Diversity, conservation, and endemism of the bats (Chiroptera) of Mexico

An updated checklist of the bats of Mexico is presented, comprising eight families, 71 genera, and 146 species. Since the last checklist published by Ramírez-Pulido et al. (2014), two new species have been described: <i>Vampyressa villai</i> and <i>Corynorhinus leonpaniaguae</i>, and two more, <i>Phyllops falcatus</i> and <i>Phyllostomus hastatus</i>, were recorded for the first time in the country. Additionally, 22 taxonomic changes have occurred since the previous list. Of the 146 bat species recorded, 20 are endemic to Mexico, highlighting the country's megadiversity, reflection of its unique biogeographic and ecological characteristics. This remarkable distinction also brings significant responsibility, as Mexico holds the highest number of endemic bat species worldwide. Consequently, protecting these endemic species and those at risk of extinction must be a top priority in the country's decision-making processes and conservation policies.