Six New Bat Species Discovered in Threatened Philippine Forests

Scientists have discovered six new species of tube-nosed bats in the Philippines, adding to the remarkable biodiversity of the island nation’s endangered forests. Named for their distinctive protruding nostrils, these tiny insect-eating mammals weigh just 4-14 grams—roughly the weight of a few coins.

The discovery comes from years of painstaking fieldwork across multiple Philippine islands. “These bats are notoriously elusive, so the tube-nosed bat collection this study examined was cobbled together over many years, expeditions, and memorable experiences—one bat at a time,” explained study co-author Jodi Sedlock from Lawrence University. Researchers analyzed museum specimens collected over the past two decades, using both physical characteristics and genetic analysis to identify the new species.

The newly described bats inhabit primary and secondary forests that face mounting pressure from mining operations and shifting agricultural practices. Each species has been found only in specific regions, with some limited to single mountains or island groups. Two of the species honor Filipino scientists who dedicated their lives to studying the country’s wildlife: Alvarez’s tube-nosed bat, named for young bat biologist James Alvarez who died in 2018, and Balete’s tube-nosed bat, honoring zoologist Danilo S. Balete who passed in 2017.

This discovery underscores both the incredible biodiversity hidden within Southeast Asian forests and the urgent need for conservation. As these unique ecosystems face increasing threats, scientists race to document species that may disappear before we even know they exist.