Why in the News?
Researchers have identified a new-to-science bat species, the Himalayan long-tailed myotis (Myotis himalaicus), from the Western Himalayas.
About Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis:
- New Species: It is a newly described bat species from the Western Himalayas.
- Discovery: It was first recorded in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in 2021 and matched with an earlier specimen collected in Pakistan in 1998.
- Class: It belongs to the Myotis frater complex, which includes bats found across East and Central Asia.
Key Features:
- Habitat: Found in high-altitude forests such as deodar, pine, and cedar.
- Distribution: Likely found across India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
- Tail: Notably features a long tail, setting it apart within the Myotis genus.
- Rarity: Considered uncommon, with limited sightings.
- Identification: Confirmed through morphological traits and genetic analysis.
- Scientific Significance: Enhances understanding of bat diversity in the Himalayas and supports transboundary biodiversity research.
| [UPSC 2009] In the context of Indian wildlife, the flying fox is a:
Options: (a) Bat* (b) Kite (c) Stork (d) Vulture |
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