bats Surely when you pronounce this word, the classic image of that small, restless bat with sharp fangs that comes out at night to feed on the blood of other animals immediately comes to mind. The truth is that it is incredible to discover that There are more than 1,100 identified species in the world, each one adapted to the environment in which it develops and with particular and unique characteristics. For example, have you ever heard of the panda bat?
We know there are fruit bats, hog-nosed bats, flying fox bats… wonderful species that capture our surprise and interest. But among the infinite universe of curious animalsthe panda bat deserves special attention. It is an animal as exotic as it is fascinating, which we will talk about today in Supercurious. Can you come with us? Well, let’s get started!
How is the panda bat?
Delve into the depths of Africa It is one of the most memorable experiences to exist. The infinite steppes, the mountains such as the mighty Kilimanjaro, the elephants, lions, zebras and giraffes… everything comes together to create an incredible ecosystem, unique in the world. And this is precisely the home of the curious panda bat, which is originally from Sudan.
Its existence was first recorded in 1939, when a group of biologists advanced through the thick and wonderful forests of Ituri, in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is such a dense setting that it is common to find species that are still unknown. It was for a brief moment, a moment when, suddenly, a strange winged being crossed before them that looked like a cross between a small monkey and a bat. How could it be?
It was only a short interval of time in which it was impossible for them to take pictures, let alone capture it. The natives already knew of the existence of the panda bat, but as they themselves said, it was a very elusive animal that was rarely seen. They never met him again, remaining more like a legend from the forests of the Congo than a real species.
It was during 2013, when a group of flora and fauna researchers from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism of South Sudan, organized an expedition to find that ghost bat again. The panda bat, as elusive as it is attractive. And they were successful, of course. Biologists were amazed by the peculiarity of this bat. It has some unique spots and lines in its kind. In fact, according to them, rather than looking like a panda, it looks like a badger. A badger with wings. An animal that required a different and very particular classification because its characteristics are rarely seen until now.
A new genre: The Numbaha
The biologist, DeeAnn M. Reeder, tells us that as soon as she saw it, she knew that they were with one of the most unusual bats ever seen. The panda bat has a skull unlike any other, as well as its ears, its wings and even its size. It does not fit with anything that was known so far. Hence, biologists have been forced to create a new genus of bat for him: Numbaha.
And what exactly does “Numbaha” mean? In the Azande language it means “strange, strange”. A really appropriate name, no doubt. Although the media and the whole world already know him as “the bat-panda”. This creature is in danger, like so many others, due to the exclusive habitat where it develops. Biologists remind us, once again, of the need to take care of these unique scenarios in the world, such as the forests of the Congo, where species as incredible as this one continue to appear.
Some facts about the behavior of the panda bat
The rarity of this peculiar animal has meant that little is known for sure about it. The density of its natural habitat, added to the elusiveness of its behavior, mean that the panda bat remains full of mysteries and fascinates scientists and researchers. What is presumed about him is that he must have a fairly high flight. This, together with his unsociable character, is what could have made his observation so difficult.
From the shape and size of its wings, experts also deduce that the panda bat It can have a leisurely flight, with great capabilities to maneuver in open areas. From there also derives the deduction that it is guided by echolocation.
Other curious species: The tube-nosed bat
We did not want to end this article without introducing you another variety of bat discovered in 2009 in Papua New Guinea. This is the tube-nosed bat. It’s quite a find, as you can see. It has a nice air of Shrek, which makes us smile almost unintentionally. It feeds on fruit and its peculiar nose, devoid of any type of structure, means that on rainy days it does not stop sneezing. One more example of those wonders that nature hides and that, day by day, brings us creatures that we did not know yet, showing us how little we know about our own world and how beautiful (or particular) it can be.
And you,Did you know about the existence of the panda bat? Would you like to have the opportunity to spot this curious little animal with your own eyes? Dare to leave us all your opinions in a comment. We will be happy to read you! And if you are, like us, a declared lover of nature and the animal world, don’t miss the article in which we tell you about the extraordinary panda ant. We have a super curious next topic!