Myotis Arescens: they discover a unique bat species in Chile

It is a class of mammal that only inhabits our country and was recently discovered by the Chilean doctor Annia Rodríguez-San Pedro, together with scientists from Brazil and the United States.

A new species of bat was recently discovered by scientists from Chile, Brazil and the United States. Its about myotis arescenswhich becomes the first endemic bat species in Chile, that is, it only inhabits our country.

Regarding the finding, Annia Rodríguez-San Pedro, Associate Professor at the Center for Research and Innovation for Climate Change at the Santo Tomás University (CiiCC-UST), highlights that “the fact that Chile has its first endemic bat species is highly relevant, since it increases national biodiversity, but also represents a challenge for conservation”. Along the same lines, the academic explains that “endemic species are more vulnerable as they have small populations, therefore, more susceptible to extinction, which is why their protection against potential threats should be a priority.”

It should be noted that, at the national level, the myotis arescens represents the bat species number 16 and that globally currently considers 1456 species. “This finding indicates the need to carry out more studies at a systematic and taxonomic level, combining different methodologies, which will allow us to elucidate the hidden diversity of bat species in Chile,” adds Rodríguez.

Insectivorous, nocturnal and pest controller

Regarding its habits, Annia Rodríguez-San Pedro details that “like most bat species in Chile, this new species is insectivorous and nocturnal – crepuscular in habit. It takes refuge in abandoned mining pickets and roofs of buildings in urban and rural areas.

Like other species, their care and conversation are called for, since this group of animals “plays a fundamental role as pest controllers in agricultural areas, hence the importance of preserving their populations in natural and anthropized ecosystems,” he concluded. the academic.