The Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), a rare species in the region, was recently spotted in the Saudi Arabia's northern borders.
The region have fostered a rich array of ecosystems, supporting a unique biodiversity that relies heavily on natural resources, according to SPA.
Typically native to the western coast of the Americas, this bat is seldom seen outside its usual range. Its presence in the region highlights the area's pristine nature and hints at the existence of other undiscovered rare and unique species.
Bats, the only mammals capable of flight, are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Biologists have confirmed that the Pallid bat, not native to the Middle East, thrives in arid environments. These bats roost in rock crevices during the day and emerge at night to feed on insects and worms. They hibernate during the winter and give birth to one or two pups in the spring, which they wean after about 40 days.
The primary benefit of bats lies in their role as natural pest controllers. Consuming up to 40% of their body weight in insects daily, including mosquitoes.
Additionally, bats play a critical role in pollinating plants and dispersing seeds, making them invaluable to wildlife restoration efforts in the Kingdom.
