Rare bat species recorded after 58 years

The Tickell’s Bat (Hesperoptenus tickelli), a rare species that has not been seen in Sri Lanka for 58 years, has been found alive again, says Dr. Tharaka Kusuminda, a bat researcher at the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Kusuminda said that the species has not been recorded in Sri Lanka since 1963.

As a result, the animal has been classified as a data deficient species in the Red Data List.

This small-bodied bat belongs to the Vespertilionidae family.

Although the species is commonly found in dry, wet and intermediate ecological zones, Dr. Kusuminda said that there have been no records of the animal’s existence since 1963.

The specimens collected at that time are currently housed at the National Museum in Colombo.

He reported that three bats of this species were recently found in Sri Lanka.

The sightings were reported from Eknaligoda in Kuruwita, Halloluwa in Kandy and Hokandara in Colombo.

Based on historical and recent studies, Dr. Kusuminda explained that this bat species roosts among tall, large-leaved plants.

However, due to a lack of data over the past 58 years, no clear information has been reported on the behavior, habitat or lifestyle of this species.

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