In an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike, a new species of bat has been found in Mexico’s Lacandona Rain Forest. The discovery was made along the banks of the Lacantún River, where researchers stumbled upon two greater spear-nosed bats (Phyllostomus hastatus), a species never before documented in Mexico. The bats were found roosting in a hollow Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra), marking the first instance of these creatures using this particular tree species as a roosting site. This groundbreaking observation has broad implications for both ecology and biodiversity conservation in the region.
The study, published in the journal Check List, reveals that this sighting expands the known range of the greater spear-nosed bat by about 75 miles northwest, from its closest known location in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. This marks a critical addition to the growing body of knowledge about the distribution of species within Mexico’s tropical forests, which are rapidly undergoing deforestation and human encroachment. The research team, led by J. Manuel Aranda-Coello, L. Arturo Hernández-Mijangos, and Manuel Weber, is now calling for urgent conservation measures to protect these newly discovered bat populations.
The Role of Kapok Trees in the Discovery
The discovery of the greater spear-nosed bats in a Kapok tree was particularly significant, as it is the first time this bat species has been observed using such trees for roosting. Known for their large, sturdy trunks, Kapok trees are common in the region’s rain forests, but until now, their role in bat habitat was unexplored. The Lacandona Rain Forest, a hotspot of biodiversity, has long been a subject of environmental concern due to ongoing deforestation.
The sighting of these large-bodied bats in the Kapok tree suggests that the tree may play a larger role in supporting biodiversity than previously understood. The well-preserved rain forest along the Lacantún River provides an essential sanctuary for a variety of species, some of which may be facing existential threats due to illegal resource extraction and the expansion of agricultural activities in the region. The greater spear-nosed bats’ preference for these trees could signal a unique ecological relationship, which underscores the importance of preserving these habitats.
A Closer Look at the Greater Spear-Nosed Bat
The greater spear-nosed bat is considered a large-bodied species, second only in size to the giant fruit bat in the Neotropics. Researchers noted that the bats’ distinguishing features included their well-developed nose leaves, which are used for echolocation, as well as their tails and dark brown fur. These characteristics allowed researchers to identify them as Phyllostomus hastatus, a species previously known in Guatemala but never recorded in Mexico.
The bats’ forearm length—up to 3 inches—combined with their large wings, enable them to travel great distances, which could contribute to their expansion into new territories like Mexico. The discovery of this species in the Lacandona Rain Forest raises questions about how these bats are adapting to the changing landscape and what this could mean for other wildlife in the region. In light of the growing environmental pressures facing the area, it is crucial that this newly identified population be monitored closely.
Adult male Phyllostomus hastatus, captured on 30 July 2024 in the Lacandona rain forest, Chipas, Mexico. A) Facial view. B) Forearm length measurement. Credit: Check List (2025). DOI: 10.15560/21.4.652
Urgent Calls for Conservation Efforts
Given the deforestation in the Lacandona Rain Forest, researchers are urging the Mexican government and conservation organizations to add the greater spear-nosed bat to the country’s list of protected species. The study’s authors highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts in the region, which is facing growing threats from illegal logging, land conversion, and human encroachment.
The bats’ presence in the region could be at risk due to these environmental challenges, making the conservation of their habitat all the more critical. By documenting this new population of bats, the research team hopes to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Lacandona Rain Forest and its unique inhabitants. The discovery also emphasizes the broader issue of wildlife protection in areas where rain forests are rapidly disappearing, making it essential for local, national, and international stakeholders to collaborate on effective conservation strategies.