Vol. 77 2025

ARTICLES

New Records on Echolocation and Distribution of Barbastella darjelingensis Hodgson, 1855 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Tran Van Tien1, Heliana Dundarova2, Hoang Trung Thanh3, Nguyen Tran Vy4 & Vu Dinh Thong5,6,*

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1Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Academy of Public Administration and Governance, 77 Nguyen Chi Thanh road, Lang Thuong ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam; E-mail: tientv@napa.vn
2Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; E-mail: heliana.dundarova@iber.bas.bg
3Faculty of Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai Road, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam; E-mail: hoangtrungthanh@hus.edu.vn
4Institute of Life Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 85 Tran Quoc Toan Str., District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; E-mail: vychim@gmail.com
5Institute of Biology, VAST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam; E-mail: thongvudinh@gmail.com
*6Graduate University of Science and Technology, VAST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam

https://doi.org/10.71424/azb77.4.002912

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Abstract

The eastern barbastelle (Barbastella darjelingensis) is a bat species that is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia; yet, it is a poorly studied species. In particular, data on its echolocation remain extremely limited, with only two published records from India. Between November 2023 and November 2024, we conducted targeted bat surveys in Northern Vietnam and assessed the occurrence and acoustic characteristics of B. darjelingensis. Two individuals were captured and their echolocation calls were recorded in both natural habitats and in a controlled flight tent. Our analysis reveals that B. darjelingensis emits multiharmonic echolocation calls (previously undocumented for this species) and may exhibit alternating energy distribution across harmonics. Although currently classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive data, our findings suggest the species may face increasing threats from hunting, habitat degradation and tourism-related disturbances. This study provides the first detailed characterisation of the echolocation call structure of B. darjelingensis and expands our knowledge on its regional distribution. These findings offer valuable insights to inform future research, monitoring and conservation efforts for this species.

Key words

Asia, bioacoustics, conservation, multiharmonic calls, Vietnam

How to Cite
Tien T. V., Dundarova H., Thanh H. T., Vy N. T. & Thong V. D. – New Records on Echolocation and Distribution of Barbastella darjelingensis Hodgson, 1855 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). 2025. Acta zoologica bulgarica 77 (4): 435-441.

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