For the first time in 55 years, scientists in Uzbekistan have discovered an exceptionally rare bat: the Turkmen long-eared bat
Scientists from the Institute of Zoology at the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, working alongside international colleagues, have documented the presence of the Turkmen long-eared bat (Plecotus turkmenicus) — a highly rare and poorly studied species—within the country.
This unique discovery was made during an expedition to the Southern Ustyurt National Nature Park. Prior to this, all scientific knowledge regarding this bat species was based on research conducted before 1970 and a few rare museum specimens. The Turkmen long-eared bat had not been seen in the wild in Central Asia for over 55 years.
The expedition was carried out as part of the international "One Health in Nature Conservation" project, implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with support from the German Ministry for the Environment.
The discovery of this rare animal marks a significant scientific milestone; it confirms the region's rich biodiversity and opens new avenues for the study and protection of endangered fauna in Central Asia.
ORIENT
