Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat (Scotophilus kuhlii)

Rate this post

πŸ¦‡ Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat (Scotophilus kuhlii) – The Golden-Hued Night Flier of the Tropics

The Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat, scientifically known as Scotophilus kuhlii, is a small but remarkable bat species found across South and Southeast Asia. Known for its bright yellow to golden-brown fur, this insectivorous mammal plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, especially in forested and rural areas. Despite its small size, it is an ecological powerhouse, and yesβ€”it’s also present in the Sundarbans!

Let’s explore its taxonomy, morphology, behavior, habitat, and its special presence in the Sundarbans 🌿.


πŸ“š Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia

  • Phylum: Chordata

  • Class: Mammalia

  • Order: Chiroptera

  • Family: Vespertilionidae

  • Genus: Scotophilus

  • Species: Scotophilus kuhlii

  • Common Name: Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat


πŸ¦‡ Morphology & Physical Description

  • Size: A small bat, with a forearm length of 45–55 mm

  • Wingspan: Roughly 25–30 cm

  • Weight: Around 15–25 grams

  • Coloration:

    • Golden-yellow to reddish-brown dorsal fur

    • Lighter, often whitish or pale yellow underparts

  • Ears: Short and rounded with a well-developed tragus (an ear structure crucial for echolocation)

  • Wings: Long and narrow, well-suited for fast, agile flight in open areas


🌍 Habitat & Distribution

  • Found in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and widely across Southeast Asia

  • Occupies tropical and subtropical regions, often roosting in:

    • Tree hollows

    • Roofs of houses

    • Temple attics and thatched huts

    • Old buildings and crevices

This bat species thrives close to human habitation, making it a familiar sight in rural villages and even urban edges.


🌟 Special Features & Behavior

πŸ¦— Insect-Eating Champion

  • Feeds on moths, mosquitoes, beetles, and other nocturnal flying insects

  • Can consume up to 1,000 insects in a single nightβ€”making it a natural pest controller

πŸ“‘ Master of Echolocation

  • Navigates and hunts using high-frequency sound waves, echolocating mid-air insects with stunning precision

πŸŒ™ Nocturnal & Colonial

  • Roosts during the day in groups, emerging after dusk to forage

  • Highly social, often found in colonies of dozens or even hundreds


🌿 Presence in the Sundarbans

Yes, the Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat is known to inhabit the Sundarbans, especially in the fringe forest villages and degraded mangrove patches.

🌾 Habitat in the Sundarbans:

  • Roosts in tree hollows, thatched rooftops, and crevices of village structures

  • Feeds over paddy fields, ponds, and mangrove clearings, taking advantage of the rich insect life

  • Plays a vital role in keeping mosquito and pest populations in check, indirectly aiding human health and agriculture

⚠️ Threats:

  • Habitat loss due to deforestation, modernization, and renovation of traditional homes

  • Disturbance of roosts in temples and old structures

  • Misconceptions about bats leading to unnecessary killing


🚨 Conservation Status

  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern – thanks to its wide distribution and adaptability

  • However, local threats can cause population declines in specific regions like the Sundarbans

  • Needs more community-based awareness for protection, especially around human dwellings


The Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat may be small and often overlooked, but its role in insect control and ecological balance is immenseβ€”especially in sensitive ecosystems like the Sundarbans. With their golden sheen and aerial acrobatics, they are truly the unsung heroes of the night sky.


πŸ’‘ Credit Note

✨ Experience the untamed night and vibrant day in the heart of nature with a Sundarban private tour package or indulge in ultimate comfort with a Sundarban luxury tour.
πŸ›Ά Dive deep into the wilderness with our trusted Sundarban tour options curated for nature lovers.
🐟 Celebrate Bengal’s culinary gem at the upcoming Sundarban ilish utsav, where tradition meets taste in the delta’s embrace.


Learn more about the Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat on Wikipedia.