Asian Journal of Current Research

Bats (Chiroptera) make up 20% of all mammal species and play vital ecological roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. India is home to a diverse range of bat species.

Even though they are not blind, many species of bats possess highly developed ultrasonic bio-sonar abilities known as "echolocation," which they employ to navigate and capture insects in complete darkness. However, habitat loss and human disturbances threaten their populations, necessitating effective conservation strategies. Traditional identification methods, including morphology and echolocation, face challenges due to cryptic diversity and species overlap. This review explores the modern approaches used for transforming species identification in bats. Advancements in DNA barcoding, particularly using the COI gene, have improved species identification and conservation planning. Bioacoustics offers a non-invasive monitoring tool, though call variations pose limitations. The use of bioacoustics monitoring in the conservation of animals has been increasing rapidly due to recent developments in technology and analytical techniques. Bioacoustics stands apart from the related field of eco-acoustics in that it is behaviour-centric and concentrates on the acoustic signals of individuals and species rather than more general ecological environments or approaches. Morphometric analysis remains essential but is often insufficient alone. Integrating molecular, acoustic, and morphometric approaches enhances bat species identification and supports conservation efforts. An integrated methodology utilising genetic, acoustic, and morphometric data is essential for effective bat research and conservation planning.