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We present the results of our 13th annual horizon scan of issues likely to impact biodiversity conservation. Issues are either novel within the biological conservation sector or could cause a substantial step-change in impact, either globally or regionally. Our global panel of 26 scientists and practitioners identified 15 issues that we believe represent the highest priorities for tracking and action. Many of the issues we identified, including the impact of satellite megaconstellations, and the use of long-distance wireless energy transfer, have elements of threats and emerging opportunities. The recent state-sponsored application to commence deep-sea mining represents a significant step-change in impact. We hope that this horizon scan will increase research and policy attention on the highlighted issues.

Hemiphyllodactylus zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. Zhutangxiang slender gecko Holotype. Adult male (KIZ061157) collected on 21 August 2018 by Ade P. Agung, Ada Chornelia, Jianmei Lu, L. Lee Grismer, Jesse L. Grismer, Evan S.H. Quah, Brian Folt, and Myin Kyaw Thura from forested karst approximately 1 km northwest of Zhutangxiang town, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China (22.72345°N, 99.80087°E; 1499 m in elevation). Paratypes. Four adult females (KIZ061156, KIZ061158–60) bear the same data as the holotype, two adult males (KIZ061164, KIZ061166) and six adult females (KIZ061161–63, KIZ061165, KIZ061167–68) were collected on 26 June 2019 by Ade P. Agung, Jianmei Lu and Yang Zongbao from karst forest nearby Zhutangxiang town, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China (22.732306°N 99.798167°E; 1492 m in elevation). Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners by having the unique combination of a maximum SVL of 44.42 mm; 7–9 chin scales; enlarged postmentals; five circumnasal scales; 2–4 internasal scales; 8–11 supralabial scales; 8–11 infralabial scales; subdigital lamellae on fingers II–V (3–5)-(4–6)-(4 or 5)-(4 or 5); subdigital lamellae on toes II–V (4 or 5)-(4 or 5)-(4–6)-(4 or 5); dorsal scales 11–15; ventral scales 5–7; having pale-grey base color on body with various transverse blotched patterns on the dorsal side; a dark postorbital stripe extending to at least base of neck; no dorsolateral or ventrolateral stripe on trunk; postsacral marking bearing dark fork-like pattern with anteriorly projecting arms. Description of holotype. Adult male, SVL 41.35 mm; head triangular in dorsal profile, depressed, distinct from neck (HL 7.20 mm; HW 7.57 mm); lores flat; snout long (SnEye 3.95 mm; SnEye/HL 55%), narrow (SnW 1.40 mm; SnW/HW 16%); eye large (ED 2.12 mm; ED/HL 30%); rostral scale wider than high, bordered posteriorly by two large supranasals and four internasals (IS); nares bordered anteriorly by rostral scale, ventrally by first supralabial scale, dorsally by supranasal scale, posteriorly by two postnasals; supralabials square, 9/9 (left/right), tapering from rostral to a point in line with posterior margin of orbit (SL); infralabials square, 9/9 (left/right), tapering from mental to a point in line with posterior margin of orbit (IL); scales on head small, rounded, largest on rostrum; mental triangular, bordered by first infralabials and posteriorly by two enlarged postmentals; each postmental bordered anterolaterally by first infralabial; eight chin scales touching internal edges of infralabials from juncture of the 2nd and the 3rd on left and right and mental scale (Chin); scales in gular region rounded, non-overlapping, becoming larger and more ovoid on venter. Robust body type and small, (TrunkL/SVL 48%), dorsoventrally compressed; dorsal body scales small, granular, 11 dorsal scales at midbody contained within one eye diameter; ventral body scales smooth and flat, much larger than dorsal scales, subimbricate, five ventral scales at midbody contained within one eye diameter; fore-limbs relatively short, covered dorsally with granular, subimbricate scales, smaller smooth scales ventrally; palmar scales flat, unevenly shaped, non-overlapping; finger I vestigial, clawless, fingers II–V welldeveloped; proximal subdigital lamellae undivided, rectangular; distal subdigital lamellae divided and undivided, angular, U-shaped, except terminal lamellae rounded, undivided; lamellar formula on fingers II–V (4)-(4)-(4)-(4) on left hand and (3)-(4)-(4)-(4) on right hand; claws on fingers II–V well-developed, unsheathed, strongly curved; hind limbs short, covered dorsally with granular, subimbricate scales, smaller smooth scales ventrally; plantar scales flat, unevenly shaped, non-overlapping; toe I vestigial, clawless, toes II–V well-developed; proximal subdigital lamellae undivided, rectangular; distal subdigital lamellae divided and undivided, angular, U-shaped, except terminal lamellae rounded, undivided; lamellar formula on toes II–V (4)-(4)-(4)-(4) on both feet; claws on toes II–V welldeveloped, unsheathed, strongly curved; cloacal spurs (CloacS) one on each side; tail long, original (TL 37.40 mm; TL/SVL 90%), round in cross-section, dorsal scales on tail larger than on body and head, smaller than subcaudals, no plate-like subcaudal scales. Coloration in life (Figure 5). All Hemiphyllodactylus are known to have the ability to considerably change the intensity and boldness of their coloration and pattern. The description below was taken when the holotype was photographed in the morning after it had been captured. The base color of the dorsal side of the head, body, and limbs are pale-grey and densely mottled with darker markings; top of head overlain with dark blotches; dark pre-and postorbital stripes extend from the external nares, through eye to just anterior of forelimb insertion on the body; postsacral marking bearing dark fork-like pattern with anteriorly projecting arms; limbs bearing irregularly shaped, diffuse, dark markings; tail bearing irregularly shaped, dark and light colored alternating markings; abdomen unicolor grey. Variation. Coloration of this species varies considerably (Figure 5). Variation of mensural and meristic data are presented in Table 6. Distribution. Hemiphyllodactylus zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. is at present only known from the type localities nearby Zhutangxiang town, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China (Figure 7). ......continued on the next page ......continued on the next page Natural history. The holotype was collected together with the four paratypes (KIZ061156, KIZ061158–60) in the evening on 21 August 2018 on the cement wall of an abandoned building which was surrounded by cement mining activities in a forested karst area approximately 1 km northwest of Zhutangxiang town (Figure 6). The other eight paratypes (KIZ061161–68) were collected together in the evening on 26 June 2019 approximately 1 km further north from the holotype’s locality, in another cement mine within an area of forested karst. The specimens were also collected when they were crawling on the cement wall of an abandoned building. Etymology. The specific epithet, zhutangxiangensis, refers to the name of the town Zhutangxiang in Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China, close to where the specimens were found. Morphological comparisons. We statistically compared the new species with Hemiphyllodactylus changningensis in its sister lineage, in clade 3 (see results, Table 5, and Figure 4). In addition, in terms of body ratios, H. zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. differs from H. changningensis, H. zalonicus, and H. longlingensis by having a shorter head (HL/SVL = 0.17–0.20 versus 0.22–0.25, 0.22–0.23, 0.22–0.24, respectively); wider head (HW/HL = 1.03–1.13 versus 0.72–0.80, 0.68, 0.75–0.80, respectively); greater SnEye distance (SnEye/HL = 0.53–0.60 versus 0.41–0.49, 0.40–0.42, 0.42–0.45, respectively); greater NarEye distance (NarEye/HL = 0.39–0.44 versus 0.30–0.37, 0.28–0.31, 0.29–0.34, respectively); larger eyes (ED/HL = 0.30–0.36 versus 0.21–0.25, 0.23–0.30, 0.22–0.25, respectively); a wider snout (SnW/HL = 0.19–0.22 versus 0.12–0.16, 0.14, 0.12–0.14, respectively). In terms of scalation, the new species differs from H. changningensis by having more CN (five versus three or four); differs from H. zalonicus by having fewer VS and DS (5–7 versus 9–10, and 11–15 versus 17–18, respectively). For the lamellar, femoroprecloacal pores, and coloration, the new species differs from H. changningensis and H. zalonicus by having more lamellae on the hand (3–5)-(4–6)-(4 or 5)-(4 or 5) versus (3)-(3 or 4)-(3 or 4)-(3), and (3)-(3)-(3)-(3), respectively); more lamellae on the foot (4 or 5)-(4 or 5)-(4–6)-(4 or 5) versus (3)-(3 or 4)-(3 or 4)-(3 or 4), and (3)-(4)-(4)-(4), respectively). Furthermore, H. zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. also differs from H. changningensis by having dark transverse blotches on the dorsum, while such blotching is absent in the later; the absence of a dark reticulate dorsal pattern, present on the later; and having a fork-like dark-colored postsacral marking, that is absent in the later. It also differs from H. zalonicus by having more femoroprecloacal pores (20–23 versus 16–20); having dark transverse dorsal blotches, while these are absent in the later; having a fork-like dark-colored postsacral marking, that is absent or indistinct in the later (see Table 7 for comparative values)., Published as part of Agung, Ade Prasetyo, Grismer, L. Lee, Grismer, Jesse L., Quah, Evan S. H., Chornelia, Ada, Lu, Jianmei & Hughes, Alice C., 2021, A new species of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Yunnan, China and its phylogenetic relationship to other congeners, pp. 1-27 in Zootaxa 4980 (1) on pages 11-24, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4980.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4882802, {"references":["Grismer, L. L., Chit, M. T., Pawangkhanant, P., Nazarov, R. A., Zaw, T. & Poyarkov, N. A. (2020 b) The phylogeny of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with a description of a new species from the Mangin Range, Sagaing Region, northern Myanmar. Journal of Natural History, 54, 1913 - 1931. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222933.2020.1833095","Guo, W., Zhou, K., Yan, J. & Li, P. (2015) A new species of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from western Yunnan, China. Zootaxa, 3974 (3), 377 - 390. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 3974.3.5"]}

Hemiphyllodactylus zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. Zhutangxiang slender gecko Holotype. Adult male (KIZ061157) collected on 21 August 2018 by Ade P. Agung, Ada Chornelia, Jianmei Lu, L. Lee Grismer, Jesse L. Grismer, Evan S.H. Quah, Brian Folt, and Myin Kyaw Thura from forested karst approximately 1 km northwest of Zhutangxiang town, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China (22.72345°N, 99.80087°E; 1499 m in elevation). Paratypes. Four adult females (KIZ061156, KIZ061158–60) bear the same data as the holotype, two adult males (KIZ061164, KIZ061166) and six adult females (KIZ061161–63, KIZ061165, KIZ061167–68) were collected on 26 June 2019 by Ade P. Agung, Jianmei Lu and Yang Zongbao from karst forest nearby Zhutangxiang town, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China (22.732306°N 99.798167°E; 1492 m in elevation). Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners by having the unique combination of a maximum SVL of 44.42 mm; 7–9 chin scales; enlarged postmentals; five circumnasal scales; 2–4 internasal scales; 8–11 supralabial scales; 8–11 infralabial scales; subdigital lamellae on fingers II–V (3–5)-(4–6)-(4 or 5)-(4 or 5); subdigital lamellae on toes II–V (4 or 5)-(4 or 5)-(4–6)-(4 or 5); dorsal scales 11–15; ventral scales 5–7; having pale-grey base color on body with various transverse blotched patterns on the dorsal side; a dark postorbital stripe extending to at least base of neck; no dorsolateral or ventrolateral stripe on trunk; postsacral marking bearing dark fork-like pattern with anteriorly projecting arms. Description of holotype. Adult male, SVL 41.35 mm; head triangular in dorsal profile, depressed, distinct from neck (HL 7.20 mm; HW 7.57 mm); lores flat; snout long (SnEye 3.95 mm; SnEye/HL 55%), narrow (SnW 1.40 mm; SnW/HW 16%); eye large (ED 2.12 mm; ED/HL 30%); rostral scale wider than high, bordered posteriorly by two large supranasals and four internasals (IS); nares bordered anteriorly by rostral scale, ventrally by first supralabial scale, dorsally by supranasal scale, posteriorly by two postnasals; supralabials square, 9/9 (left/right), tapering from rostral to a point in line with posterior margin of orbit (SL); infralabials square, 9/9 (left/right), tapering from mental to a point in line with posterior margin of orbit (IL); scales on head small, rounded, largest on rostrum; mental triangular, bordered by first infralabials and posteriorly by two enlarged postmentals; each postmental bordered anterolaterally by first infralabial; eight chin scales touching internal edges of infralabials from juncture of the 2nd and the 3rd on left and right and mental scale (Chin); scales in gular region rounded, non-overlapping, becoming larger and more ovoid on venter. Robust body type and small, (TrunkL/SVL 48%), dorsoventrally compressed; dorsal body scales small, granular, 11 dorsal scales at midbody contained within one eye diameter; ventral body scales smooth and flat, much larger than dorsal scales, subimbricate, five ventral scales at midbody contained within one eye diameter; fore-limbs relatively short, covered dorsally with granular, subimbricate scales, smaller smooth scales ventrally; palmar scales flat, unevenly shaped, non-overlapping; finger I vestigial, clawless, fingers II–V welldeveloped; proximal subdigital lamellae undivided, rectangular; distal subdigital lamellae divided and undivided, angular, U-shaped, except terminal lamellae rounded, undivided; lamellar formula on fingers II–V (4)-(4)-(4)-(4) on left hand and (3)-(4)-(4)-(4) on right hand; claws on fingers II–V well-developed, unsheathed, strongly curved; hind limbs short, covered dorsally with granular, subimbricate scales, smaller smooth scales ventrally; plantar scales flat, unevenly shaped, non-overlapping; toe I vestigial, clawless, toes II–V well-developed; proximal subdigital lamellae undivided, rectangular; distal subdigital lamellae divided and undivided, angular, U-shaped, except terminal lamellae rounded, undivided; lamellar formula on toes II–V (4)-(4)-(4)-(4) on both feet; claws on toes II–V welldeveloped, unsheathed, strongly curved; cloacal spurs (CloacS) one on each side; tail long, original (TL 37.40 mm; TL/SVL 90%), round in cross-section, dorsal scales on tail larger than on body and head, smaller than subcaudals, no plate-like subcaudal scales. Coloration in life (Figure 5). All Hemiphyllodactylus are known to have the ability to considerably change the intensity and boldness of their coloration and pattern. The description below was taken when the holotype was photographed in the morning after it had been captured. The base color of the dorsal side of the head, body, and limbs are pale-grey and densely mottled with darker markings; top of head overlain with dark blotches; dark pre-and postorbital stripes extend from the external nares, through eye to just anterior of forelimb insertion on the body; postsacral marking bearing dark fork-like pattern with anteriorly projecting arms; limbs bearing irregularly shaped, diffuse, dark markings; tail bearing irregularly shaped, dark and light colored alternating markings; abdomen unicolor grey. Variation. Coloration of this species varies considerably (Figure 5). Variation of mensural and meristic data are presented in Table 6. Distribution. Hemiphyllodactylus zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. is at present only known from the type localities nearby Zhutangxiang town, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China (Figure 7). ......continued on the next page ......continued on the next page Natural history. The holotype was collected together with the four paratypes (KIZ061156, KIZ061158–60) in the evening on 21 August 2018 on the cement wall of an abandoned building which was surrounded by cement mining activities in a forested karst area approximately 1 km northwest of Zhutangxiang town (Figure 6). The other eight paratypes (KIZ061161–68) were collected together in the evening on 26 June 2019 approximately 1 km further north from the holotype’s locality, in another cement mine within an area of forested karst. The specimens were also collected when they were crawling on the cement wall of an abandoned building. Etymology. The specific epithet, zhutangxiangensis, refers to the name of the town Zhutangxiang in Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China, close to where the specimens were found. Morphological comparisons. We statistically compared the new species with Hemiphyllodactylus changningensis in its sister lineage, in clade 3 (see results, Table 5, and Figure 4). In addition, in terms of body ratios, H. zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. differs from H. changningensis, H. zalonicus, and H. longlingensis by having a shorter head (HL/SVL = 0.17–0.20 versus 0.22–0.25, 0.22–0.23, 0.22–0.24, respectively); wider head (HW/HL = 1.03–1.13 versus 0.72–0.80, 0.68, 0.75–0.80, respectively); greater SnEye distance (SnEye/HL = 0.53–0.60 versus 0.41–0.49, 0.40–0.42, 0.42–0.45, respectively); greater NarEye distance (NarEye/HL = 0.39–0.44 versus 0.30–0.37, 0.28–0.31, 0.29–0.34, respectively); larger eyes (ED/HL = 0.30–0.36 versus 0.21–0.25, 0.23–0.30, 0.22–0.25, respectively); a wider snout (SnW/HL = 0.19–0.22 versus 0.12–0.16, 0.14, 0.12–0.14, respectively). In terms of scalation, the new species differs from H. changningensis by having more CN (five versus three or four); differs from H. zalonicus by having fewer VS and DS (5–7 versus 9–10, and 11–15 versus 17–18, respectively). For the lamellar, femoroprecloacal pores, and coloration, the new species differs from H. changningensis and H. zalonicus by having more lamellae on the hand (3–5)-(4–6)-(4 or 5)-(4 or 5) versus (3)-(3 or 4)-(3 or 4)-(3), and (3)-(3)-(3)-(3), respectively); more lamellae on the foot (4 or 5)-(4 or 5)-(4–6)-(4 or 5) versus (3)-(3 or 4)-(3 or 4)-(3 or 4), and (3)-(4)-(4)-(4), respectively). Furthermore, H. zhutangxiangensis sp. nov. also differs from H. changningensis by having dark transverse blotches on the dorsum, while such blotching is absent in the later; the absence of a dark reticulate dorsal pattern, present on the later; and having a fork-like dark-colored postsacral marking, that is absent in the later. It also differs from H. zalonicus by having more femoroprecloacal pores (20–23 versus 16–20); having dark transverse dorsal blotches, while these are absent in the later; having a fork-like dark-colored postsacral marking, that is absent or indistinct in the later (see Table 7 for comparative values).

Southeast (SE) Asia holds high regional biodiversity and endemism levels but is also one of the world's most threatened regions. Local, regional and global threats could have severe consequences for the future survival of many species and the provision of ecosystem services.In the face of myriad pressing environmental problems, we carried out a research prioritisation exercise involving 64 experts whose research relates to conservation biology and sustainability in SE Asia. Experts proposed the most pressing research questions which, if answered, would advance the goals of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in SE Asia. We received a total of 333 questions through three rounds of elicitation, ranked them (by votes) following a workshop and grouped them into themes.The top 100 questions depict SE Asia as a region where strong pressures on biodiversity interact in complex and poorly understood ways. They point to a lack of information about multiple facets of the environment, while exposing the many threats to biodiversity and human wellbeing. The themes that emerged indicate the need to evaluate specific drivers of biodiversity loss (wildlife harvesting, agricultural expansion, climate change, infrastructure development, pollution) and even to identify which species and habitats are most at risk. They also suggest the need to study the effectiveness of practice-based solutions (protected areas, ecological restoration), the human dimension (social interventions, organisational systems and processes and, the impacts of biodiversity loss and conservation interventions on people). Finally, they highlight gaps in fundamental knowledge of ecosystem function. These 100 questions should help prioritise and coordinate research, conservation, education and outreach activities and the distribution of scarce conservation resources in SE Asia.

Supplemental Material for Small Things Matter: The Value of Rapid Biodiversity Surveys to Understanding Local Bird Diversity Patterns in Southcentral Mindanao, Philippines by Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo, Marion John Michael M. Achondo and Alice C. Hughes in Tropical Conservation Science

Anthropogenic caused environmental changes coupled with rapid population growth are altering the Earth’s biota at unprecedented rates, posing an alarming threat to the long-term persistence of many species of both animals and plants and so, a science-based prioritisation encompassing multiple dimensions is necessary. In the over 7000 Islands of the Philippine archipelago, a large proportion of bat diversity constitute the mammalian fauna of the country, which performs various ecological functions. However, many species are in need of high conservation attention yet the level and understanding of their vulnerability remain anecdotal. In this study, we aim to determine the vulnerability of Philippine bat species from different threats, which is important to establish effective conservation decision making and prioritisation in the future. We found that habitat loss and direct human-driven (e.g., hunting) is the main threat to more than half of the Philippine bat species. As expected, threatened and endemic species are facing higher levels of vulnerability with the strong positive relationship between Species Vulnerability Index (SVI) and Absolute Number of Threats. However, a weak relationship between Species-Research Effort Allocation (SREA) and SVI indicating a strong disparity in efforts and priorities among species. Given the high species richness, endemism, vulnerabilities, and disparity in efforts, the Philippine is indeed a conservation hotspot for bat biodiversity. We suggest that priorities should holistically consider multiple facets in knowledge paucity, levels of threats and species vulnerability for effective conservation process. Eyeing carefully on the emerging and unknown threats, increasing conservation education, and forging equitable partnerships and capacity building to bolster bat conservation in the Philippines.

Effective science-based conservation priorities and policies are crucially important to effectively maintain biodiversity into the future. For many threatened species and systems insufficient information exists to generate priorities, or the mechanisms needed to effectively conserve species into the future, and this is especially important in megadiversity countries like the Philippines, threatened by rapid rates of development and with few overarching strategies to maintain their biodiversity. Here, using a bibliographic approach to indicate research strengths and priorities, we summarised scientific information on Philippine bats from 2000-2017. We examine relationships between thematic areas and effort allocated for each species bat guild, and conservation status. We found that an average of 7.9 studies was published annually with the majority focused on diversity and community surveys. However, research effort is not even between taxonomic groups, thematic areas or species, with disproportionate effort focusing on ‘taxonomy and systematics’ and ‘ecology’. Species effort allocation between threatened and less threatened species does not show a significant difference, though this may be because generalist species are found in many studies, whereas rarer species have single species studies devoted to them. A growing collaborative effort in bat conservation initiatives in the Philippines has focused on the protection of many endemic and threatened species (e.g., flying foxes) and their habitats. The implementation of conservation relevant policies, outreach programs, capacity building, and mainstreaming of evidence-based conservation are encouraged to strengthen bat conservation in the Philippines.

There is an urgent need to address interlinked sustainability issues in a world challenged by inequality, finite resources and unprecedented changes across Earth’s systems. As Future Earth Fellows, based on our collective expertise in a diverse range of sustainability issues, here we identify a specific need to recognise and respond appropriately to the nexus between human health and wellbeing, urbanisation, and ecosystem services (the ‘WUE nexus’). This nexus is a priority area for research, policy and practice. In particular, it provides a useful pathway to meet the challenges of successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this brief, we present the following policy recommendations:1. By emphasising urban-rural linkages, foster an integrated approach to ensure food security, food safety, and health promotion;2. Secure resilient livelihoods for all, in particular for vulnerable groups; and3. Integrate co-production of knowledge in science for decision-making, including the co-design of implementation frameworks, and the adoption of a nexus approach.

We present the results from our 12th annual horizon scan of issues likely to impact biological conservation in the future. From a list of 97 topics, our global panel of 25 scientists and practitioners identified the top 15 issues that we believe society may urgently need to address. These issues are either novel in the biological conservation sector or represent a substantial positive or negative step-change in impact at global or regional level. Six issues, such as coral reef deoxygenation and changes in polar coastal productivity, affect marine or coastal ecosystems and seven relate to human and ecosystem-level responses to climate change. Identification of potential forthcoming issues for biological conservation may enable increased preparedness by researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers.

Voucher specimens have played a fundamental role in biology, but ethical and conservation concerns have been raised over unnecessary collection of organisms. From 1996 to 2017, 222 studies mentioned the collection of 7482 bats of 376 species, mostly from South America and Asia (India, China, and South-East Asia). Researchers mostly aimed to compile checklists or establish geographic ranges. Strong ethical reasons exist to avoid unnecessary collection, and suitable alternatives should be sought; for example, collecting voucher specimens for retrospective taxonomic confirmation can be replaced with molecular methods. We provide information on alternative methods and when to use them to avoid harming fragile populations of bats.