A team of Bolivian scientists has found an unusual bat with a very striking peculiarity: its tongue measures 8.5 centimeters . It is undoubtedly the longest tongue – in relation to its size. among mammals on record so far.
Experts discovered this extraordinary bat in the Madidi National Park (Bolivia) , the most diverse protected area on the planet, as well as being the first record of this species in Bolivia, according to the journal of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) .
The bat in question is the Anoura fistulata or tube-lipped nectar bat, described just 10 years ago in Ecuador and of which only three records appear worldwide . What makes it so unique, its extremely long tongue, allows it to access the interior of the deepest flowers to feed on their nectar .
Scientists from the Bolivian expedition also found in this treasure trove of biodiversity what appears to be (pending genetic studies) a new species of large-headed frog ( Oreobates sp. Nov. ) From the Craugastorida family.
