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Scientists Discover Six New Tube-Nosed Bat Species

11/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers identified six new species of tube-nosed bats in the Philippines, published in Zootaxa.
The six species are Murina alvarezi, Murina baletei, Murina hilonghilong, Murina luzonensis, Murina mindorensis, and Murina philippinensis.
These bats weigh 4–14 grams and were found in forests threatened by mining and agriculture.
Genetic analysis shows significant divergence, confirming distinct evolutionary lineages, and the study involved collaboration among Canadian and U.S. institutions.

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Story summary

Researchers identified six new species of tube-nosed bats in the Philippines, published in Zootaxa.
The six species are Murina alvarezi, Murina baletei, Murina hilonghilong, Murina luzonensis, Murina mindorensis, and Murina philippinensis.
These bats weigh 4–14 grams and were found in forests threatened by mining and agriculture.
Genetic analysis shows significant divergence, confirming distinct evolutionary lineages, and the study involved collaboration among Canadian and U.S. institutions.