Scientists rediscover Turkestan long-eared bat in Turkmenistan after 55 years

Scientists rediscovered the Turkestan long-eared bat in Turkmenistan after a 55-year absence, a species previously thought extinct. Researchers found a young female and an adult male in caves and a building demolition site, marking the first confirmed sightings and photographs of the species since 1970. Climate change is suspected to have reduced the bat population, but Turkmenistan plans a new nature reserve to protect it and other wildlife.