by the riverbank. Notably smaller than other known tube-nosed bat species, this individual measured just 30.44 millimeters in head and body length, showcasing distinct differences compared to its relatives.
Following this initial finding, the Shan Shui Nature Conservation Center collaborated with the School of Life Sciences at Guangzhou University and the Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development at Peking University for further analysis. Their research revealed significant morphological and genetic differences in the skull and teeth compared to other species within the same genus. Ultimately, they confirmed that this specimen represented a new species of tube-nosed bat, which they named the Yushu tube-nosed bat, and the research paper detailing this discovery is set to be published online on October 23, 2024.
Tube-nosed bats are primarily arboreal and constitute the second-largest group within the bat family, mainly found in warm and humid forest areas across Asia and Oceania. In contrast, the Yushu tube-nosed bat was found in the cold, oxygen-depleted environment of the Sanjiangyuan region. This discovery is crucial for understanding the migration and dispersal patterns of tube-nosed bats and their adaptability to extreme high-altitude environments.
Researchers emphasized that the high mountain valleys of the Sanjiangyuan area likely harbor a significant number of yet-to-be-described vertebrate species. They advocate for continued monitoring and research in this critical region to enhance our understanding and knowledge of its unique biodiversity.
