Thailand Discovers Rare Bat Species for First Time
Thailand has discovered the Hipposideros rotalis bat species for the first time in the country within Bueng Kan province's Sam Wale Stone Forest, a finding that expands knowledge of the nation's biodiversity.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced on July 26, 2025, that Thailand has discovered the Hipposideros rotalis (Laotian Leaf-nosed Bat) for the first time within the country. The discovery was made in the Sam Wale Stone Forest recreation area in Bueng Kan province, a significant finding that underscores the government's ongoing commitment to natural resource conservation and biodiversity protection.
The discovery is the result of work by the Forestry Research and Development Bureau under the Forest Department, conducted as part of a biodiversity survey project for vertebrate animals in the Sam Wale Stone Forest area. The research team, supported by the National Science and Technology Development Agency, began surveys in early 2025 and identified this bat species for the first time in Thailand, despite previous reports indicating it was found only in Laos.
Minister Suchat emphasized that the discovery reflects the ecological abundance of the Sam Wale Stone Forest ecosystem and provides valuable scientific data for understanding Thailand's biodiversity. Although this bat species is classified as having low extinction risk, the finding confirms that Thailand's forests retain significant potential for discovering scientifically important species in the future.
"The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment prioritizes surveying and conserving newly discovered wildlife and plant species because they reflect the completeness of our national natural resources. We will continue forest management alongside research support to preserve biodiversity and pass on rich natural resources to future generations," the minister said.
The Forest Department plans to strengthen management of the Sam Wale Stone Forest recreation area and continue supporting biodiversity research to generate new knowledge and enhance the effectiveness of Thailand's natural resource conservation efforts.
