Why in the News
The first confirmed record in India of Titania's woolly bat (Kerivoula titania) has come from the Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya. The research paper was published in Animal Taxonomy and Ecology on 13 January 2026. After this record, the number of bat species in India has become 137.
Species
Kerivoula titania
Location in India
Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
Previously known areas
Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China's Yunnan
Range extension
about 500 km westwards
Species in India
137
Diagram: original table.
How was it identified?
According to the research paper's abstract, a recently collected specimen was described morphologically (external and skull-dental structure). Along with it, the first information on the species' baculum (the male's bone), and data on mtDNA, echolocation calls and wing structure were also given. According to NE Now's report, the specimen was found in the December 2024 field survey, in a community-owned forest near Thankharang village in the East Khasi Hills, at a height of about 870 metres. A harp trap and an acoustic lure were used to catch it.
Where does the exam confusion arise?
The research paper's claim is only that this species has been recorded for the first time within India's boundary. The list of previously known areas is taken from the news report. The figures of about 500 km westwards and 137 are in the research paper's abstract.
Direction of preparation from previous questions:
Statement-based questions have appeared in the official UPSC Preliminary Examination 2023 General Studies Paper-I. So prepare the species, the place and the meaning of "first record" separately. The questions below are original practice, not actual PYQs.
Prelims Style: Practice Questions
Question 1. With reference to Kerivoula titania, consider the following statements:
Statement 1: This is the first documented record of this species within India's boundary.
Statement 2: In this report it has been described as a new species.
Statement 3: With this record, the number of bat species in India has become 137.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
See answer and reason
Answer: (b) Only two. Statements 1 and 3 are correct. This is not a new species, but the first record in the country.
Question 2. According to the news report, in which areas was this bat known before India?
(a) Only the Western Ghats
(b) Africa's rainforests
(c) Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and China's Yunnan
(d) Sri Lanka and the Maldives
See answer and reason
Answer: (c). These are the areas stated in NE Now's report.
Question 3. According to the research paper's abstract, which data were used to confirm the identification?
(a) Morphology, baculum, mtDNA, echolocation calls and wing structure
(b) Only satellite tracking
(c) Only camera-trap images
(d) Only local people's information
See answer and reason
Answer: (a). These are the data listed in the abstract.
Sources:
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