New bat species discovered in Bolivia

Scientists have just discovered a new species – the Bolivian golden bat.

Originally, this golden bat (Myotis midastactus) was thought to be the same species as Myotis simus, another type of mouse-eared bat native to South America.

Upon further examination of the different museum specimens, however, scientists discovered that the golden bat was an entirely new species believed only to reside in Bolivia.

With its bright golden-yellow coloration and short woolly fur, the Myotis midastactus has an appearance unique amongst other mouse-eared bat species. In fact, its appearance caused scientists to name the bat after King Midas and his famous golden touch.

This insect-eating golden bat is thought to live exclusively in the Bolivian savanna, where it burrows into holes in the ground or in hollow trees during the day.

A full description of the Myotis midastactus can be found in the Journal of Mammalogy, where the lead author Dr. Ricardo Moratelli explained that his examination of 27 museum specimens throughout the US and Brazil led to the conclusion of the golden bat’s existence as a distinct species.

Moratelli also acknowledged the fact that the Myotis midastactus was likely not the sole animal whose distinct species has yet to be discovered.

“I can confidently say that many new species from different zoological groups are in museum cabinets around the world, awaiting recognition and formal description,” Moratelli concluded.

According to BBC Nature, Dr. Moratelli spent two months attempting to capture live specimens of the Bolivian golden bat, but when he was unsuccessful he focused on studying the creatures via the museum specimens.

The golden bat was originally grouped into the Myotis simus, a “near threatened” species of bat found in Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay. The current conservation status of the golden bat is still being determined.

The Myotis midastactus marks Dr. Moratelli’s fifth discovery of new bat species that were previously unknown to science. He has discovered new species in Brazil, Venezuela, and the Ecuadorian Andes as well.

Moratelli told BBC Nature, “Discovering new species is the most exciting part of my research, and in some cases describing a new species can be the first step to preserve others.”