Yushu Tube-nosed Bat: Reflections on the Discovery of a New Species and a Call for a National Action Plan for Bat Conservation in China

Recently, multiple media outlets reported that scientists have discovered a new species of bat in the Sanjiangyuan region of Qinghai Province, naming it the “Yushu Tube-nosed Bat” (Latin name: Murina yushuensis). The findings have been published in the Journal of Mammalogy. This unique bat inhabits high-altitude caves at an elevation of 3,770 meters, distinguishing itself from its relatives that are typically found in warmer, more humid regions. Its ability to adapt to such extreme environments offers a fresh perspective on the ecological adaptability and migratory behaviors of bats. In light of this discovery, I would like to discuss six key points.

Above pic: Yushu Tube-nosed Bat. Source: XINHUA News Agency

1. Celebrating a New Species Record

The Sanjiangyuan area of Qinghai is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and the discovery of the Yushu Tube-nosed Bat is indeed a cause for celebration. It enhances our understanding of how tube-nosed bats can survive and thrive in high-altitude, extreme environments. The dedication, professionalism, and meticulousness of the research team have unveiled the mysteries surrounding this species and provide new insights into how plateau organisms cope with climate change and other environmental pressures. Therefore, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to this exceptional research team.

Prior research indicates that there are 1,482 known species of bats worldwide, making them one of the most diverse groups among mammals. 

However, once a previously unrecorded species is discovered, we must consider how to ensure its habitat is effectively protected. Are current conservation measures sufficient to address potential environmental changes and the pressures of human activities? Particularly concerning is the cave ecosystems that these bats rely on—will they be adversely affected or destroyed by overtourism, mining, light pollution, and noise pollution? These are critical questions we need to ponder.

Moreover, does the discovery of a new species imply an improvement in ecological health? Logically, the emergence of a new species does not necessarily reflect a healthy ecosystem. Ecosystems are complex and dynamic; the presence or documentation of a single species may not accurately represent the stability and health of the entire ecosystem. Therefore, a more comprehensive study of overall ecological changes is essential.

In other words, while the discovery of a previously undocumented species is indeed a scientific advancement, it is crucial to integrate other ecological indicators and long-term data to fully understand environmental changes. It is inappropriate to simply interpret the discovery of a “new species” in a specific location as evidence of improved ecological conditions.

2. Caution Against Overusing the Term “New Species”

It is common to see reports on new discoveries framed with the phrase “new species found.” But what constitutes a new species? Often, the species has long existed in its habitat; labeling it as a “new species” reflects a human-centric perspective. Whether it is discovered or not, the species has been there all along. Therefore, a more accurate expression would be “newly discovered species” or “newly recorded species” rather than “new species.”

From the perspective of mainstreaming biodiversity, this is a point that requires careful consideration and clarification.

Above pic: Yushu Tube-nosed Bat. Source: XINHUA News Agency

3. New Species Record is Positive; However, We Should Not Be Blindly Optimistic

In recent years, the Sanjiangyuan region has seen promising developments in biodiversity conservation, such as the establishment of Sanjiangyuan National Park and the implementation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law. These are positive signs. However, we must recognize that globally, the alarming trend of biodiversity loss has not diminished.

The Kunming Framework includes four long-term goals (the "2050 Global Long-term Goals") and 23 action targets (the "2030 Global Action Targets") aimed at halting and reversing the loss of natural environments. Among these long-term goals is the commitment to “halt human-induced species extinctions.” Thus, the road to biodiversity conservation remains arduous. This has become a focal topic as nations actively work to advance efforts at the 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16).

(Above picture: the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) is taking place in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 2, 2024. During this meeting, governments will review the implementation of the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (referred to as the “Kunming Framework”). Parties are expected to demonstrate how their national biodiversity strategies and action plans align with the Kunming Framework. The conference will further develop a monitoring framework and promote resource mobilization for the Kunming Framework. As an observer to the CBD, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation delegation is currently attending the conference. Source: CBCGDF)

4. Addressing the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity

The significance of this research is profound, particularly concerning the effects of climate change on biodiversity. High-altitude ecosystems are inherently fragile and susceptible to the impacts of climate change and human activities. How will climate change affect the Yushu Tube-nosed Bat and its habitat? Is the ecological environment in the cave area stable enough to support the long-term survival of this new species? How can we assess the impact of climate change on its cave habitat? The discovery of this new species serves as an opportunity to encourage more comprehensive and profound thinking in biodiversity conservation, ensuring that our efforts do not merely scratch the surface of discovery. This represents an excellent opportunity to advance the mainstreaming of biodiversity.

In other words, while the discovery of the Yushu Tube-nosed Bat is a remarkable scientific achievement, it also prompts a deeper consideration of the ecological contexts in which it exists. As we move forward, a balanced and proactive approach to biodiversity conservation is essential.

 5. Attention to the Health of the Food Chain Behind Bats—Insects

Bats primarily rely on insects as their main food source, and a decline in insect populations directly impacts their survival and reproductive abilities. Without sufficient food, bats may suffer from malnutrition, weight loss, and even decreased survival rates.

Particularly, tube-nosed bats are indeed professional insect hunters, as their name suggests.

The genus Murina, which includes tube-nosed bats, comprises small-sized bats characterized by their tubular noses. This unique feature aids them in detecting scents while hunting, making them especially adept at capturing insects mid-flight. Generally small and predominantly brown or grayish in color, tube-nosed bats primarily feed on insects. Their ears, wings, and noses have all adapted to this lifestyle, allowing them to use echolocation to accurately track their prey. In forest ecosystems, tube-nosed bats play a crucial role in controlling pest populations, thereby helping to maintain ecological balance and contributing positively to the health of both forests and agricultural lands. They are mainly distributed across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia, with many species residing in specific mountainous or forested areas. This genus is notably diverse, with scientists discovering new species of tube-nosed bats in various regions in recent years.

On October 8, 2024, just before "World Migratory Bird Day", the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) released its first report on the decline in insect populations and their relationship with migratory birds, titled Insect Decline and Its Threat to Migratory Insectivorous Animal Populations. This report is based on 32 bird species, 55 bat species, and 4 fish species identified as CMS target species. It found that the decrease in insect populations has led to significant declines in many migratory insectivorous species, particularly those that primarily rely on insects for sustenance. Insects are vital not only for migratory birds worldwide but also for the survival of bats and fish. The decline in insect numbers may also indirectly affect ecosystem functions and habitats, such as altering vegetation, which in turn could reduce ground-nesting species' habitat or diminish the fruit-bearing plants that insect-pollinated birds rely on.

Some of the key findings of this report include:

a) The decline in insect biomass, abundance, and diversity poses a significant threat to migratory insectivorous species, diminishing food availability during migration and throughout other life stages, thereby jeopardizing many monitored species by the CMS.

b) Changes in land use, climate change, and pollution are the primary drivers of the global decline in insect populations, and these factors often interact and intertwine with one another.

Therefore, when we discuss the conservation of a newly discovered species, we must pay attention not only to the species itself but also to the health of the ecological systems it inhabits, including the cave ecosystems where bats reside, as well as the broader food chain.

 6. Recommendations for a National Survey and Conservation Action Plan for Bats in China

In recent years, due to the pandemic and other factors, there has been a significant increase in prejudice against bats. Such incidents have occurred in many parts of our country. It's particularly alarming that some media outlets have mistakenly portrayed bats as fearsome virus carriers, encouraging people to shun them. Recently, there was an absurd incident at a tourist attraction in Guangxi where people called the fire department to remove bats flying around a building's roof. While this may seem like a way to protect the public, it's actually a grave mistake in terms of biodiversity conservation, as it could potentially destroy a breeding population due to misinformation. This incident has made me realize how crucial it is to mainstreaming accurate biodiversity knowledge. 

Currently, there are nearly 1,500 known bat species worldwide; however, research on bat species within China is relatively scarce. There is an urgent need to conduct in-depth studies on the fundamental information, current status, and endangered levels of bats, as well as to initiate national-level species conservation actions. For instance, as of now, no extensive and systematic research has been conducted on bat migration within the country. Questions surrounding the survival status, geographical distribution, habitats, endangered status, and the measures necessary to protect these chiropterans, which hold a special place in the ecosystem, require more thorough investigation.

With the recent discovery of the Yushu Tube-nosed Bat, the total number of known bat species in China has risen to 143. Yet, as of now, no bat species has been listed in the national catalog of key protected wildlife in China. Only 8 species have been included in the updated 2023 list of terrestrial wild animals with important ecological, scientific, and social value, commonly referred to as the “Three Significant Species List.”

Bats are the only flying group among mammals, and their role within ecosystems cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of foundational research in this area within the country, coupled with widespread misconceptions in public discourse. Experts, both domestic and international, have indicated that habitat changes pose a significant threat, with alterations to temples, ancient structures, caves, and residential buildings being particularly detrimental to many bat species. For instance, in 1958, an investigation by an expert group from China and the Soviet Union at the Summer Palace's Foxiang Pavilion documented the presence of three bat species, with thousands of individuals present; it is reported that they were completely eradicated shortly thereafter. It is also believed that the large colonies of bats residing under the eaves of the Confucius Temple in Qufu have long since been removed. Changes in housing structures for both rural and urban residents, as well as extensive cave development, have led to the drastic decline of bat populations. The prolonged use of pesticides has also contributed to the direct and indirect reduction of bat populations. In urban and rural areas, the once-common sight of bats emerging at dusk to feed on insects has significantly diminished.

We strongly recommend that China promptly undertake a national survey involving bat species and establish a national-level bat conservation action plan.

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Original article in Chinese see:

Wong, Linda. 玉树管鼻蝠现身三江源，反思“新物种”记录——呼吁制定中国蝙蝠保护国家行动计划. 海洋与湿地, 2024-10-28. https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/uIfwyABSKVuK6R1jbXjg2g

Cite this article:

Wong, Linda. Yushu Tube-nosed Bat: Reflections on the Discovery of a New Species and a Call for a National Action Plan for Bat Conservation in China. OceanWetlands, 2024-10-28

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/uIfwyABSKVuK6R1jbXjg2g

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About the author: 

Linda Wong is the deputy secretary-general of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), and a member of the ETF Working Group on Mitigating Impacts on Bats of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). She launched the Bat Conservation Action Network (BCAN) on June 20, 2023, as a species protection initiative aimed at promoting biodiversity mainstreaming. The Initiative seeks to enhance media and public awareness of bat conservation while advocating for the establishment of a national species action plan for bat protection in China.

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Author: Linda Wong

Editor: Richard

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