Small Mail Newsletter celebrating the most useful yet most neglected for CCINSA & RISCINSA -- Chiroptera, , Insectivore, & Scandens Conservation and Information Networks of South Asia Volume 1 Number 2 Aug-Dec 2009

Greetings Batters and Ratters ! Contents We have had no complaints as yet about the combination of the two taxa fondly referred as “ ‘n rats” in our New Network Members CCINSA / RISCINSA newsletter, or our training workshops which have covered P. 2 both taxa for a long time. BCI has a New Leader, P. 2 This half of the year, we conducted two seperate training workshops that were very different. The first was in Importance of monitoring non-volant small mammals in Bhutan, a field techniques training workshop held often in the , Meena Venkatraman, Pp. 3-7 the outdoors, and the second was a and ecolation Opinion, Rajith Dissanayake, P. 8 training held in at the famous MKU Lab as well as an occasional foray out to test the echolator. Bats of Nepal, Hari Adhikari, Pp. 9-16 Another interesting information is that IUCN SSC has of in , Mayuri requested the Chiroptera Specialist Group to change its R. Wijesinghe, Pp. 17-18 name to Bat Specialist Group. We will not change our Notes on Breeding Indian Giant (Ratufa network name...we will remain CCINSA. indica) at Mysore Zoo, Lakshminarasimha R and Anil Good wishes, Sally Walker, Convenor Garg, Pp. 19-20 Flex Board at Nagarjuna Reporting from Godawari, Sanjan Thapa, Suchieta Shrestha, Sagar Dahal, Arjun Thapa and Rameshwor Kaphle, Pp. 21-23 Lunar Phobia in a Microchiropteran Bat, Hipposideros speoris, S. Suthakar Isaac, Pp. 24-25 The Threat of Climate Change, R.A. Adams, Pp. 26-28 The Training Tale of Hari Adhikari, S. Walker, Pp. 29- 30 Sighting of the Lesser False Vampire Bat Megaderma spasma in Phansad WildlifeSanctuary, Dist. Raigad, , India. Nikhil Bhopale1 and Kavita Malya, Pp. 31 Netting technique, capture and handling of Pteropus giganteus, Sudhakaran M.R. and Swamidoss, D.P., Pp. 31- 32 Obituary - Prof. Dr. A. Gopalakrishna, P. 33 Training in Field techniques for Small mammals, Bhutan, Sonam Choden and R. Marimuthu, Pp. 34-38 Bat Taxonomy and Echolocation Workshop for Researchers at M.K.U., B.A. Daniel, Pp. 39-44 On 11 July, 2009 Small Mammals Conservation and Public Education on Bats throughout India using Research Foundation, SMCRF displayed a 4x3 square feet materials funded by BCI, Pp. 45-46 flex board at the Nagarjuna Peace Cave, Kathmandu. The board includes the information and importance of bats and Announcement: Bat Biology and Conservation it’s conservation aspect. The objective of the program is Workshop. P 47 to create an awareness on conservation of bats to locals and tourists visiting the caves. Sanjan Thapa

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 1 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 New Network Members BCI has a New Leader CCINSA On March 1st, Bat Conservation Adhikari, Niranjan,Coordinator for Publication & Communication, International will welcome its new NaReCon, Rupandehi Dist., Nepal. [email protected], Executive Director, Nina Fascione. She succeeds Merlin Tuttle, who Sudhakaran, M.R., Lecturer, Dept. of Advance Zoology & founded BCI in 1982 and built it into Biotechnology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi 627 412 the world’s foremost organization . [email protected] for bat conservation.

Ariyarathna, Sameera Chaturanga, Supun, Koswathumanana, “I have known and admired Merlin Karandeniya, Sri Lanka. [email protected] for many years, and I am thrilled at this opportunity to help protect his Mallik, Ashok Kumar, Res Scholar, Center for Ecol Science, legacy and build on it as Bat Nina Fascione IIS, Bangalore 560 012, . [email protected] Conservation International expands into the future,” Fascione said. Mohan, K.C., Secretary, NaReCon, Pokhara, Nepal. [email protected], [email protected] She currently is Vice President for Field Conservation Programs at Defenders of Wildlife in Washington, D.C. She joined the organization as a program associate in 1995 and rose quickly to Madala, Malik Fasil, Research Scholar, Dept. of Wildlife leadership positions. A conservation professional for 24 years, Science, College of Forestry, Agricultural University, Fascione brings a rich range of experience with wildlife, 680 656, Kerala. [email protected] including bats, to her new role of leading BCI. Shrotriya, Shivam, C/o Mr. Milap Singh Mehta, Pithoragarh 262 Fascione has worked in various aspects of bat-conservation 501 Uttarakhand. [email protected] w education and outreach, and currently leads Defenders of Wildlife’s work on White-nose Syndrome—a devastating epidemic Biswas, Jayant, Researcher, National Cave Research and that has killed an estimated million or more hibernating bats of six Protection Organisation, Central Zone, Raipur 492 001 species in nine states. She was co-chair of the American Zoo and Chhattisgarh. [email protected], [email protected] Aquarium’s Bat Taxon Advisory Group in 1991-97, coordinating strategic planning and implementation of conservation and Wangyal, Jigme Tshelthrim, Forest Officer / Researcher, breeding programs for threatened bats. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Trashiyanstse, Bhutan. [email protected], [email protected] Internationally, she was an advisor to such initiatives as a lion project in northern Kenya, a koala-conservation summit in Dendup, Tashi, Senior Forest Ranger, Wangdue Forest Division, Australia and zoo-research training in Taiwan. She co-founded Lobesa, Bhutan. [email protected], the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program. She also [email protected] worked with a coalition of groups to draft and seek congressional support for the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act to fund the Wangdi, Sonam, Forestry Officer, Nature Conservation conservation of 15 imperiled species. Division, Thimphu, Bhutan. [email protected], [email protected] “We are very excited about Nina’s enthusiasm and her vast experience in the conservation of mammals and especially her Picot Manuel, Monica, Student, Jnana Prabodhini Samshodhan interest in bats during her many years of service with Defenders Sanstha (JPSS), Pune 411 030, Maharashtra. of Wildlife,” said John Mitchell, Chair of BCI’s Board of [email protected] Trustees.

Singh, Astha, Research Scholar, Ranchi University, Ranchi, When Merlin Tuttle founded BCI, many American bat species Jharkhand. [email protected], [email protected] were endangered or declining in numbers severe enough to warrant concern. Today, bats are facing their greatest threats RISCINSA ever—White-nose Syndrome and wind turbines. “Stepping back from BCI after all these years has been difficult, Rengarajan, Lakshminarayanan Rengasamy, Research Scholar, but Nina Fascione is an excellent choice to lead the organization Dept. of Science, Bharathidasan University, into the future and I look forward to working with her,” said Tiruchirappalli 620 024 Tamil Nadu. [email protected] Merlin. “I wish only the best for Nina and BCI in the years to come.” Wangyal, Jigme Tshelthrim, Forest Officer / Researcher, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Trashiyanstse, Bhutan. About BCI [email protected], [email protected] Bat Conservation International’s (BCI) mission is to protect bats and their habitats for a healthy planet. The non-profit organiza- Dorji, Kuenzang, Senior Instructor, Ugyen Wangchuck Institute tion, based in Austin, Texas, and its 10,000 members are devoted for Conservation and Envirornment, Bumthang, Bhutan. to conservation, education, and research initiatives involving bats [email protected], [email protected] and the ecosystems they serve. Founded in 1982 by Dr. Merlin Tuttle, the organization has achieved unprecedented progress, Dendup, Tashi, Senior Forest Ranger, Wangdue Forest Division, emphasizing sustainable uses of natural resources to benefit both Lobesa, Bhutan. bats and people. For more information, visit www.batcon.org. [email protected],[email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Malik, Aitzaz Ahsan, Student, Sabri Manzil, Jhelum, Pakistan. Susan Kwasniak [email protected], [email protected] [email protected] 512.327.9721

2 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Importance of monitoring non-volant small mammals in the Western Ghats Meena Venkatraman

The Western Ghats are included among the global (Daniels 2003). Seventeen out of 76 known species of hotspots. Proportion of endemics among birds and murid rodents and seven out of 26 species of ground mammals are lesser than those of other vertebrate taxa shrews occurring in India have been recorded in the occurring in the Western Ghats. 22% of murids and 27% Western Ghats (Kumar et al. 2001). of ground shrews occurring in India are found here. Of these, 16 non-volant small mammals are endemic. Several The community ecology of birds and mammals are of studies conducted in this region have shown rodent immense importance and fascination to managers, communities to be distinctive with respect to habitats naturalists and scientists alike. To a naturalist, each and also sensitive to habitat degradation. It is proposed habitat represents a unique visual treat with its distinct that rodent communities can be used as the basis of complex of calls and sounds. To a scientist the varia- monitoring changes in the habitat. It has also been tions in the bird and mammal assemblages represent the suggested that the recent sub-clusters nomination of influence of habitat and thereby ecosystem functioning. natural heritage sites extending the length of Western To the manager, these assemblages and their survival Ghats from Agasthyamalai to Sahyadri be used as represent the health of the ecosystem. Mammals such as monitoring units across the landscape. the Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Tiger (Panthera tigris) Nilgiri Langur (Trachypithecus johnii), Lion-tailed Western Ghats: Natural Heritage Macaque (Macaca silenus) are some of the charismatic Regions that have lost at least 70% of their original flagships that form the focus of conservation habitat and yet support more than 60% of the world's programmes for the Western Ghats. In all, there are 20 biodiversity are recognized as biodiversity hotspots national parks and 68 sanctuaries across the Western (Myers 1988). Globally, 34 biodiversity hotspots are Ghats located in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, recognized (Mittermeier 2004). The Western Ghats-Sri Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa and . Following Lanka region is one of the richest and most fascinating identification of areas of high conservation value (Das among them. The Western Ghats are spectacular moun- et al. 2006), 39 sites in 7 sub-clusters in the States of tain ranges that extend for 1600 km covering 1,40,000 Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra have km² area along the west coast of peninsular India. The been nominated for inscription on the World Natural forests of the Western Ghats can be considered as the Heritage list (Figure 1). In this context, it is relevant to best representatives of non-equatorial tropical ever- review the importance and available information on small green forest that include a mosaic of landscapes, mammals. varying from thorn scrub to dense evergreen forests. The Western Ghats form a distinctive biogeographic Non-Volant small mammals zone (5B) with small proportions of Western Ghats- 1.Status Surveys Malabar plains zone (5A) and Deccan Peninsula-Deccan Non-volant small mammals (NVSM) include insectivores South zone (6E) included with it (Rodgers et al. 2002). (hedgehogs and shrews), scandents (tree shrews) and Three distinct forest types, namely, Montane rodents. Among order rodentia the prominent families Rainforest, Moist Deciduous and Dry Deciduous forests, include Sciuridae () and Muridae (rats and are further categorized into six ecological zones. mice). NVSM play an important role as seed predators and dispersal agents in tropical forests, in addition to A variety of geomorphic formations of the Western contributing to energy flow and nutrient cycling Ghats are proof of geological processes that occurred (Fleming 1975). They form an important prey base for and indicate the biogeographic history of the country medium-size carnivores and raptors (Hayward and with representatives of Eastern Himalayan, Indo- Phillipson 1979). Yet, population decline, loss of Malayan and Ethiopian affinities. In addition, the endemics and changes in species richness and abun- pronounced variation in altitude (up to 2865 m), latitude dance as a result of anthropogenic activities remain (8° to 21° N) and marked rainfall gradient combine to sparsely documented. A total of 16 NVSM endemics produce an intriguing pattern of biodiversity making up occur in the Western Ghats and Western Ghats-Sri a fascinating assemblage of flora and fauna, many of Lanka complex (table 1). In the past two decades only which are endemic and endangered. Among the verte- three long-term studies on small mammals (Molur 2009, brates, amphibians (78%) and reptiles (62%) have the Chandrashekar-Rao 1995, Shanker 1998) and few short- highest number of endemic species while birds (4%) and term studies and surveys have been conducted (Meena mammals (12%) record a much lower proportion of 1997, Kumara and Singh 2006, Kumar et al. 2005). endemics (Daniels 2003). 586 species of birds and 137 mammal species with a distinct distribution across 701, Vesta-b, Thane 400 601, Maharashtra. habitats have been reported for the Western Ghats [email protected],[email protected]

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 3 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Figure 1: Serial nomination of Natural Heritage sites in the Western Ghats

4 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Ecological studies and surveys of Indian Giant Squirrel pattern of small mammal distribution and indicated the (Ramakrishnan 1991, Borges et al. 1992, Dutta and Goyal diverse pattern of small mammal communities with 1996, Ramachandran 1998, Kumara and Singh 2006, respect to habitat. Indeed these patterns of small Srinivas et al. 2008), Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Joshua mammal community and habitat have been the central and Johnsingh 1992, Sharma 1992, Ramachandran 1993, theme of research for a large body of literature on the Paulraj and Kasinathan 1993, Venkataraman 1996, topic. The implications of habitat disturbance, degrada- Kumar et al. 2007), and flying squirrels (Rajamani 2000, tion and loss on small mammal community structure are 2001, 2008; Kumara and Singh 2006) have also been also of great interest. These studies show that contrary sporadic. to popular opinion small mammals particularly, murids are not all adaptable or invasive. Habitat degradation leads 2. Species composition to local of sensitive species, invasion of How important is the knowledge of species composition dominants and alteration in species composition (Molur and community ecology for conservation? The and Singh 2009). In the absence of continued research Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary was a wonderful choice and documentation of status and distribution, the loss of for a study that I undertook on small mammals in 1997. diversity or the magnitude of change on NVSM remains In three months of data collection, I had six species of unknown. rodents and one insectivore that were represented by 396 captures of 195 individuals out of a total of 7,425 Monitoring Protocols trap nights with a reasonably high overall capture rate Focal species of 5.3% (Venkataraman 1997, Venkataraman et al. 2005). What was more remarkable about the study site The Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura) was the gradient of habitats that changed from scrub in The Grizzled Giant Squirrel is endemic to India and Sri the east, giving way to dry deciduous and then to moist Lanka. It is protected as Schedule I of the Indian deciduous habitat (Figure 2). This gave a very distinct Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and has been assigned Vulnerable status (IUCN Ver 3.1). Historically, its range

Figure 2: Location of study plots with respect to habitats (Scrub: plots 1-3; dry deciduous 4- 9, moist deciduous 10-12) across the Mudumalai WLS during small mammal survey (Venkataraman et.al. 2005)

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 5 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Table 1: Endemic Insectivores, Scandent and Rodents of Western Ghats and Western Ghats-Sri Lanka Scientific Name Common Name India* W. W. Ghats- Ghats Sri Lanka Order: Insectivora Hemiechinus nudiventris Madras Hedgehog + Suncus dayii Day’s Shrew + Suncus montanus South Asian Highland Shrew + Suncus niger Nilgiri Highland Shrew + Feroculus feroculus Kelaart’s Long-clawed Shrew + Order: Rodentia Family: Sciuridae Petinomys fuscocapillus Travancore Flying Squirrel + Funambulus tristriatus Western Ghats Squirrel + Funambulus sublineatus Dusky-striped Squirrel + Ratufa indica Indian Giant Squirrel + Ratufa macroura Grizzled Giant Squirrel + Family: Muridae Rattus ranjinae + ** Rattus satarae Western Ghats Forest + Canopy Rat Millardia kondana Kondana Rat + Mus famulus Bonhote’s Mouse + Platacanthomys Spiny Tree Mouse + Vandeleuria nilagirica Nilgiri Vandeleuria + * Endemic; reported from other parts of India and also located in Western Ghats ** (Malabar coast) included (Dharmapuri, Salem and Attur) Focal habitats and the rainshadow or eastern slopes of the Western The nominated seven sub-clusters starting from Ghats (Joshua and Johnsingh 1992). The species faces Agasthyamalai and ending in the Sahyadri sub-cluster habitat fragmentation due to habitat loss particularly include a range of habitats with unique assemblage of owing to spread of plantations. Presently, substantial flora and fauna (Figure 1). These sub-clusters can be population occurs in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, used to record the gradient change in rodent communi- Srivilliputtur Grizzled Giant squirrel sanctuary and ties from southern to the northern limits of the Western Siruvattu-kombai in the Palni Hills. Ghats. NVSM composition for southern Western Ghats has been recorded by Kumar et al. (2001), Jayson Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica): (2006). For the Anamalais Chandrasekhar-Rao recorded Endemic to India, widely distributed in peninsular five species (Rattus rattus, Mus platythrix, Golunda India, the Indian Giant Squirrel population has declined ellioti, Madromys blanfordi, Funambulus tristriatus); six by more than 20% due to habitat loss (Molur et al. species for Mudumalai WLS (Madromys blanfordi, 2005). It preferentially uses large trees and requires Rattus rattus, Mus platythrix, Mus musculus, Suncus canopy continuity (Borges et al. 1992). Other than montanus, Tatera indica, Platacanthomys lasiurus) by habitat loss, poaching has been identified as a major Venkataraman et al. (2005); and six species (Rattus threat to the species. rattus, Mus famulus, Mus platythrix, Platacanthomys lasiurus, Suncus murinus and Suncus dayi) for the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus) Upper Nilgirs have been recorded (Shanker 2000). For Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse is endemic to the evergreen Coorg regions adjoining Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri and forests of the Western Ghats. It has been mostly Talacauvery forests falling under Talacauvery associated with undisturbed forest patches (Jayson subcluster 14 species (Bandicota bengalensis, Golunda 2006, Molur and Singh 2009, Mudappa et al. 2001) and ellioti, Millardia meltada, Mus booduga, Mus musculus, can considered a good indicator of habitat quality.

6 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Rattus rufescens, Rattus satarae, Rattus wroughtoni, Molur, S. 2009. Habitat and status assessment of mammals with Vandeleuria nilagirica, Funambulus tristriatus, special reference to rodents and bats in southern Karnataka. PhD thesis submitted to Mysore University, Mysuru. 230 pp. Platacanthomys lasiurus, Suncus etruscus, Suncus Molur, S. and M. Singh 2009. Non-volant small mammals of the murinus and Suncus niger) have been reported by Molur Western Ghats of Coorg district, southern India. Journal of and Singh (2009). The Sahydri sub-cluster has unique Threatened Taxa 1(12): 589-608. geology, rocky lateritic plateaus with distinctive flora Mudappa, D., A. Kumar and R. Chellam, 2001.- Abundance and habitat selection of the Malabar spiny dormouse in the rainforests and fauna. NVSM surveys would be very informative. of the southern Western Ghats, India. Current Sci 80: 424-427. Myers, N., Mittermeier, R. A., Mittermeier, C. G., da Fonseca, G. A. Each sub-cluster includes a complex of habitats. Unique B., and Kent, J. 2000. Biodiversity hotspots for conservation habitats of the Western Ghats have to be conserved and priorities. Nature 403: 853-858. Paulraj, S. and N. Kasinathan 1993. Scantly known grizzled giant the changes occurring need to be monitored. Rodent squirrel (Ratufa macroura) of India: status and conservation. community composition can be used to understand the Indian Forester 119:828-833. changes caused due to habitat degradation. For in- Rajamani, N. 2000. Ecology and behaviour of the large brown stance, for the upper Nilgiris, the communities for shola flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) in a rainforest fragment, southern Western Ghats. M.S. Thesis. Pondicherry University, and grasslands were found to be distinctive (Shanker Pondicherry, India 1998). Other habitats such as Myristica swamps, the Rajamani, N. 2001. The status and distribution of the small bamboo and reed brakes exclusive to the Western Ghats Travancore flying squirrel (Petinomys fuscocapillus) and the large need to be surveyed and monitored. brown flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis). Final technical report, SACON, Coimbatore. Rajamani, N. and N. Parthasarathy 2008. Food habits of the Reference Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) in a rain Borges, R.M., S. Mali and S. Ranganathan 1992. The status, forest fragment, Western Ghats. Journal of Mammalogy 89 (6): ecology and conservation of the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa 1550-1556 indica), Tech Report No. 1, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Ramachandran, K.K. 1993. Status survey and distribution of Chandrasekar-Rao, A. and M.E. Sunquist 1996. Ecology of small endangered grizzled giant squirrel in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, mammals in tropical forest habitats of southern India. Journal of Kerala, India. Indian Journal of Forestry 16: 226-231 Tropical Ecology 12: 561- 571. Ramachandran, K.K., Ecology and behaviour of Malabar giant Das, A., J. Krishnaswamy, K.S. Bawa, M.C. Kiran, V. Srinivas, N.S. squirrel (Ratufa indica maxima) Schreber. KFRI Report 55 Kumar and K.U. Karanth 2006. Prioritisation of conservation (Summary), Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, 1988. areas in the Western Ghats, India. Biol Conservation 133: 16-31 Ramakrishnan, U. 1991. Behavioural studies of the Malabar Giant Dutta, A. and S.P. Goyal 1996. Comparison of forest structure and Squirrel and its habitat. M.S. Thesis. Pondicherry University, use by the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) in two riverine Pondicherry, India forests of India. Biotropica 28: 394-399. Rodgers, W.A., H.S. Panwar and V.B. Mathur 2002. Wildlife Fleming, T.H., 1975. The role of small mammals in tropical protected area network in India: A review. Wildlife Institute of ecosystems. Pp. 269-298 in Small mammals: Their productivity and India, Dehradun. population dynamics. Eds. F. Golley, K. Petrusewics, and L. Shanker, K. 1998. Community Ecology of small mammals in Ryszkowski. Cambridge University Press, New York. montane ecosystems of the Upper Nilgiris, southern India. Ph.D. Hayward, G.F. and J. Phillipson 1979. Community structure and thesis Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. 195 pp functional role of small mammals in ecosystems pp. 135-212 in Shanker, K. 2000. Small mammal trapping in tropical montane Ecology of small mammals. Ed. D.M. Stoddart. Chapman and Hall, forests of the Upper Nilgiris, southern India: an evaluation of London. Capture-Recapture models in estimating population size. Journal Jayson, E.A. 2006. Status, distribution, food and feeding of of Biosciences 25: 99-111 Malabar Spiny Dormouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus Blyth) in the Sharma, N. 1992. Status of endangered Grizzled giant squirrel Western Ghats of Kerala. Final Report of the Research Project and its habitat. M.S. Thesis. Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, KFRI Research Report No. 293. KFRI, Peechi. India Joshua, J. and A.J.T. Johnsingh 1992. Status of endangered Srinivas,V., P.D. Venugopal and S. Ram 2008. Site occupancy of Grizzled Giant Squirrel and its habitat. Pages 151-159 in Tropical the Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Ecosystems: ecology and management. Eds. K. P. Singh and J. S. Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. Current Science 95(7): 889- Singh. Wiley Eastern, New Delhi. 894. Kumar, A., R. Chellam, B.C. Choudhury, D. Mudappa, K. Vasudevan, Venkataraman, M. 1997. Small mammal communities of Mudumalai N.M. Ishwar and B. Noon. (2001). Impact of rainforest fragmen- Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India. M.S. Thesis. Pondicherry tation on small mammals and herpetofauna in the Western Ghats, University, Pondicherry, India : A summary of research findings. Wildlife Institute Venkataraman, M. 2001. The Malabar Spiny Dormouse of India, Dehradun, India. Platacanthomys lasiurus In Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumara, H.N. and M. Singh 2006. Distribution and relative Tamilnadu. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 94(3): abundance of giant squirrel and flying squirrel in Karnataka, 561. India. Mammalia, 70, 40-47. Venkataraman, M. 1996. A study of the Grizzled giant squirrel in Kumar, S., G. Agoramoorthy, M.J. Hsu 2007. Population size, Siruvattukadu-kombai. Report submitted to Palni Hills Conserva- density and conservation status of the grizzled giant squirrel in tion Council (PHCC), Kodaikanal. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, India Mammalia 71 (1): 89-94 Venkataraman, M., K. Shanker and R. Sukumar 2005. Small Mittermeier,R.A., Gil,P.R., Hoffmann,M., Pilgrim, J., Brooks, T., mammal communities of tropical forest habitats in Mudumalai Mittermeier, C.G., Lamoreux,J. and da Fonseca, G.A.B. (eds.) Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India. Mammalia 69 (3-4): 349-358 2004. Hotspots revisited. Cemex, Mexico Molur, S., C. Srinivasulu, B. Srinivasulu, S. Walker, P.O. Nameer and L. Ravikumar 2005. Status of South Asian Non-volant Small Acknowledgement Mammals: (C.A.M.P.) Workshop Report. Zoo Outreach Organiza- I would like to thank GIS cell Wildlife Insitute of India tion/CBSG-South Asia, Coimbatore, India, 618 pp. for the natural heritage site map.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 7 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Opinion

In March 2008 I was awarded a PhD for my revision of Funambulus palm squirrels. The centre of their diversity is in southern India and there seem to be far more species than assumed in the past with new endemics for India and Sri Lanka. My first paper on the subject has been severely delayed while I sit on a body of exciting research and data.

Tragically for Indian mammal research, absolutely no physical smaterial is allowed to be taken out from India for molecular work. Most of my work on a molecular basis was conducted on dry museum material held at London’s Natural History Museum, and DNA data from these is compromised. Long sequences of DNA are broken down and need to be sequenced in sections before being married together to restore them to a palpable original condition. Molecular work on this basis is slow and painstaking and worse, very expensive, but is all that is possible for decent taxonomic work on Indian wildlife outside India. By contrast, I did collect drops of blood from several specimens of squirrel in Sri Lanka, releasing them unharmed back to the wild and these drops of blood on Whatman filter paper (Whatman classic card) provided excellent sequences and voucher material.

Since the 1960s, detailed taxonomic work on Indian wildlife, mammals in particular has slowed down considerably. Despite a resurgence in mammal research progress seems very slow. I am reliably informed by Dr. Duckworth who discovered as new species of bulbul in SE Asia (along with a few others) last year, that SE Asian wildlife research lags about 20 years behind that of India. On the other hand there is no problem in moving out specimens from Laos PDR, and type specimens have been shared with the UK and Australia. Such enlightened sharing of material with “foreign” museums does not occur when it comes to India and Sri Lanka except when it comes to drops of blood. On the basis of my work in the Colombo Museum Sri Lanka, many specimens have been badly curated, damaged or lost and at least related historic collections survived in the London collection which retains the character of the entire collection as it was available originally. We can only hope that Indian museum collections have fared better and also remain accessible to researchers, though reports indicate evidence to the contrary with regards to collections originally housed in Calcutta.

Things move on, even though we live in times where taxonomy is regarded as largely completed with regards to birds and mammals (nothing could be farther from the truth). Taxonomists, like their charges are a vanishing species with little available funding. We are moving back to the time of the Victorian gentleman and the amateur, when individuals with enough personal resources carried out work themselves or were sponsored by interested philanthropists and millionaires, rather than state governments or more official funding bodies (that are often struggling for resources now or facing cutbacks).

At least there is more technology available for filming live like never before and such digitized information cannot be restricted as “sovereign property that may not be exported at any cost”. Of course Indian mangos, chillis and dried fish reach us in abundant quantities even if not even purified DNA from research subjects can be taken out of India, let alone drops of blood. We live in hope.

Rajith Dissanayake, BSc MSc PhD FLS FZS

[email protected]

8 (combined) BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter and Rat-A-Tattle - RISCINSA Newsletter Conservation and Information Network of South Asia, Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Bats of Nepal Hari Adhikari Introduction Additional information on locality records and habitat The present knowledge on bats of Nepal is incomplete preferences has been provided by Worth & Shah due to insufficient surveys. Based on the different (1969) and Chesemore (1970) (see Mitchell 1980). published literatures and research done on different parts of Nepal, 58 species of bats belonging to 25 Between 1967 to 1970, five new species of bats were genera are reported to exist and other 23 species of collected from districts of Banke, Dang-Deokhuri, 18 genera of bats have the possibility of occuring in Ilam and Sindu (Mitchell 1980). Myotis csorboi was the country. Cynopterus brachyotis and Sphaerias collected 4km east of Syangja, at 1300m elevation, blanfordi have been referenced in different Syangja District, about 30km south of Pokhara Town, literatures with scarce information and their presence Nepal by Dr. G. Csorba on 23 July 1995 and deposited in Nepal is uncertain. Nepal has high diversity in in the Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural geographical and topographical features, which has History Museum, Budapest. G.Y. Topal made a led to the presence of many bat species. Extremely statistical analysis of some other species of the remote areas and mountains have not been surveyed, subgenus Leuconoe () to describe this which may have the possibility of supporting as yet species as new to science (Topal 1997). undescribed species. In the absence of legal protection, survival of these species is threatened. During the further zoological expeditions by the staff of the Hungarian Museum in Southeast Asia, the Bat research conducted in the past in Nepal reveals specimen of io was collected for the first time many new species for the country. History of from Nepal in Gandaki Province Bimalnagar, Sidda Chiroptera research dates back to 1823 when Brian H. Ghupa (Monk Cave), 750m. Altogether four males and Hodgson collected mammals till 1843 which laid the two females were collected by G. Csorba, Gy. Laszlo, foundation of Himalayan mammalogy (Hinton et al. G. Ronkay and L. Ronkay (Csorba 1998). 1923). Hodgson reported 11 genera and 17 species (Gray 1863) and Scully (1888) recorded nine genera On the second half of the 20th century, some Russian and 19 species (see Mitchell 1980). and Hungarian expeditions came to Nepal for the purpose of collecting voucher specimens of bats for After a century of Hodgson’s collection, mammals museums and making field observations. Specimens of were collected from August 1920 to March 1921 by Lt. Ia io, Murina cyclotis and Kerivoula hardwickii Col. R.L. Kennion with the assistance of the Society’s represent first records of these species from Nepal Collector, N.A. Baptista. This expedition led to while Myotis csorbai proved to be new species. 23 conformation of bat species, and some new species species were conformed for their existence in Nepal were also found. Altogether 23 species of bats were and checklist of 51 bat species known to date from identified (Hinton et al. 1923). Later during the the territory of Nepal (Cscorba et al. 1999). period 17 May 1922 to 17 May 1923, N.A. Baptista working in the districts lying to the west of Kathmandu With the aim of improving knowledge of bat fauna of collected some 591 specimens, most of which belong to the especially poorly known lowlands of southwestern species to which references was made in the above Nepal, bat expedition work in and around the Royal mentioned Report. Three new bat species not referred Chitwan National Park, Chitwan District, and a small in previous report were observed (Fry 1925). collection in Kathmandu was done during March 1990, resulted in the capture of 143 specimens of bats, E. In 1948-1949, S. Dillon Ripley led a field party to spelaea and E. dimissus were reported from the first Nepal to collect natural history specimens for Yale time from Nepal, and the presence of Miniopterus University and the Smithsonian Institution. One- pusillus and Kerivoula picta was verified. Based on the hundred-twelve specimens of mammals were obtained. distributions in neighboring areas, however, we Subsequently, the study showed that of 35 species suspect that at least 40 additional species might be represented, two species of bats ( heathii expected to occur in Nepal (Myers 2000). heathii and Cynopterus sphinx gangeticus) were found. Books on mammals of Nepal including bats species The Long-eared Bat, homochrous was (Shrestha 1997) is full of taxonomic inconsistencies. collected from the Mustang District of Nepal by Sanborn (1950). Ellerman and Morrison-Scott (1966) Coordinator, Natural Resources Research and Conser- list nine genera and 17 species of bats in their vation Center (NaReCon) & Country Representative, IUCN checklist of Palearctic and Indian mammals. SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group CSG. [email protected], [email protected], Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 9 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Compilation on bats of Nepal based on museum References: specimens and literature reviews is provided by Bates Acharya P.R. & L.A. Ruedas 2007. The Bat Fauna of & Harrison (1997). Based on literature review, the Nepal: A current prospectus. BatNet CCINSA Newsletter most recent compilation of mammals of Nepal is 8(1-2). supplied by Baral & Shah (2008). Some research has Acharya, P.R. 2006. Distribution of Roosting and been carried by young Nepalese researchers (Phuyal Survival Threats of Bat in Pokhara Valley with Reference 2005; Acharya 2006; Aryal et al. 2009; Thapa et al. to Species and Population Survey at Chamere Gupha. A 2009) in eastern, central and some of the western Dissertation Submitted to the Central Department of parts of Nepal. After special training on volant and Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal. non-volant mammals organized by Zoo Outreach Adhikari, H. 2008. Bat Conservation Takes Root in Nepal, Organization in 2007 bat research has been BATS, Bat Conservation International Newsletter, frequently done in Nepal. Adhikari found eight www.batcon.org 26(4):9-10. species of bats from Palpa District, which are Adhikari, H. 2008a. Bat Species Richness and Their recorded for the first time from this district. Voucher Distribution in Pokhara Valley of Nepal. The Initiation, specimens preserved in 70% ethanol were prepared Annual Publication of Student Forum for Forestry and deposited in NaReCon. Checklist on bats of Nepal Research and Environment Conservation (SUFFREC), Volume based on literature reviews (Acharya et al. 2007; 1, Year -2. Adhikari 2008a) and field surveys from Districts like Adhikari, H. & K.C.M. 2008. One Day Training Kaski, Tanahun, Kathmandu Valley, and some eastern Programme on Bat, Organized at Bat Cave, Pokhara, Nepal, regions of Nepal are available. Midwestern and far BATNET, Newsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and western parts of Nepal have not been surveyed yet. Information Network of South Asia, (CCINSA) and the From both taxonomical and zoo-geographical point of IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia 9(1) view, the forested parts of the Himalaya main range Jan–July: 21 –22. are the most promising and interesting areas where Aryal, A & S.K. Dhungel 2009. Species diversity and occurrence of bat species new to this fauna and even distribution of bats in Panchase region of Nepal, Tiger for science can be expected (Csorba et al. 1999). Paper 36(2) April–June: 14-18. Baral, H.S. & K.B. Shah 2008. Wild Mammals of Nepal. Currently, a few organizations are working intensively Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu, 128-157pp. on bat research and awareness (Natural Resources Research and Conservation Center (NaReCon), Small Bates, P.J.J. & D.L. Harrison. 1997. Bats of the Indian Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, BAT subcontinent. Harrison Zoological Museum Publications, Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom. FRIENDS, Nature, etc.). Conservation awareness program had been launched using FM Radio in Palpa Corbet, G.B. & J.E. Hill. 1992. The Mammals of the District and Pokhara Valley, and local and national Indomalayan Region: A Systematic Review. Natural History newspapers to cover huge massess of people. Museum Publications, London, 488 pp. Awareness campaigns are launched with educational Csorba, G. 1998. The distribution of the Great Evening materials provided by ZOO, CCINSA and WILD from Bat Ia io in the Indo-Malayan region. Myotis 36: 197–201. India. Activities at schools, university and community Csorba G., P. Ujhelyi & N. Thomas 2003. Horseshoe level are organized to save the threatened species and Bats of the World (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae). to remove misconceptions regarding bats. More detailed research needs to be done in this country, Csorba, G, S.V Kruskop & A.V. Borissenko 1999. Recent which has possibility of finding new species to the records of bats (Chiroptera) from Nepal, with remarks on their natural history. Mammalia 63(1): 61-78. world. Below is the list of bats that are available and possibly available from Nepal. Fry, T.B. 1925. Report No 37a: Nepal. Bombay Natural History Society’s Mammal Survey of India, Burma and Acknowledgement Ceylon. Journal Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 30: 525-530. I would like to thank Prof. P.O. Nameer (Kerala Hinton, M.A.C. & T.B. Fry. 1923. Report No. 37: Nepal. Agriculture University), Sanjay Molur and Sally Bombay Natural History Scoiety’s Mammal Survey of India, Walker madam (Zoo Outreach Organization), Dr. Burma and Ceylon. Journal Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 29: 399– Sripathi Kandula (Madurai Kamaraj University) Dr. C. 428. Srinivasulu (Osmania University) and Malcolm Pearch Johnson, D.H., S.D. Ripley & K. Thonglongya 1980. (Harrison Institute) for continuous support and Mammals of Nepal. Journal Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 77: 56- encouragement for drafting this report. I am indebted 63. to Laxmi Karki (NaReCon) for collecting various Myers, P., J.D. Smith, H. Lama & K.F. Koopman (1999); literatures and books on mammals of Nepal. A recent collection of bats from Nepal, with notes on dimissus. Zeitschrift fur Saugeteirkunde- International Journal of Mammalian Biology 65(3): 149-156.

10 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Mitchell, R.M. 1980. New records of Table 1: Bats of Nepal bats (Chiroptera) from Nepal Mammalia. 44(3): 339–342 DOI: Order CHIROPTERA (BATS) 10.1515/mamm.1980.44.3.339. Sub  order Megachiroptera Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C. a. Family Pteropodidae: Old world fruit bats Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, A.M. Hutson, i) Genus Rousettus (Gray,1821) 1) Rousettus leschenaulti Boitakri; Kathmandu (Ref 1); Molur et al. (2002) - NT; P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker, K.Padma (Desmarest,1820) Annapurna Himal (Ref 2); IUCN / SSC Action Plan Priya and A.R. Binu priya (Editors) Fulvous Fruit bat CNP (Ref 4) (1992) - No T; IUCN 2003 - 2002. Status of South Asian (Leschenaults Rousette) Lower Risk (lc) Chiroptera: Conservation Assessment ii) Genus Pteropus (Brisson,1762) and Management Plan (C.A.M.P). 2) Pteropus giganteus Kathmandu; Japa (Ref 1 and Molur et al. (2002)-NT; Workshop Report, 2002. Zoo Outreach (Brunnich,1782) 3) Palpa, Pokhara, CITES - Appx II; IUCN Organization, CBSG S.Asia and WILD, Indian Flying Fox Biratnagar, Dang SSC Action Plan (1992). No Coimbatore, India, vii+141pp+CD-Rom. T; IUCN 2003 - Lower Risk Phuyal, S.P. 2005. Survey of bats of (lc) Pokhara Valley, Nepal. Report iii) Genus Cynopterus (Cuvier, F., 1824) submitted to Bat Conservation 3) Cynopterus sphinx Chisapani; Salthar; Molur et al. (2002) - LC; International, Austin, Texas, USA. (Vahl,1797) Barabisse; She bu; Wana; IUCN / SSC Action Plan August 2005. Greater Short - nosed Fruit Tumlingter (Ref 1); Sauraha; (1992) - No T; IUCN 2003 - bat CNP (Nandon Tal, Dudora Lower Risk (lc) Shrestha, T.K. 1997. Mammals of Nala) (Ref 4);Butwal Nepal: with reference to those of 4) Cynopterus brachyotis Status in Nepal is unclear IUCN / SSC Action Plan India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Pakistan. (Muller, 1838) (Ref 1 and 3) (1992) - No T; IUCN 2003 - 371pp. Lesser Dog-faced Fruit bat, Lower Risk (lc) Lesser short-nosed Fruit Bat Simmons, N.B. 2005. Order iv) Genus Sphaerias (Miller, 1906) Chiroptera. Pp. 312-529. In: D.E. 5) Sphaerias blanfordi Eastern Nepal - no further Molur et al. (2002) - NT; Wilson & D.M Reeder, (eds.). Mammal (Thomas, 1891) details (Ref 1) IUCN / SSC Action Plan Species of the World: A Taxonomic Blanfords Fruit bat (1992) - No Data; IUCN and Geographic Reference, 3rd Edition, 2003 - Lower Risk (lc) Volume 1. Johns Hopkins University v) Genus Eonycteris Press. 6) Eonycteris spelaea No further details (Ref 3); IUCN / SSC Action Plan (Dobson, 1871) Sauraha,Narayani; CNP (1992) - No T; IUCN 2003 - Smith A.T. & Y. Xie. 2008. A Guide Lesser Dawn bat (Tiger Tops) (Ref 4) Lower Risk (lc)

to the Mammals of China.  Sub  order Microchiroptera Thapa S.B. 2009. First phase Survey a. Family Emballonuridae : Sheath  tailed bats of Microchiroptera in Plains (Terai) of vi) Genus Taphozous (E. Geoffroy, 1818) Eastern Nepal. Small Mammals 7) Taphozous longimanus No exact location (Ref 1) Molur et al. (2002) - DD; Conservation and Research Foundation, (Hardwicke, 1825) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, Long - winged Tomb bat Action Plan (2001) - Lower vi+17pp. Risk (lc). Thapa, A. & S.B. Thapa 2009. b. Family Megadermatidae: False Vampire bats Baseline Survey of bats roosting in vii) Genus Megaderma (E. Geoffroy, 1810) Kailash Cave, Syangja District, 8) Megaderma lyra (E . Hazaria; Kathmandu; Molur et al. (2002) - LC; Geoffroy, 1810) Barabisse (Ref 1); IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Western Nepal. Small Mammals Greater False Vampire bat Kathmandu (Ref 2) Action Plan (2001) - Lower Conservation and Research Foundation, Risk (lc) New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, d) Family Rhinolophidae : Horse shoe bats 10pp. viii) Genus Rhinolophus (Lacep ede, 1799) Thapa, S.B., R. Kaphle, A. Thapa, 9) Rhinolophus Kathmandu Valley (type Molur et al. (2002) - V ( S. Dahal 2009. A report on f err ume qui num (Schreber, location of tragatus), B1+2C; D2); IUCN 2003 and preliminary survey of microchiropteran 1774) Najarkot, Annigera, IUCN / SSC Action Plan bats in Kathmandu Valley. CDZ Small Greater Horseshoe bat Ghorepani, Langtang, Num, (2001) - Lower Risk ( nt) Mammal Club, Central Department of Ramechhap (Ref 1); Langtang Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Himal; Annapurna Himal; Kathmandu (Ref 2) and (Ref Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, ii+11pp. 3) Topal, G. 1997. A New mouse-eared 10) Rhinolophus affinis Bouzini; Kathmandu; Molur et al. (2002) - LC; bat species, from Nepal, with (Horsfield,1823) Dulegouda; Syangja; Bimal IUCN 2003 and IUCN / statistical analyses of some other Intermediate Horseshoe bat nagar; Barabisse; Shebu SSC Action Plan (2001) - species of subgenus Leuconoe (Ref 1), Kathmandu; Lower Risk (lc) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) Acta Taplejung (Ref 2) & (Ref 3) Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 43(4): 375-402.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 11 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 11) Rhinolophus sinicus (Andersen,1905) Sipuri; Thankot; Parchung; Godavari; Pulchowk; Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Chinese Rufous Horseshoe bat Num (Ref 1); Taplejung, Mamankhe, Annapurna and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Himal (Ref 2) and (Ref 3) Lower Risk (lc) 12) Rhinolophus pusillus (Temminck,1834) Soondarijal; Kathmandu Valley; Nagerjung Ban; Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Least Horseshoe bat Bimalnagar; Pokhara (Ref 1); Syangja; Taplejung; and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Annapurna Himal (Ref 2) and (Ref 3) Lower Risk (lc) 13) Rhinolophus subbadius (Blyth, 1844) (type locality of Subbadius); probably originated Molur et al . (2002) - E {B2ab (iii)}; Little Nepalese Horseshoe bat from the Kathmandu Valley, (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Data De fi cie nt 14) Rhinolophus lepidus ( Blyth, 1844) Sindu District, Illam District (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Molur et al . (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Blyth;s Horseshoe bat and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Lower Risk (lc) 15) Rhinolophus macrotis ( Blyth, 1844) Kathmandu Valley (type locality of macrotis); Molur et al . (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Big - eared Horseshoe bat Dulegouda: Syangja; Kerabari (Ref 1); Batule and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Chour, Pokhara (Ref 2) and (Ref 3) Lower Risk (lc) 16) Rhinolophus luctus (Temminck,1834) Forest of Hatiban (type locality of perniger); Molur et al . (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Woolly Horseshoe bat Chalna 2 khel; Bouzini; Banss bahari; Num; Chovar and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Lower Risk (lc) 17) Rhinolophus pearsonni (Horsfield,1851) Parchung, Bimalnagar; Sundarijal; Num; Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Pearson;s Horseshoe bat Kathmandu; Taplejung, Mamankhe (Ref 1), (Ref and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 2) and (Ref 3) Lower Risk (lc) e) Family Hipposideridae: Leaf  nosed Bats ix) Genus Hipposideros Cineraceus (Gray,1831) 18) Hipposideros cineraceus (Blyth, 1853) Kathmandu Valley (Ref 1) Molur et al . (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Least Leaf -nosed bat; Ashy leaf 2 nosed bat and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Lower Risk (lc) 19) Hipposideros fulvus (Gray,1838) Kathmandu Valley (Ref 1) Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Fulvous Leaf 2 nosed bat and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Lower Risk (lc) 20) Hippos id er os pomona (K. Andersen, Mahendra Gupha (Ref 1) Molur et al . (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 1918) Ande rse n;s Leaf 2 nosed bat / Pomona and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 leaf 2 nosed bat Lower Risk (lc) 21) Hipposideros armi ger (Hodgson,1835) (Type locality of armiger) Kathmandu Valley; Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Great Hi malayan Leaf 2 nosed bat / Greater Syangja; near Pokhara; Bimalnagar; Pattibhagan; and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 leaf 2 nosed bat Bouzini; Bachek; Hathiban; Dano Kharka; Lower Risk (lc) Godavari; near Baglung; Gari; Num (Ref 1); Kaski District, Batulechaur (Ref 2); (Ref 3 ) Butwal; Argali; Palpa; f) Family Vespertilionidae: Evening bats x) Genus Myotis (Kaup,1829) 22) Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857) Tumlingtar (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Molur et al . (2002) - V; IUCN 2003 Lesser Mouse - eared myotis and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Lower Risk (lc) 23) Myotis sicarius (Thomas,1915) Banss Bahari; Godavari (Ref 1); Annapurna Himal Molur et al . (2002) - V {B2ab (iii)}; Mandelli;s Mouse 2 eared bat. (Ref 2); (Ref 3) IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Vulnerable 24) Myotis formosus (Hodgson,1835) Kathmandu Valley (type loc. of formosus); Molur et al . (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Hodgson;s bat Ghorepani (Ref 1); Annapurna Himal (Ref 2) and and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 (Ref 3) Lower Risk (lc) 25) Myotis mystacinus (Kuhl,1819) Kathmandu (type locality of nipalensis) (Ref 1) Molur et al . (2002) - V {D1}; IUCN Wiskered bat and (Ref 3) 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Lower Risk (lc) 26) Myotis muricola (Gray,1846) Kathmandu Valley (type loc. of muricola); Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Nepalese Whiskered bat Kontoum; Langtang; Those (Ref 1); Terhathum and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 District; Annapurna Himal (Ref2) and (Ref 3) Lower Risk (lc) 27) Myotis siligorensis (Horsfield,1855) Kathmandu Valley (Ref 1) Type locality Nepal, Molur et al . (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Himalayan Whiskered bat; Siliguri bat Siligori ( Ref 3) and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Lower Risk (lc) 28) Myotis longipes (Dobson,1873) Kailash cave, Syangja (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Molur et al . (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Kashmir Cave bat and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) 2 Vulnerable

12 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 29) Myotis csorbai (Topal, 1998) Subtropica l Forest of Syangja District, 4 K Molur et al. (2002) - DD; IUCN 2003 Csorbas Mouse  eared Myotis m E of Syangja, about 30 km S of Pokhara and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  to wn, 1300 m (Ref 2 and 3) Data Deficient 30) Myotis nipa lensis (Dobson, 1871) (Ref 3) Type locality Nepal, Kathmandu ( IUCN 2003  Not Evaluated not Nepalese Myotis Ref 5) considered in IUCN / SSC Action Plan. xi) Genus plecotus, Geoffroy, E., 1818 31) Plecotus auritus (L inn aeus,1 7 5 8 ) Jomson (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Brown Long-eare d bat and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  Lo we r Risk (lc) 32) Plecotus austriacus (J. Fi sche r,1829) Ringmo (Ref 1) Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Grey long  eare d ba t and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  Lo we r Risk (lc) xii) Gen us (Gray,1821) 33) Barbastella leuc omelas No sp ecim ens or references seen except Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 (Cretzschmar,1830/31) for 5 localities show on map 60 of Co rb e t and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  Eastern Barbastelle and Hill (1992) (Ref 1); Annapurna Himal, 40 Lo we r Risk (lc) Km NW of Pokhara, vicinity of Banthanti, 22 00 m (Ref 2) and (Ref 3) xiii) Genus Scotomanes (Dobson,1875) 34) Sc otomanes ornatus (Blyth,1851) Sank hu wasabha (Ref 1); Annapurna Himal, Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 30 km NW of Pokhara, vicinity of Sudame, and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  1500m (Ref 2) Lo we r Risk (nt) xiv) Genus Sco to philus (Leach,1821) 35) Sc otophilus he athii (Horsfield,1831) Bhojbhawanpur; Darakhuti; Banke District; Molur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Greater Asi ati c Yellow House bat Dan g  Deokhuri District; Raxaul  Birganj and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  (Ref 1); Sau ra ha, Narayan i; CNP (Nandon Lo we r Risk (lc) Tal, Dudora Nala, Tige r To ps; Bardhaha Kh ola ) (Ref 4) 36) Sc otophilus kuhii (Leac h, 1821) (Ref 6) Molur et al. (2002)  NT; IUCN 20 03 Lesser Asi ati c Yellow House bat and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  Lo we r Risk (lc) xv) Genus Eptesicus (Rafinesque,1820) 37) Eptesicus serotinus (Schreber,1774) Tuml ingter (Ref 1) Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Common Se ro ti ne and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  Lo we r Risk (lc) 38) Eptesicus gobiensis (Bobrinskii,1926) Exact local ity not specified (Ref 1) and Molur et al. (2002) - DD; IUCN 2003 Bobrinskiis Serotine; Gobi (Ref 3) and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  Lo we r Risk (lc) 39) Eptesicus dimissus (Thomas 1916) Ch itwa n National Park, Dudora Na la, 4.3 Km Molur et al. (2002)  V; IUCN 2003 and Surat se ro ti ne SW Sau ra ha; Tiger Tops (Ref 3 and 4) IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001)  Vulnerable 40) Eptesicus pac hyotis (Dobson, 1871) (Ref 4) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan Thick - eared bat (2001)  Low er Risk (nt). xvi) Genus Ia (Thomas,1902) 41) Ia io (Thomas, 1902) Bimalnagar (Ref 1 and 2) Molur et al. (2002) - CR {B1ab (iii) + 2ab Great (iii)}; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001)  Lower Risk (nt) xvii) Genus Pipistrellu s (Kaup,1829) 42) javanicus (Gray,1838) Ka kani; Rasuwa District; Naj ark ot; Bouzini; Molur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Javan pipistrelle Sip uri; Kathmandu; Godavari (Ref 1); and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  An napurna Himal, 30-40 km NW of Lo we r Risk (lc) Pokhara, vi cinit y of Sudame , 1500 m (Ref 2); Sauraha, Narayani, CNP (Dadora Nala, Tamar Tal, Tiger Tops, Simal Ghol) (Ref 4) 43) Pipistrellus coromandra (Gray,1838) Hazaria; Bairia; Bairanglia; Barabisse (Ref Molur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Coromandel Pipistrelle; In dian Pipistrelle; Little 1) and (Ref 3); CNP ( Dadora Nala, Tam ar and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  Indian bat Tal, Tiger Tops, Simal Ghol, Bardhada Lo we r Risk (lc) Kh ola ) (Ref 4) 44) Pipistrellus tenuis (Temminck,1840) Bairia; Hazaria; Banke District (Ref 1); Molur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 ; Indian Pygmy bat Sauraha, Narayan i, CNP (Dadora Nala, and IUCN / SS C Action Plan (2001)  Tamar Tal, Tiger Tops, Simal Ghol) (Ref 4) Lo we r Risk (lc)

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 13 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 xviii) Ge nus (Troughton, 1943) 45) Falsistrellus affinis (Dobson,1871) Najarkot (Ref 1 and 3) IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( Chocolate pipistrelle Lower Risk (lc) as Pipistrellus affinus xix) Genus (Hill and Harrison, 1987) 46) Arielulus ci rcumdatus (Temminck,1840) Num (Ref 1, 3 and 5) , Terhathum D istrict, Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN / SSC Black gilded Pipistrelle, Bronze Sprite Lam Pokhari, 3000m; Annapurna Himal (Ref 2) Action Plan (2001) ( Lower Risk (lc) as Pipistrellus circumdatus xx) Genus N yctalus (Bowdich,1825) 47) noctula (Schreber,1774) Kathmandu Valley (type loc. of labiata); Molur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Noctule Godavari; Gari; Nuwakot (Ref 1); Annapurna and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( Himal (Ref 2; CNP (Nandon Tal, Simal Ghol) Lower Risk (lc) (Ref 4) 48) Nyctalus montanus (Barrett ( Dang ( Deokhuri District (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Hamilton,1906) Mountain Noctule and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( Lower Risk (nt) xxi) Genus Philetor, (Thomas 1902) 49) Philetor brachypterus (Temminck,1840) Barabisse; Num (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Molur et al. (2002) - V {B1ab (iii) + Rahu=s bat 2ab (iii)}; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( Lower Risk (lc) xxii) Genus (Peters, 1868) 50) Hesperoptenus tickelli (Blyth,1851) Dang ( Deokhuri District (Ref 1) and (Ref 3); Molur et al. (2002) - DD; IUCN 2003 Tickell=s bat CNP ( Nandon Tal, Dadora Nala, Tamar Tal, and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( Tiger Tops) (Ref 4) Lower Risk (lc) xxiii) Genus Miniopterus 51) Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817) Kathmandu Valley; Kakani; Bimalnagar; Molur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 Schreibers= Long ( fingered bat Syangja (Ref 1); Syangja District; Annapurna and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( Himal (Ref 2)and (Ref 3); Kathmandu (Ref 4) Lower Risk (nt) 52) Miniopterus pusillus (Dobsan, 1876) Pokhara (Ref 1); Locality queried by Corbet Molur et al. (2002) - CR { B2ab (iii)};; Nicobar long ( fingered bat, Small long - fired and Hill, 1992 and (Ref 3); CNP (Tiger Tops) IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action bat (Ref 4) Plan (2001) ( Lower Risk (lc) xxiv) Genus Murina (Gray,1842) 53) Murina leucogaster (Milne- Edwards,1872) Kathmandu Valley (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Molur et al. (2002) - V; IUCN 2003 Greater Tube nosed bat; Rufous tube ( nosed and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( bat Lower Risk (lc) 54) Murina aurata (Milne ( Edwards, 1872) Makut; Mount Sheopuri (Ref 1) and (Ref 3) Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 Little tube ( nos ed bat; Tibetan tube ( nosed and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( bat Lower Risk (lc) 55) Murina cyclotis (Dobson, 1872) Chitwan National Park, Island Jungle Resort IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Round ( eared Tube ( nosed bat (Ref 1 and 2); CNP, 3.8 km SW Sauraha (Ref Plan (2001) ( Lower Risk (lc) 4) 56) Murina huttonii (Peters,1872) Kathmandu Valley (Ref 1) Molur et al. (2002) - DD; IUCN 2003 Hutton=s Tube ( nosed bat; White ( bellied and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( Tube ( nosed bat Lower Risk (nt) xxv) Genus Kerivoula (Gray, 1842) 57) Kerivoula picta (Pallas,1767) Pokhara Town; Chitwan National Park (Tiger Molur et al. (2002) - LC, IUCN 2003 Painted Woolly Bat Tops) (Ref 3, 4 and 6); and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) ( Lower Risk (lc) 58) Kerivoula hardwickii (Horsfield, 1824) Taplejung District, Mamankhe, 1700m (Ref 2) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Hardwicke=s Forest bat, Obscure bat Plan (2001) ( Lower Risk (lc)

References (Bates et al. , 1997).. 1; (Csorba et al. , 1999) 2; (Wilson et al. 2005) .3; (Myers et al. 1999) ..4; (Smith et al. 2008) 5; (Molur et al. , 2002) .6; (Molur et al. , 2005) ..7; (Shrestha, 1997) 8; (Baral et al., 2008) 9; (Molur et al. , 2003) ..10; (Ghose and Saha, 1981) .11; Srinivasulu et al. (2004) ..12.

Abbreviations: NT: Near Threatened; No T: Not Threatened; LC: Least Concerned; LR: Lower Risk, DD: Data Deficient; E: Endangered; V: Vulnerable; CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Eastern Nepal; CN: Central Nepal; WN: Western Nepal; MWN: Mid Western Nepal; FWN: Far Western Nepal; SN: Southern Nepal; N: Northern; S: Southern; G: Gosaikunda; LNP: Langtang National Park; SPWR: Sukhla Phanta Wildlife Reserve;SPNP: Shey Phoksundo National Park; ACA: Annapurna Conservation Area; MBNP: Makalu Barun National Park; CNP: Chitwan National Park; BNP: Bardia National Park; SNP: Sagarmatha National Park; PWR: Parsa Wildlife Reserve.

14 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Table 2: Species of bats potentially occurring in Nepal, but not documented by voucher specimens

Scientific Name / Common Name Status Remarks Family Rhinopomatidae (Bonaparte, 1838) i) Genus Rhinopoma (E. Geoffroy, 1818) 1) Rhinopoma microphyllum (Brunnich, 1872) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) Greater Mouse - tailed bat (2001) * Lower Risk (lc) 2) Rhinopoma hardwickii (Gray,1831) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) Lesser Mous e * tailed bat (2001) * Lower Risk (lc) Family Emb allonurid ae (Gervais, 1855) Ii) Genus Taphozous (E. Geoffroy, 1818) 3) Taphozous melanopogan (Temminck, 1841) IUCN 2003 * Lower Risk (lc); (Ref 1) Black * beared Tomb bat IUCN/SSC Action Plan (2001) * Lower Risk (lc) 4) Taphazous nudiventris (Cretzschmar, 1830) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 1 and 2) Naked * rumped Tomb bat (2001) * Lower Risk (lc) Iii) Genus Saccolaimus (Temminck, 1838) 5) Saccolaimus saccolaimus (Temminck, 1838) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) Naked * rumped Pouched bat (2001) * Lower Risk (lc). Family Megadermatidae (H. Allen, 1864) Iv) Genus Megaderma (E. Geoffroy, 1810) 6) Megaderma spasma (Linnaeus, 1758) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) Lesser False Vampire bat (2001) * Lower Risk (lc). Family Rhinolophidae (Gray, 1825) v) Genus Rhinolophus (Lacépède, 1799) 7) Rhinolophus trifoliatus (Temminck, 1834) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) Trefoil Hor sesh oe bat (2001) * Lower Risk (lc). Family Hipposideridae (Lydekker, 1891) vi) Genus Hipp osideros (Gray, 1831) 8) Hipposideros at er (Templeton, 1848) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) Dusky Leafnosed bat (2001) * Lower Risk (lc) 9) Hipposideros lankadiva (Kelaart, 1850) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan E N (Ref 2) Indian Leaf - nosed bat (2001) * Data Deficient as H. schistaceus; Lower Risk (lc) vii) Genus Coelops (Blyth, 1848) 10) Coelops frithii (Blyth, 1848) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan E N (Ref 2) East Asian Tailless Leaf * nosed bat (2001) * Lower Risk (lc Family Verpertilionidae (Gray, 1821) viii) Genus Myotis (Kaup,1829) 11) Myotis annectans ( Dobson, 1871) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 1 and 2) Hair * faced Intermediate bat (2001) * Lower Risk (nt). ix) Genus Eptesicus (Rafinesque, 1820) 12) Eptes icus tatei (Ellerman and Morrison * IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 1 and 2) Scott, 1951) (2001) * Data Deficient. Somber bat x) Genus (Peters, 1872) 13) Tylonycteris pachypus (Temminck, 1840) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 1 and 2) (2001) * Lower Risk (lc). xi) Genus Pipistrellus (Kaup,1829) 14) Pipis trel lus ceylonicus (Kelaart, 1852) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) Kelaart>s pipis trel le (2001) * Lower Risk (lc)

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 15 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Scientific Name / Common Name Status Remarks 15) Pipistrellus paterculus (Thomas, 1915) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan South East Nepal Mount Popa Pipis trel le (2001) ' Lower Ri sk (nt) (Ref 2) xii) Genus (Kolenati, 1856) 16) Hypsugo cadornae (T homas, 1916). IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 1 and 2) Cadorna-s pipistrel le; Thomas-s Pipistrellus (2001) ' Lower Ri sk (nt) xiii) Genus (Thomas, 1901) 17) Scot oecus pal li dus (Dobson, 1876) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan South East Nepal Desert Yellow Lesser House bat (2001) ' Lower Ri sk (lc). (Ref 1 and 2) xiv) Genus Scotozous (Dobson, 1875) 18) Scot ozous dormeri (Dobson, 1875) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan South East Nepal Dormer-s Pi pis trel le (2001) ' Lower Ri sk (lc) (Ref 1 and 2) xv) Genus Harpiocephalus (Gray, 1842) 19) Harpiocephalus harpia (Temminck, 1840) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) Lesser Hairy ' winged bat (2001) ' Lower Ri sk (lc) xvi) Genus Muri na (Gray,1842) 20) Murina tubinaris (Scully, 1881). IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 2) Scully-s Tube ' nosed bat (2001) ' Lower Ri sk (lc). Family Mo l os si dae (Gervais, 1856) xvii) Genus Tadarida (Rafinesque, 1814) 21) Tadarida teniotis (Rafinesque, 1814) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 1 and 2) European free - tailed bat (2001) ' Lower Ri sk (lc). Family Pteropodidae (Gray, 1821) xviii) Genus Megaer ops (Peters, 1865) 22) Megaerops niphanae (Yenbutra and Felten, IUCN/SSC Action Plan (1992) ' No EN (Ref 2) 1983) Data. IUCN 2003 ' Lower Risk (lc). Ratanaworabhan-s Fruit bat 23) Macroglossus minimus (E. Geoffroy, 1810). IUCN/SSC Action Plan (1992) ' Not E N (Ref 2) Lesser Long ' tongued Nector bat; Dagger- Threatened. IUCN 2003 ' Lower Ri sk toothed Long-nosed Fruit Bat (lc)

References:

Acharya, P.R. & L.A. Ruedas 2007. The Bat Fauna of Nepal: A Current Conspectus. BAT NET NEWSLETTER Newsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South Asia CCINSA and the IUCN Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia (CSGSA) 8(1-2): Jan–Dec, 2007.

Baral, H.S. & K.B. Shah 2008. Wild Mammals of Nepal. Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu.

16 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Conservation status of rodents in Sri Lanka Mayuri R.Wijesinghe

The rodents as a group are of significant interest to Sri reductions and population declines of most faunal Lanka as they form a conspicuous part of the country's species. Seven rodent species have been recognized as mammalian fauna. Twenty-two species of indigenous nationally threatened while five are threatened at the rodents occur on the island, which include 13 rats and global level (IUCN 1999 & 2002). Forest fragmentation mice, two bandicoots, four squirrels, two gliding is particularly threatening to small mammals due to their squirrels and one porcupine. Six species Srilankmys low mobility. Individual species may, however, exhibit ohiensis (Bi-colored Rat), Rattus montanus (Highland differential tolerance to human perturbations. Species Rat), Mus mayori (Spiny Rat), Mus fernandoni (Spiny with small distributional ranges such as Rattus montanus, Mouse), Vandeleuria nolthenii (Long-tailed Tree Mouse) Srlankamys ohiensis and Mus mayori, may face greater and Funambulus layardi (Flame-striped Jungle squirrel) threats of extinction than the more widespread species are endemic to the island. Srilankamys is also a mono- like Rattus rattus (Wijesinghe & Brooke 2004). Simi- typic relict genus whose nearest ancestors are found in larly, ecological traits of endemics may render them the distant Himalaya. One rodent, Rattus norvegicus, is more susceptible to habitat modification than the non- an introduced species with well established feral endemics. For instance, it was found that endemics are populations (Weerakoon & Goonatilake 2006). At least habitat specialists that occupy larger home ranges than two species will be added as a result of recent taxo- the non-endemic species (Wijesinghe & Brooke 2004). nomic revisions. The majority of the native rodents Consequently many of them are incapable of utilizing (90%) are inhabitants of the lowland and montane man-modified habitats (Wijesinghe 2005; Wijesinghe & rainforests. About 25% of the rodents are in fact Brooke 2005). Only strict protection of core areas and confined to this region. It is also significant that five the establishment of habitat linkages between isolated of the six endemics are restricted to or preferentially forest fragments would enhance the survival of these utilize rainforest habitats. Only two species, Madromys rainforest rodents. Long-term survival of certain rare blanfordi and Mus fernandoni, are confined to the drier and range-restricted species such as the S. ohiensis and areas of the country. R. montanus may also depend on species-specific conser- vation strategies. In contrast to such species, the Studies on conservation biology of rodents have un- expansion of human settlements also facilitates the veiled the spectrum of ecological services provided by influx of highly adaptable pest species such as the this important group of mammals. By virtue of their house rodents (R. r. kandianus and Mus musculus) that abundance the rodents contribute significantly to the have a detrimental effect on the other forest-dwelling sustenance of natural ecosystems. They function as small mammals (Wijesinghe & Brooke 2004). The spread seed predators and dispersers and as prey for preda- of such species in forest habitats should be monitored tory birds, reptiles and large mammals. Many also if control measures are to be adopted. predate upon insects. Furthermore, rodents enhance rainforest health through their relationships with Sadly, rodents are often also neglected by conserva- mycorrhizal fungi and by enhancing soil aeration. The tionists. Their small size, nocturnal behaviour and disappearance of rodents would thus have serious secretive habitats render them a particularly difficult implications on faunal assemblages in many natural group of animals to study. Research on rainforest ecosystems of which they are a part. On the negative rodents involves tedious live trapping regimes in diffi- side, certain species of rodents transmit dreaded human cult terrain and under harsh conditions. The lack of diseases, invade homes and destroy stored products and adequate knowledge on taxonomy, distribution and crops and have therefore been regarded as a scourge abundance of many forest-dwelling rodents has hin- for thousands of years. Hence, there is an urgency to dered their conservation and management efforts control rodent pests whilst at the same time conserving (Weerakoon & Goonatileke 2006). No data are yet the valuable species. available on population trends of most species. Further- more, many areas of Sri Lanka, such as the north and In balancing pest management and biodiversity conser- northwest, isolated hillocks of the dry zone and the vation, Sri Lanka as a country faces many challenges. montane region are still inadequately surveyed From among the biodiversity hotspots, the southwestern (Weerakoon & Goonatileke 2006). Ecological studies rainforests of the island together with those of the that are crucial to evaluate the pest, non-pest or threat- Western Ghats of India harbours the highest human ened status of different rodent species should be population density making it one of the most vulnerable undertaken in order to implement control or conserva- regions in the world (Cincotta et al. 2000). The rapid tion strategies. Other topics of research that have been rate of destruction and degradation of these rainforests is no doubt the leading cause for the range Senior Lecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka. [email protected] Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 17 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Endemic Sri Lanka spiny mouse (Mus mayori) largely ignored by ecologists are parasites and diseases. References There has been little effort to assess the role of Cincotta, R.P., J. Wisnewski & R. Engleman 2002. Human diseases in limiting or regulating rodent populations. population in the biodiversity hotspots. Nature 404: 990- 992. It is also unfortunate that rodents have always been IUCN (1999). The 1999 List of Threatened Flora and Fauna of Sri Lanka. IUCN-Sri Lanka, Colombo. considered as troublesome animals by the general IUCN (2002). 2002 - IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. public. Despite their notorious identity, only four IUCN, Switzerland. species of rodents in Sri Lanka (Rattus rattus, Mus Weerakoon, D. & W.L.D.P.T.S. de A. Goonatilake 2006. booduga, Bandicota indica and B. bengalensis) are Taxonomic status of mammals in Sri Lanka, pp 216-231. In: known to cause destruction of even the slightest magni- Bambaradeniya, C. N. B. (Ed.) The Fauna of Sri Lanka. Status tude. The fact that rodents are less appealing compared of Taxonomy, Research and Conservation. The World Conser- to the more charismatic larger mammals results in them vation Union, Colombo. not being considered as important targets for conserva- Wijesinghe, M.R. & M. de L.Brooke 2004. What causes the tion. Because rodents are generally highly prolific they vulnerability of endemic animals? A case study from Sri Lanka. Journal of Zoology 263: 135-140. are also thought to be less susceptible to environmental Wijesinghe, M.R. 2005. Variations in population sizes of five deterioration. rodent taxa across a habitat gradient in the Sinharaja rainforest, Sri Lanka. Zoos’ Print Journal 21: 2115-2119. It is however clear, that rodents are an important Wijesinghe, M.R. & M. de L. Brooke 2005. The distribution of component of the Sri Lanka's biological diversity. A small mammals along a disturbance gradient in Sinharaja, Sri greater commitment of conservationists, changed Lanka. Journal of Tropical Ecology 21: 291-296. attitudes of policy makers and greater awareness among the general public are imperative if the rich rodent assemblage of Sri Lanka is to be conserved.

18 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Notes on Breeding Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) at Mysore Zoo Lakshminarasimha R* and Anil Garg**

The Indian Giant Squirrel is a diurnal and arboreal quite under-stimulating and can have a negative species endemic to southern, western, central and effect on the psychological well being of the animals. eastern peninsular India, specifically in the Western Bamboo and tree branches of various lengths were Ghats, Satpuras and the Eastern Ghats. They are added to the enclosure. They were placed in a way so high-canopy dwellers usually occurring in tropical as to provide access to most of the unused areas evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist-deciduous inside the enclosure. The addition of the cage forests. Although, widely distributed, they occur in furniture allowed the animals to explore all the areas populations that are severely fragmented. They have of the enclosure that were previously unexplored and been listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List; also permitted access to horizontal and vertical extensive hunting and habitat loss are the primary dimensions of the enclosure. The cage furniture factors for their population decline. They have an increased the complexity of the enclosure thereby average lifespan of about 20 years in captivity and promoting activity among the squirrels. Additional are reproductively active until the age of 12 years in cage furniture included liana and cotton ropes that the wild. were interspersed amongst the bamboo and tree branches in varied fashion. Many aspects regarding the ecology of the Indian Giant Squirrel have not been explored, both in wild A portion of the roof was covered with fiber sheet to and in captive conditions. Hence, an attempt to study offer shelter to the animals. Attempts are being made the behaviour and breeding ecology of giant squirrels to grow vegetation inside the enclosure and cereals in captive conditions was planned. Observations were are scattered on the floor of the enclosure and then carried out on a pair of giant squirrels housed at the watered; upon germination the squirrels feed on them. Mysore Zoo. This paper describes the various aspects A mesh guard is also provided so that the squirrels of the Indian Giant Squirrel husbandry and associ- have access only to the shoots of seedlings (Figure 1). ated issues that were implemented in Mysore Zoo.

Baseline observations The enclosure housing the squirrels measured 14x14x15 ft and was constructed using chain-link mesh. The enclosure was quite exposed with no vegetation and offered no shelter and hideout for the animals and also was infested with rodents. The enclosure lacked complexity and the squirrels spent most of their time clinging to the mesh. An arbitrary wooden box was placed inside the enclosure as the sole mode of privacy and shelter. The squirrels were offered a carbohydrate-rich diet consisting of fruits, bread and milk and vegetables.

Environmental enrichment for the giant squirrels With an intention of improving the animals' well being Figure 1: Growing vegetation inside enclosure. Seeds by providing a stimulating environment and further are scattered and watered serving as fresh food upon satisfying the behavioural needs of the animals, germination. A mesh guard insures that the squirrels environmental enrichment was designed with the have access only to the shoots of seedlings. primary goals being: The pre-existing box was modified so that the front 1. Increasing the complexity of the enclosure to portion was covered leaving an entry hole (Figure 2). provide a near naturalistic condition The box was fixed at a height of around six feet 2. Provision of shelter and hideouts from the ground. A new box (Figure 3) was intro- 3. Provision of a more natural and a balanced diet duced and was placed at a greater height (Figure 4).

Giant squirrels being rainforest dwellers rarely leave the upper-canopy of the forests. An enclosure that * (Corresponding author) Asstt Curator, E-mail: hinders or provides no access to the upper reaches is [email protected]; **Avian Consultant, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 19 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Figure 2 - The old box was modified so that the front portion was covered leaving an entry hole. Figure 3: A new box (below) was introduced and placed at a greater height (Figure 4) above.

The box measured 2x2x3 ft, made of wood, with an Observations following the administration of entry hole of 6in diameter and an inspection window environmental enrichment. on one of the sides. The box has a mesh ladder from The addition of cage furniture like bamboo, liana, inside that extends from the entry hole to the floor cotton ropes and tree branches has accounted for a of the box, for ease of movement. Soft wood shav- considerable increase in the complexity of the enclo- ings were provided as bedding material and in addi- sure, thus promoting more activity among the animals. tion straw and thin branches were scattered inside The changes in the diet and the feeding regimes have the enclosure to promote nesting behavior. resulted in the animals getting a more natural and balanced diet. The scattering of the food has re- The next step included revising the diet and feeding sulted in an increase in the foraging time of the regimes. The changes were intended to provide a animals. The inclusion of nest boxes in the enclosure more natural and balanced diet. Different types of has resulted in the squirrels using it considerably in seeds like jack fruit seeds, sunflower seeds, saf- the late evenings and has also incited nesting flower seeds, sprouts and groundnuts were included behaviour in the squirrels. in their diet. Occasionally they were also offered shoots and inflorescences as food treats. In addition Following the implementation of the environmental to the above-mentioned changes in the diet, the enrichment, the giant squirrels also bred for the first squirrels were offered commercially available cat time since their acquisition around 3 years back! food regularly (15 pellets approximately per animal). Detailed studies are being taken up to document the The cat food served to increase the protein content reproductive behaviour and parental care in these of the diet. In order to increase the activity in the species so as to fill in lacunae of data with regard to squirrels, some of the seeds were scattered on the the ecology of the species in captive conditions. floor of the enclosure so the animals spend more time foraging.

20 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Reporting from Godawari Sanjan Thapa*, Suchieta Shrestha, Sagar Dahal, Arjun Thapa and Rameshwor Kaphle

With support from Rufford Small Grants, UK, Small Mammals Conser- vation and Research Foundation, SMCRF, Kathmandu, Nepal started its project: Detailed monitoring survey of bats and their conserva- tion through radio awareness programme and outreach programme to schoolchildren in Kathmandu Valley from Godawari-Phulchowki, one of the project sites among 20 sites during 1-3 November, 2009. A team of five was led by Sanjan Thapa.

Day 1. After two-hours drive from Lagankhel, Lalitpur we reached Godawari in the late morning. We conducted a scheduled survey to the two communities namely; Tamang and Bahun-Chettri with an objective to assess the local perception and knowledge of bats. We found that they were aware of them but no effort was processed for their conservation hitherto. In the afternoon we visited two schools and asked permission and their cooperation to conduct awareness lectures to the schoolchildren. Following this we searched and pointed out the area and sites for mist-netting.

Before the sunset we arranged three mistnets and stretched them using bamboo poles along the small pool and stream in Janajagaran commu- nity forest. At 17:45hr we noted the first flight appearance. The bat Scheduled detector recorded calls between 35 Survey at Tamang and 60 kHz frequencies. We Community estimated three species from the flight observations, which lasted School until 18:59hr. children with Day 2. The morning started with banner of hiking to the nearby bat cave, the sponsor. mouth of which was bounded by large rocks lying on the side and below. The entrance was a difficult slit and we dropped down hanging to a large root. The 100m was a broad passage which ended with a large *Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. [email protected] Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 21 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 dome-like area with a lot of small short routes and very difficult to go through. A small colony about six individuals of Hipposideros armiger were seen hanging at the dome shaped space. A few small bats escaping from the difficult small and short routes were successfully scoop-netted.

We took morphometric measurements and photographs and immediately released bats without any stress. We identified them in the spot as Rhinolophus affinis and Myotis nipalensis.

After lunch we organized an out- reach programme to schoolchildren in Crescent Academy. We delivered a 45min lecture on awareness and conservation of bats to 100 students of standards 6, 7 and 8. The lecture included an introduction, habit, habitat, ecology, importance and need for conservation. We displayed flex signage regarding the matter, distributed a brochure, demonstrated the application of a Using bat detector at mistnetting site

Hipposideros armiger inside the cave Project team on the way after closing mistnetting

22 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 bat detector and finally took a group photo.

Before sunset we deployed mist netts in the open field near by a narrow stream by the bus stand. We noted the bats emerging at 18:00hr. The bat detector recorded the echolocation call of 45-60 kHz. However, we were unable to net any bat that night.

Day3. Again we organized an outreach programme in the next school, the CPS Residential English Boarding School. We made a presentation to 60 students of classes 5, 6 and 7. We advertised the radio awareness programme for the conservation of bats through the poster. They were attached to the notice boards Lecture and demonstrating bat detector application of schools, offices, local NGOs etc. We at CPS Residential School announced the same to school children also. In the evening once again we deployed mist nets at the picnic spot, behind the botanical garden. It was interesting to find bat guano of few days ago in the statue of Shiva Linga of the temples which indicate that bats used to rest there. We placed the mist nets nearby a stream and a medium water pool. There we noted the emergence of bats flight at 17:41hr. Magenta Bat Mkllb bat detec- tor recorded 45-60 kHz. We keenly observed continuous flight just 1 foot to 10 feet, over swinging and circling and sometimes dipping into water surface.

The interesting behaviour observation came to an end after the bats disap- Rhinolophus affinis peared at 19:20hr and the unsuccessful netting continued when mist nets were brought down at 21:00hr.

This monitoring study revealed occurrence of three species at Godawari. As the bat flight was seen maximum, we can expect many more species can be documented from this site in next phase of the project. We can conclude that Godawari-Phulchowki area is a good potential habitat for bats. Lectures to school children were conducted at two schools and we believe the program has aided positive impact in the conception of bats to the school Myotis nipalensis children and the locals.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 23 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Lunar Phobia in a Microchiropteran Bat, Hipposideros speoris S. Suthakar Isaac Many insectivorous and frugivorous bats use night streetlights and nearby paddy fields catching insects roosts for a variety of activities, including feeding, and visited the night roost at random. The number of grooming, mating and resting in between foraging. bats found in night roosting indirectly showed the Biologists usually obtain clues to the presence of night number of bats foraging at any given time. The night roosts from bits of discarded fruits or insects and piles roosting pattern shows that the foraging peak occurred of droppings. Night roosts may harbour solitary bats, immediately after dusk followed by another peak male-female pairs, mother-young or social groups that before dawn. live together in day-roosts. Night roosts are located in variety of places including areas beneath bridges, in The night roosting behaviour with reference to abandoned buildings, thatch houses, or on branches of different moon phases is shown in the figure 1 A, B, C & trees (Kunz 1982). D. During the new moon, the foraging activity was continuous from dusk to dawn, a normal bimodal pattern Avoidance of bright moonlight has been documented in of foraging activity (Figure 1A). From the first quarter small terrestrial mammals, including Allenbys Gerbil to full moon despite the presence of a relatively bright Gerbillus allenbyi (Kotler et al. 1991); Bannertail moon after sunset, the bats left the day roost but most Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys spectabilis (Lockard & Owings of them stayed in the night roost till around 21.00hr. 1974); Greater Egyptian Sand Gerbil Gerbillus After moon set, the bats flew from the night roost and pyramidum (Kotler et al. 1991); and in a number of actively foraging until dawn (Figure 1B). In contrast, species of bats. Examples include one megachiropteran during full moon, the number of bats night roosting was (Indian False Vampire Bat Megaderma lyra (Subbaraj & relatively high from 19.00 hr till the pre-dawn hours Balasingh 1996)), and three microchiropterans (04.00hr) (Figure 1C). During the last quarter, the moon (Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat Artibeus jamaicensis, rises in the mid night, so the bats begun to forage from (Morrison 1978)); pond bat, Myotis dasycneme (Voûte et the dusk and return to night roost about 24.00 hr and al. 1974); and Common Vampire Bat Desmodus rotundus remained till 04.00hr (Figure 1D). (Turner 1975). The broad occurrence of lunar phobia suggests strong selective pressures in nocturnal animals A radio-tracking study of the foraging behaviour of the for moonlight avoidance. Safety from predators and Jamaican Fruit Bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) in a availability of prey could both provide the necessary Panamanian forest revealed that searching and feeding selective pressure. flights were timed as if to minimize flying in bright moonlight. Long flights in search of new fruit trees This insectivorous bat, Hipposideros speoris (forearm were observed in A. jamaicensis only during the new 50mm and bodyweight 13g) is a common species of India moon half of the lunar month (Morrison, 1978). The and the presence of nose-leaf aids in the echolocation. nightly activity patterns of Noctilio leporinus, a The study area, an ancient temple with many unused piscivorous neotropical bat, were documented by visual dark chambers, lies in the Krishnapuram Village, observation over one lunar cycle at a large dock in Tirunelveli District. A colony of about 150 bats inhabits Golfito, Costa Rica. The activity patterns were a dark chamber of the temple. The night roost is located compared to the intensity of the moonlight, and a strong very near to the day-roost in a temple tower at a height correlation between darkness and activity was of about 20m from the ground. The study area observed. This correlation has been observed in many predominantly includes ponds and agricultural fields. species of mammals and may indicate adaptation by Weekly observations were made in the night roost to potential prey species to avoid predation by visually assess the activity pattern of the bats in relation to four oriented night-time predators and/or an adaptation by different phases of moon in a month during March predators to maximize hunting success. Decreased 2004. Bat counts were made once in every five minutes predator effectiveness would encourage potential prey from 18.00 to 06.00 hr. items to become more active in low light conditions. Bats may feed longer on dark nights due to decreased The foraging pattern of H. speoris was to emerge from danger from predators (Bork 2006). the day roost after sunset and fly to the foraging ground or to wait in the night roost till the required Lang et al (2006) show that the bats reduced activity darkness set in and then forage. Normally a bimodal during moonlight correlates with a reduction in the pattern of night activity was seen in this species. The activity levels of katydids, a major source of food for study reveals that after emergence from the day roost, H. speoris engaged in night roosting in between the Research Department of Zoology, St.John s College, foraging bouts. The bats actively flew around the Palayamkottai. 627 002 TN [email protected]

24 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 perch-hunting bat, Lophostoma leporinus (Chiroptera: and Fresno (D. nitratoides) kangaroo silvicolum. Karlsson et al (2002) Noctilionidae). Rev. Biol. Trop. rats. Anim. Behav.22: 262-273. investigated the impact of moonlight 54(4): 1117-23. Morrison, D.W. 1978. Lunar phobia on the swarming activity of bats at Karlsson, B., J. Eklöf and J. Rydell in a neotropical fruit bat, Artibeus an abandoned mine in southern 2002. No lunar phobia in swarming jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Sweden. The mine serves as a insectivorous bats (family Phyllostomidae). Animal Behaviour hibernaculum for six species of Vespertilionidae). Journal of 26: 852-855. insectivorous bats. They suggest Zoology, 256(4): 473-477 that the insectivorous bats at high Subbaraj, R. & J. Balasingh. 1986. latitudes may not have been exposed Kotler, B.P., J.S. Brown & O. Hasson. Night roosting and ‘lunar phobia’ in to significant nocturnal predator 1991. Factors affecting gerbil Indian false vampire bat Megaderma pressure, leading to the evolution of foraging behavior and rates of owl Lyra. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 93: lunar phobia, as have many tropical predation. Ecology 72(2): 249-260. 1-7. bats. From the present Kunz, T.H. 1982. Roosting ecology of Turner, D.C. 1975. The Vampire Bat: observations, it may be concluded bats, pp 1-55. In: T. H. Kunz, Editor, A Field Study in behavior and that the moonlight has an influence, Ecology of Bats, Plenum, New York. ecology. John Hopkins University, on this microchiropteran bat H. Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 159 p. speoris, by reducing foraging Lang, A. B., Kalko, E.K.V. Römer, activity and enhance night roosting H., Bockholdt, C. and Dechmann. Voûte, A.M., J.W. Sluiter & M.P. behaviour. Moon light avoidance D.K.N. 2005. Activity levels of bats Grimm. 1974. The influence of the may be an exogenous factor to and katydids in relation to the lunar natural light-dark cycle on the probably reduces losses to visually cycle. Oecologia 146: 650–666 activity rhythm of pond bats (Myotis oriented predators. dasycneme Boie, 1825) during Lockard, R.B. & D.H. Owins. 1974. summer. Oecologia (Berlin) 17: 221- References: Moon-related surface activity of 243. Bork, K.S. 2006. Lunar phobia in the bannertail (Dipodomys spectabilis) greater fishing bat Noctilio

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 25 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 The Threat of Climate Change Rick A. Adams Greatful thanks to Robert Locke of BCI and small-stream water sources. We consistently find Editor of BATS for permitting us to reprint this maternity roosts of various species located close to interesting article on bats and climate change. relatively stable but small-scale water features. Editor. Some of these pools are less than six feet (1.8 meters) in diameter, yet they buzz with activity after The Rocky Mountains of Colorado offer a wondrous sunset, as hundreds of bats descend to the surface to mosaic of habitats from lowland prairies to treeless th drink. They must replenish water lost during their alpine tundra. At the 50 parallel near Boulder, the daytime siestas within sun-baked rock crevices where Continental Divide reaches its easternmost point in the higher roost temperatures help with gestation. Some United States, producing steep and convoluted relief bats have been shown to lose more than 30 percent of across which climate and ecology differ dramatically. their body mass through evaporative water loss over a The abrupt topography compresses habitats and single 12-hour roosting cycle. When females are ecotones (the transitions between habitats) into lactating water-rich milk for their young, water loss remarkably condensed communities of animals and may even be higher. plants. Thus ecologists can study a diversity of ecosystems in one local area that is equivalent in The combination of hot, dry roosts, small body size scope and richness to that which occurs across the and lactation suggests that reproduction in these 1200 miles (2000 kilometers) between Boulder and female bats is a staggering effort that likely explains the Canadian Arctic. For bats, this remarkable why we find maternity colonies of multiple species landscape provides for the coexistence of a diverse near reliable pools of water. At dusk, water – assemblage of species. stressed females descend to drink soon after emerging from their day roosts, skimming the surface My students at the University of Northern Colorado multiple times before leaving the area. and I have been conducting research on bat populations in the region for 13 years. This It is not only the crevice-roosting bats that come to persistence illuminates long-term population trends in drink. At many watering sites, we catch all nine this richly varied medley of bats. The underlying resident species, including less abundant species, questions of our studies have been (1) do the limited such as the (Lasiurus cinereus) and silver- water resources of arid landscapes influence roost- haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) that use trees site preferences and reproductive ecology of bats as roosts. Their presence increases the already-high and (2) does water availability influence how bat number of the bats trying to squeeze into these small populations and communities are structured? pools for a drink. Nights following the hottest, driest days correlate with the highest activity levels at Our research produced a number of unexpected water sources, where, at first glance, the scene looks results, especially concerning what appears to be like sheer chaos. surprisingly complex cooperative behavior, as well as mineral acquisition, maternal- roost clustering and the Upon closer examination , however, the apparently critical importance of near-roost water sources for lawless free-for-all turns out to have a definite and milk production by mother bats. After 13 years, we unexpected order and process. As various species are beginning to stitch together the natural history of leave their roost sites within minutes of each other, the nine resident bat species and the importance of they do not all come to the pool simultaneously. water sources to stability and sustainability of Instead, they arrive in species or colony groups in a populations. specific and predictable order night after night, year after year. Unfortunately, our data also strongly suggest a potentially devastating impact of climate change on Peaks of activity are distinctive for each species. We these bats: increasing regional temperatures, confirmed this phenomenon by recording exact declining precipitation and reduced stream flow capture times of each bat that visited to drink and by appear to negatively influence the ability of females compiling data over several years. The pattern was to reproduce. consistent : bats drinking at these small pools are organized by predictable visitation times, without Upon leaving their high-elevation hibernation sites in which individual access to the water would be late April or early May, bats descend into the food- problematic at best. rich lowlands. Males and females, which hibernated together, break away into bachelor and maternity *Professor of Biology at the University of Northern groups. Females typically return year after year to Colorado n Greeley. He studies the ecology and evolution the same rock-crevice roosts, usually located near of bats. 26 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Even more astonishing, however, is the discovery that We places an antenna (the scanner) in a small pool the bats actually line up to drink, rather than simply near the roost site to record visitation patterns of diving in from every direction. The chaos of bats bats of known reproductive status. The results were zipping and milling a few feet above the water is sobering. Lactating females drank at the pool 13 completely at odds with what is happening at the times more often (236 visits) than non reproductive surface. Working with Dr. James Simmons of Brown females (18 visits) over an 11 day period. Lactating University, we used a thermal-imaging camera to females clearly have very high water requirements record this amazing behavior at the smallest, most and having a water source near the maternity colony active pools. may be one of the criteria females use in choosing All bats that approached for a drink did so singly. roost sites. Each one came in from a specific direction and Next, we plotted our 13 years of data against annual followed a drinking pathway – not unlike a landing weather conditions, including mean monthly high strip at an airport. Further, the film revealed that temperature, mean monthly precipitation and mean bats entering the ‘drinking queue’ did so by making a monthly stream-discharge rates. What we found was wide turn away from other bats above the pool, then disconcerting. In year with warmer, drier conditions, circling into the precise approach path. We observed reproductive outcomes dropped precipitously. The multiple bats entering the drinking path one after the long-term trend in the data showed a steady increase other and following one another across the water’s in numbers of non reproductive females captured surface in a single-line approach. during such years. In the warmest, driest year of our While filming in July, when the pups begin to fly, we study, 2007, more than 50 percent of the adult watched this finely tuned drinking game suddenly females we captured were non reproductive – a huge break down as some bats caused near-collisions by difference from years when weather conditions were trying to drink from the “wrong” direction. We can closer to average and only 11 to 15 percent of only suppose that these were inexperienced juveniles, captured females were non reproductive. Virtually all perhaps making their first attempt at water-hole climate-change models predict warmer and drier etiquette. When this occurred, the bat that was in the summers in this region. correct pathway would call out a distinctive, audible Analyzing the data showed that the availability of buzz at the wayward intruder. It appears that young water and especially precipitation were most closely bats need to learn the rules of the game from adults. correlated to reproductive status. Precipitation, of We have found that female bats apparently can course, feeds local streams and our data reveal a determine the mineral content of drinking water and sudden crash in female reproduction when flow rates that they lead their young to pools with higher levels of Boulder Creek (the only drainage in our field area of dissolved calcium, perhaps to help with skeletal that is monitored for flow rates) falls below 247 development (see “The Lure of Dirt,” BATS , Winter cubic feet (7 cubic meters) per second. When this 2006). Females benefit from these high-mineral pools large stream falls to such a low flow rate, smaller because insects provide scant calcium and they streams near roost sites may, in fact, be almost typically end up calcium-deficient during their completely dry. This sudden crash in reproductively reproductive period. In some cases, we have radio active females implies that there is a threshold of tracked lactating females flying several miles to minimum water availability required to support local reach small, inconspicuous but calcium-rich pools bat populations. These data, of course, fit well with hidden in the forest, bypassing more obvious water our PIT tag study of female reproduction and sources to reach them. We found no apparent visitation frequency to water sources. relationship between male bats and these high-calcium We often think of bats as highly mobile mammals drinking opportunities. capable of travelling large distances to forage and But while mineral content may play a role in which find water. Maternity roost sites, however, provide pools adult females and their young visit, the well-established anchors that help support local bat proximity of water to maternity roosts is the most populations over the long term. Females return to critical aspect. We demonstrated this through an these sites year to give birth to and raise their young, experiment in summer 2006. We marked 29 female and females in maternity colonies seem to resist fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes) from a maternity abandoning such areas, even when water resources colony by inserting a passive integrated transponder – dwindle. Instead of leaving, females apparently are a PIT tag – just beneath the skin of females that were shutting down – or being forced physiologically to either lactacting or non reproductive. The tiny tags halt – reproductive output that the environment can no do not require batteries and can be read by a scanner longer support. The long-term risk to these to identify the individual. populations appears substantial.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 27 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Continued from previous page Climate change in western North America is expected percent less summer precipitation and 36 percent less to increase in coming years, with still-greater water storage. reductions in summer precipitation and winter snowpack. Already the loss of accumulated If there is one spark of hope in all this, it is that we snowpack, combined with spring runoffs that begin up can begin to mitigate some of these effects by to a month earlier than in the past and reduced developing management plans that include artificial summer rainfall, has measurably affected regional water sources to support high-risk maternity colonies. patterns of stream flow. Thus, the outlook for future Climate change is upon us, and we can do little to stem water availability in natural ecosystems is grim. the tide in the short term, but fast track solutions to Climate-change models for the Colorado River Basin immediate problems may just be enough to avoid a predict that for every 0.6 degree F (1-degree C) sudden collapse of distressed ecosystems. increase, we can expect 24 percent less snow, 3

Bats and Climate change on the internet : just type bats climate change impact

Bat deaths linked to climate change The Impact of Climate Change on Bats Brian Nearing, Staff writer, timesunion submitted by Naveen Sundar, Brian Kelly on 4/30/02 . Unusual weather may disrupt feeding patterns, causing starvation. Global Climate Change -Western Program-Miami University Friday, March 7, 2008 Check out our Report on The Impact of Climate Change on Bats

ALBANY -- A mysterious affliction that has killed thousands of Executive Summary: This project attempted to link global change hibernating bats in the Northeast is likely tied to recent mild in climate and ecosystem change. We specifically looked at the winters, rather than a fungus around the mammals' mouths, ecosystems concerning bats. Bats are important creatures and it is according to a state wildlife pathologist. While an investigation generally uncommon to find studies done on bats and their role in by the state Department of Environmental Conservation is ecosystems. This paper looked at the increasing global continuing, DEC pathologist Ward Stone said warmer winters temperature rise as an indicator of how the life of bats have caused by climate change, rather than a mysterious white fungus, changed in their respective ecosystems. For this, we looked at has been killing off thousands of hibernating bats in their caves temperature data gathered worldwide more recently and up to this winter. Stone, often a renegade at DEC during his long career about 150 years ago. We analyzed the data in order to note any there, said his studies of about 150 dead bats found the milky- temperature and bat population trends that were of relevance to colored fungus that has been dubbed "white nose syndrome" has this paper. So,.....why not check out our Final Report on The not been killing the bats. MORE at http://www.timesunion.com/ Impact of Climate Change on Bats AspStories story.asp?storyID=669869 http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/climatechange02/ &category=REGION&newsdate=3/7/2008 FinalArticles/BatDraft-TheFinalApril302.html

Bats and climate change Potential Effects of Global Change on Bats Tony Hutson, Inf.EUROBATS.AC11.30. Michael A. Bogan, Wildlife Research Biologist, Biological In 2005, the UK’s Defra commissioned a review Climate Change 1 Resources Division, USGS and Research Professor of Biology, and Migratory Species . This was presented to CMS CoP8 University of New Mexico. (Nairobi, November 2005) at a workshop on climate change. The review covers marine mammals, terrestrial mammals, bats, birds, It is generally believed that bat populations have declined turtles, fish (with cephalopods and plankton) and insects, and deals worldwide in recent decades. Because bats have low reproductive in particular with the UK and its overseas territories. The report 2 rates, populations are very susceptible to elevated mortality or can be viewed at www.defra.gov.uk or as CoP.Inf8.19 at 3 depressed recruitment. There is developing concern about the www.cms.int . For the bats, the report concentrates ... MORE at conservation status of bats as many species of bats are http://www.eurobats.org/documents/pdf/AC11/ increasingly affected by multiple actions of humans. Bats face Inf_AC11_30_ClimateChange.pdf. multiple threats of ignorance, suspicion, pesticide poisoning, roost destruction and closure, habitat loss, over-exploitation, and Vampire bats offer clues to the future, extermination as pests. Among mammals, bats are the second most Shahroukh Mistry & Arnulfo Moreno-Valdez. Vol.26, No.2, diverse order (after rodents) and occur on all continents except Summer 08 Antarctica. Bats often range widely in their foraging activities Overheated flying foxes, panting and frantically fanning and habitat modifications such as urbanization, agriculture, and themselves with their wings, fell from the trees in New South other land use practices may affect local plant and insect Wales, Australia, six years ago. Up to 3,500 black and grey- populations and thus the food resources of bats. At present, headed flying foxes died on the ground beneath their roosts, however, virtually nothing is known of the specific effects of victims, researchers believe, of heat waves that pushed global warming on bats although certain predictions can be made temperatures to 108 degrees F (42º C). In this era of looming based on the biology of bats. (see url for more) climate change, such scorching temperatures are occurring more http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/biology/bats/ often. Tragically so: since 1994, more than 30,000 flying foxes have died in New South Wales, apparently because of at least 19 episodes of extreme heat. MORE at http://www.batcon.org/ index.php/media-and-info/bats- archives.html?task=viewArticle&magArticleID=1014

28 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 The Training Tale of Hari Adhikari Sally Walker

Hari Adhikari is one of our young batters who came onto the scene after Geetha Shreshta started her bat clubs in Nepal and started looking for people to speak at the meetings. Students from the Forest College in Pokhara began to get interested and write to us and Hari was among them. Hari was among the trainees in the field techniques training on volant and non-volant small mammals, which was organized in Nepal by CCINSA, RISCINSA, ZOO and WILD. After that he organized some field trainings to members of BAT FRIENDS and Natural Resources Research and Conservation Center (NaReCon) here in Nepal to produce more bat researchers and conservationists for doing research and conservation works. up also, in Madurai which would be more advanced but I Hari also had a grant funded by Chester Zoo for felt Hari needed another kind of basic grounding “Status and Distribution of Bats in Palpa District of before undertaking this course. I immediately thought Western Nepal” which required expertise in voucher of our great colleague and friend, Dr. P.O. Nameer who specimens which Hari did not have. is Associate Professor (Wildlife) & Head, Centre for Wildlife Studies at his University, Kerala Agricultural I’d been wondering what to do about that when Hari University, Thrissur. I asked Nameer if he could host wrote requesting inclusion in our Bhutan training Hari and provide some of the kind of instruction he scheduled several months away. It is our policy not to needed. invite many people from outside when conducting in a “new” country so that their people get all advantage, and Not that I expected any other response, Nameer got also Hari needed advanced training in evaluation of back immediately and proposed a programme for Hari voucher specimens. We had a taxonomy training coming that would include: · Mist-netting sessions · Preparation of voucher specimens · Wet and dry method of museum specimen preparation · Exercise on carding (preparation on dry skins) · Extraction of skull · Analysis of fecal sample from fruit bats and insectivorous bats · DNA studies (taking the tissue sample, digestion, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification and quantification, PCR amplification, PCR purification and sequencing of amplified gene) · Field visit to Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary to study bat roosts.

Later, Nameer reported that Hari was also asked prepare an annotated checklist of mammals of Nepal, using Wilson and Reeder (2005) and provided with whatever literature that the centre had on bats. This was a good grounding indeed and Hari wrote a glowing mail and thanks. Hari identify in a trapped bat in Kerala

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 29 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Hari also got an opportunity to visit our office in Coimbatore and even attend the Madurai Taxonomy training before returning to Nepal. Now he has received a scholarship for graduate studies in Germany. Hari’s Report on southern Indian training is below.

“Overall the training was good in all aspects. Being a student from Nepal where all these new technologies used for bats are not available, I got wonderful chance to learn different techniques to study bats. The resource person conveyed difficult ideas in simple ways so as to be understandable by all level of people working on bats.

I worked for bat species identification by using the key developed by Dr. C. Srinivasulu and these keys were made in easier ways, useful for people of all level of knowledge. The practical on echolocation and taxonomy identifications of bats was very useful for me as I have to identify species when I go back to Nepal. Without these trainings, I think I would not be able to work intensively on bats. This training has made me able to guide few students to work on bats in Nepal.

I learned different information on echolocation and types of detectors and got to handle them and gave a glance to different software used in the field of echolocation recording and use. I gathered much information on bats and bat studies. I also felt comfortable to express confusions and have discussions regarding taxonomy and identifications that I had faced during my previous days while working on these small bats.” -- Hari Adkari.

We wish Hari and other batters well in their studies and express our gratitude to the experts who come over to South Asia and teach people to study what we call the “non- charismatic mini-vertebrates”.

30 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Sighting of the Lesser False Vampire Bat Megaderma spasma in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Dist. Raigad, Maharashtra, India. Nikhil Bhopale1 and Kavita Malya

The Lesser False Vampire Bat Megaderma spasma is References: distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, South-east Brosset, A. (1962). The Bats of Central and Western Asia to Java, Philippines and Molucca Islands (Brosset India Part II, Journal of Bombay Natural History A., 1962; Bates P.J.J.& Harrison D.L.,1997; Blandford Society, Vol. 59 (2): 583-624. W.T., 1891). In India, it has been found in Maharashtra, Paul J.J. Bates & David L. Harrison (1997). Bats of the Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, , Indian Subcontinent, Harrison Zoological Museum West Bengal, Assam, Mizoram and Andaman Islands. Publication. (Bates P.J.J. & Harrison D. L., 1997). Brosset A, 1962 Blanford, W.T. (1891). The Fauna of British India, states in his paper The Bats of Central and Western Ceylon and Burma (Taylor & Francis Ltd.) India that this species was seen only in a few places in the Western Ghats including the coastal area, where it appears to be rare and localized and seems to be a species of humid and forested areas. So far this species has been recorded from Thana, Rajapur, Borivali, Kanheri and Chanda in Maharashtra (Bates P.J.J. & Harrison D. L., 1997). Yet, it has not been recorded from Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

We sighted this Bat in the Phansad WLS on 23rd August 2008 at around 12 noon. The sanctuary is about 45 km west to the Western Ghats mountain range. A colony of four was sighted in an abandoned concrete construction in the sanctuary. Available literature indicates that the mammalian fauna of the sanctuary has not been documented. This short note might be a pioneering step in the documentation of the mammalian fauna of the Megaderma spasma ©Nikhil Bhopale Sanctuary.

1 Acknowledgement Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, S B Singh Road, 400001 Contact no. 09819330222, mail-id: I thank, Dr. Kaluram Senacha for confirming the [email protected] identification of this species.

Netting technique, capture and handling of Pteropus giganteus Sudhakaran M.R.1, and Swamidoss, D.P.2

The Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus is a hardy attached with two or three tail ropes towards the animal and is hard to capture and handle. Mist-netting ground. Two lengthy ropes (depending on the height of technique for capturing different species of bats is the fruiting tree and the length to be used for well illustrated by Kunz & Kurta (1988). This paper dragging the net) and one end of the rope was laid deals with the mist-netting technique, capture and over the top branch of the fruiting tree, or put over a handling of P. giganteus. pole which is tied on the fruiting tree to give a good height of 0.5 to 1 meter above the tree and the rope Mist net and erecting technique should be free not to intertwined in branches. Another Various types of mist nets are available in the market rope could be tied at a tree or pole of the same height, for capturing of various flying animals. We use a mist as fruiting tree at any distance on the opposite side net made of black or blue nylon thread of 0.1mm (up to 100 to 150 meters from fruiting tree). Before diameter, and a mesh size of 6.5 x 6.5 sq inches with a joining the mist net to the two ropes, a weight (e.g.: net size of 65 / 70 x 65 / 70 or 100 x 100 sq meshes stone: ca. 200 to 250 gm) has to be attached at both for capturing P.giganteus. A nylon rope of 3mm diameter is strung to all four sides of the net as shown in the figure. Blue nets show good results under 1. Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology moonlight too. Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi, Tirunelveli. 2. Department of Animal Behaviour and Physiology The nylon rope at the top extends to one feet on both Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai. the sides away from the net and the bottom is Email: [email protected] (combined) BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter and Rat-A-Tattle - RISCINSA Newsletter 31 Conservation and Information Network of South Asia, Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 the ends of the rope. Both the ropes with weights have lights under the fruiting tree makes bats to fly away) to be attached and one end of the rope which comes and also the tail rope helps to find the required height. under the fruiting tree (dragging rope) has to drag down hence the weights attached will go up and Using of a hammock netting height could be determined, the ropes could be The place where the net to be drag down should be adjusted in order to erect and drag down the net in a free from small shrubs and the place should be safer place. As the height and place of netting was cleaned for 1 meter breadth and to the length of the determined, mist net was attached as shown in figure, net or small herbs and shrubs could be covered with and it could be erected. Once the net reaches the plastic sheets to avoid the damage/intertwine of net. required height, the tail rope has to be fixed in the To avoid this, protective hammock (Shapely et al., ground by using nails. The dragging rope that helps the 2001) could be used, but when dragging, bats may net to drag up and down should be marked with a tangle with mist net with its large claws and it makes marker (inserting a nail or twig in to the rope) at the hard to remove. Hammock also makes difficult to use fixed position as shown in the figure that helps the net the tail rope, but hammock can be used under practice. to heave up and down. Without altering any changes to the net and fixed tail ropes, net could be erected up Handling of bat caught in mist net and down by adjusting the dragging rope. Once the bat was caught in the mist net, by releasing the tied dragging rope the net could be bring down to Advantages the appropriate place, and weight attached helps the Mostly mist nets available in the market are having net to come down quickly. By using gloves, bat has to pouches. P.giganteus flies at a height mostly above the be captured from its ventral side with one hand and fruiting tree and mostly above the canopy level, they another hand should hold the neck carefully from its flies at lower level only near the fruiting tree. Hence dorsal side and then only hand at the ventral side it could avoid mist net with pouches which was erected should be removed to capture the neck from the dorsal at a height of >50 feet, that may blown by air, side. If we directly caught its neck from the dorsal therefore the mist nets used for capture of side there is a chance for it to bite on the gloves, if it P.giganteus should not have pouches. As we are using bites on the gloves, it will be very hard to remove. And nets with larger mesh size; we could avoid the falling there by removing the hand at the ventral side the bat of other small mega and micro chiropterans, which could be removed easily, the forearm and fingers of help us to avoid the risk of dragging the net up and the bat has to be caught by using fingers of the hand down. If the mist net or rope fastens with the that captures the neck and the bat has to be carefully branches in tree, it can be removed easily there by removed from the net and handled. The neck of bat adjusting the tail rope. The fixed tail rope helps the should held carefully, to avoid the risk of damaging net not to wave or blown in the air. While mist nets the fingers bats mouth could be tied with a rope or a was erected over a stream, the net could be adjusted small cover made of straws, which was like a cap with and kept in control by adjusting the tail rope; when a elastic rope could be used to cover the mouth while bat was caught it could be removed from mist net taking measurements. As it was having hard and sharp without getting into stream there by standing on the claws, it may cause injuries and wounds to our hand bank and or over the bridge by using tail rope. Marker that holds the bat and to avoid this bat has to be in the dragging rope helps to erect the net at correct handled carefully and lengthy gloves that cover the height by using the available moonlight (because using entire forearm could be used.

a- Weight attached to the rope (ca.200- 250 g) b - Dragging rope c-Marker in the dragging rope d- Tail rope

Netting technique for capturing Pteropus giganteus

32 (combined) BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter and Rat-A-Tattle - RISCINSA Newsletter Conservation and Information Network of South Asia, Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Obituary

Prof Dr. A. Gopalakrishna, Former Director, Institute of Science, Nagpur, India, passed away on September 19, 2008. Arkalgud Gopalakrishna was born on 20 October 1922, in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka. He schooled at Malleswaram High School, Bangalore and was awarded B.Sc.(Hons.) and D.Sc. Degree in Zoology from Mysore University. His career began as a lecturer and researcher in Central College, Bangalore, and later shifted to the then College of Science, Nagpur, during 1946. He was initiated into bat research by Prof P.A. Ramakrishna also of of Central College, Bangalore and Prof M.A. Moghe of College of Science, Nagpur.

Prof. Gopalakrishna published over 100 papers on different aspects of reproductive biology of Indian bats, and these are widely cited. He published in 1947 his first research paper on the embryology of bats. He was awarded a US population council research scholarship in 1955, working with William Wimsatt at Cornell University, USA and visited several other research centres.

He was responsible for starting mammalian reproductive physiology and embryology as a special subject for M.Sc. Zoology at the College of Science, Nagpur, and was instrumental in setting up a world- renowned research centre for bat studies in its Department of Zoology. He was the moving spirit behind upgrading the College of Science as Institute of Science and was the longest serving Director of this institute until his retirement in March 1981. For a short spell of one year he served as Director of Institute of Science, Mumbai. He received the Maharashtra State Best Teacher Award in 1979. He was awarded Emeritus Professorship by U.G.C. New Delhi and worked at the Dept. of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. A Gold Medal has been instituted in his name at Nagpur University and also a scholarship for P.G. students at the Institute of Science, Nagpur.

Prof. Gopalakrishna was instrumental in shaping the career of thousands of students. Many scholars and well-known teachers consider him their role model. He has a wide circle of friends from different walks of life to whom he was a friend, guide and philosopher. He and this writer reported the survival of inseminated spermatozoa in the female genital tract of two species of Indian bats for the first time, and the effective fertilization of the ovum released after a considerable lapse of time, a phenomenon usually only with bats inhabiting temperate regions. Among the more than 100 species of Indian bats comprising nine families, details of sex cycle, embryology and some aspects of endocrinology have been so far studied in several species representing all the nine families by Prof. Gopalakrishna and his students.

Prof. Gopalakrishna was an outstanding sportsman, and represented his state in football. He was also an accomplished musician and virtuoso in Sitar. He was also interested in astrology. He continued research after his retirement and in his later years he was engaged in Vedantic studies and took to reading Aadi Sankaracharya‘s works. He is survived by wife, children and grandchildren.

Prof. Gopalakrishna was a gifted scholar, an artist and humanitorian. He will always be remembered by the scientific as well as teaching community.

P. Kunwar Bhatnagar, Arakkal Madhavan and K.B.Karim Address for correspondence: Arakkal Madhavan, Kailath Tharavadu, Paralam-680575, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 33 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Training in field techniques on small mammals, Bhutan Sonam Choden*

Originally appeared on http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/news/ • To impart practical field techniques for ecological studies news_detail.php?id=836 • To reinforce and improve handling, field and lab techniques A total of 30 participants attended the training at CNR for scientific studies Lobesa from 7-11 September 2009. The participants were • To teach captive management and welfare of bats and from ten national parks, territorial forest divisions, rodents as well as educational techniques for public education institutes and nature conservation divisions. All • To discuss future directions and activities of the network participants were awarded certificates at the end of the in collaboration with the specialist groups. training. Background information on small mammals of Bhutan Resource persons for this training were Bhutan has close to 200 species of mammals, which is 1. Dr. Paul A. Racey, Chair, IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist remarkable considering the small size of the country Group based in UK. compared to other neighbouring countries like India. Small 2. Dr. Mike Jordan, Chair (Europe & North Asia) IUCN SSC mammals consisting of bats and rodents form the most Reintroduction Specialist Group based in UK. diverse order of mammals. There are 65 species of bats 3. Dr. B.A. Daniel, Scientist and Educator, Zoo Outreach recorded in Bhutan which constitute 33% of all mammal taxa Organization, India. of Bhutan. Out of 65 species of bats, nine species are 4. Mr. R. Marimuthu, Education Officer, Zoo Outreach megachiroptera or fruit bats also known as flying foxes, and Organization, India. 56 species are microchiroptera belonging to five families. The most common group of bats in Bhutan is the evening bats The main objectives of the training were to train the (Vespertilionidae) with 34 species found in Bhutan. Bats are forestry staff working in national parks, divisions and institutions in the following areas: *National Conservation Division, Department of Forest, Government of Bhutan, Bhutan 34 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 distributed mostly in subtropical and duration of five days from 7-11 Management and Research Section, temperate areas between 500-3000m September and focused on ecological Wangchuck Centennial Park, Bumthang, altitude above sea level (Wangchuk et field techniques and species Bhutan al. 2004). identification. * I am just preparing my work plan & There is lack of ecological information Participants and host comments post project proposals to carry out rodent’s on many mammal species including small workshop via email survey in my division, which includes mammals in Bhutan. Their population, Thanks for your mail and appreciation three districts. Hope everything will status, distribution and threats are that u pose on us. I get back to you be fine. Thank you for imparting such largely unknown. This intensive five-day with proposal on small rodents very training to us; we will keep in touch. training program on small mammals soon. pls help me in every aspect. Tashi Dendup, Senior Forest Ranger, facilitated by experts from IUCN and Kuenzang Dorji, Lecturer, Ugyen Wangdue Forest Division, Lobesa, ZOO would help equip forestry staff Wangchuk Institute for Conservation Bhutan with the required knowledge, skills and and Environment, Bumthang, Bhutan. * techniques to initiate surveys to It was a great pleasure for me to document small mammals in Bhutan. This I enjoyed the training. Please do bring receive your mail. This is the positive might even lead to discovery of new such training for Bhutan again. Jigme sign that you are showing for to work species records for Bhutan. Tshelthrim Wangyal, Head of towards the conservation of small Research, Bumdeling Wildlife mammals in Bhutan. We will work our Small mammals training information: Sanctuary, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. commitments by seeking your advice and The training on small mammals in Bhutan comments wherever necessary. is being organized by the Chiroptera It was a great pleasure meeting Jangchuk Gyeltshen, Section Head, Conservation and Information Network conservationist like you all and without Research and Species Conservation of South Asia (CCINSA) representing your workshop Bhutan might have had Section, Jigme Dorji National Park, the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist remained ignorant of the subtilities of Damji, Gasa, Bhutan Group in South Asia; Rodentia the small mammals although we have * Insectivora, and Scandentia diverse species. As saying goes our Thanks for your support and for Conservation & Information Network of commitments are your efforts for the bringing the Small Mammal Training to South Asia (RISCINSA) representing conservation which will made a Bhutan. Our participants found the the Rodent, and Insectivore Specialist difference in this world. Whatever may training highly useful and I am sure Groups in South Asia; Conservation be we will try our best and explore the some of them will take up studies on Breeding Specialist Group, South Asia; said mammals and accordingly report to small mammals of Bhutan. We are Reintroduction Specialist Group, S & E your organization without fail. We committed to working together with Asia; Zoo Outreach Organization reach safely to our destination and hope your network of organisations and look (ZOO); and Wildlife Information same for you. I will never forget the forward to your visit in the future. Liaison Development Society (WILD) in day and night for hunting for bats. I Sonam Choden, Sr. Forest Officer, collaboration with Nature Conservation would like to convey my heartiest Nature Conservation Division, Division, Department of Forest, Bhutan. messages to Dr. Paul and Mike and Zoo Department of Forest, Ministry of This is the first such training on small Outreach for arranging wonderful field Agriculture, Thimphu, Bhutan mammals to be organized in Bhutan. It teachniques for rodents and bats. * is the first time Zoo Outreach Hoping for more workshops and training The workshop conducted by your group Organisation has organised training in in future too. Tenzin, Species was very useful for a small country like Bhutan. The training was for the Bhutan where we don’t have record on

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 35 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 small mammals. I had little knowledge Mr. Tshering Dorji, Assistant Forest Mr. Sonam Wangdi,Forest Officer, about small mammal and how to conduct Officer, Paro Forest Division Nature Conservation Division survey and identify the species. Now, I Mr. Sangay Dorji, Sr. Range Officer, Mr. Norbu Wangdi, Forest Officer, am preparing for a presentation on our Royal Manas National Park Nature Conservation Division workshop to my field staff. Once more, Mr. Yeshi Wangdi, Sr. Range Officer, Mr. Lhendup Tharchen, Forest Officer thanks for your great services and if I Royal Manas National Park Nature Conservation Division had any problems on this subject I will Mr. Kuenzang Dorji, Sr. Forest Ranger, Mr. Kuenzang Gyeltsen, Livestock contact you. Nhawang Tenzin, Park Ugyen Wangchuck, Institute for Officer, Nature Conservation Division Ranger, Jigme Singye Wangchuk Conservation and Environment, Mr. Sangay, Assistant Forest Officer, National Park, Athang Park Range Bumthang Nature Conservation Division. Office, Wangdue, Bhutan Dr. Dhan Bdr. Gurung, Sr. Lecturer, * College of Natural Resources, Lobesa I am going to present what we did in Mr. Jangchuk Gyeltshen, Sr. Range the workshop to my collegues at Officer, Jigme Dorji National Park Thrumshingla National Park and I will Mr. Kesang Dorjee, Forest Officer, let you know what i am going to do after Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary that. I hope to conduct identification Mr. Tshering Dawa, Forest Ranger, and survey. Sangay Drukpa, Park Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary Ranger, Thrumshingla National Park, Mr. Jigme T. Wangyel, Assistant Forest Ura, Bumthang. Officer Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

Mr. Ngawang Tenzin, Forest Ranger, Participants Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park Mr. Tashi Dendup, Forest Ranger, Mr. Jamyang Tenzin, Sr. Ranger, Wangdue Forest Division Thimphu Forest Division Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, Sr. Range Mr. Sonam Penjor, Assistant Forest Officer, Tsirang Forest Division Officer, Royal Botanical and Mr. Sangay Drukpa, Forest Ranger, Recreational Parks division Thrumshingla National Park Mr. Sherub Wabgchuk, Assistant Forest Mr. Tenzin, Assistant Forest Officer, Officer, Royal Botanical and Wangchuck Centennial Park Recreational Parks division Mr. Kinga Norbu, Range Officer, Mr. Sonam Wangchuck, Dy. Chief Forest Bumthang Forest Division Officer, Nature Conservation Division

Trainees practising Mist-netting and rodent trapping

36 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Training in Field Techniques for Research and Conservation of Volant and Non-volant Small Mammals, Bhutan R. Marimuthu*

Objectives tropical, desert field techniques; Programme for Threatened Small Main objectives of this five-day identification of habitat and Mammals Ecological surveys – training are; (i) to convey practical sampling methodologies of bats dietary studies: role of rodents field techniques for use for and rodents; catching animals - and bats as pollinators and seed ecological studies, (ii) to reinforce Sherman traps, pit-fall traps, tree dispersers; Rodents and and improve handling, field and traps, etc.; field practice traps Insectivores / Bat Conservation; lab techniques for scientific and techniques for bats - ground Conservation through interactive studies, (iii) to teach captive mist nets, harp traps, sub-canopy management – Captive Breeding management and welfare of bats nets, flick hooks, c) getting bitten, and exhibition in Zoos/ Ex situ and rodents as well as d) first aid kits; care of nets and conservation and reintroduction educational techniques for traps; animal handling (i) programmes for both bats and reaching the public, and (iv) To Identifying animals in the field (ii) rodents handled by Paul A. Racey discuss future directions and identification, use of keys, taking and Mike Jordan. activities of the network in skin samples for DNA analysis; (iii) collaboration with the specialist reproductive status; (iv) age; (v) Apart from this special talk was groups. recording data; and feces (bats); delivered by Sonam Choden who Ethics of bat trapping and field spoke about the Nature Workshop details studies, and marking techniques - Conservation Division and the The training was inaugurated by cyalume lights, reflective tape on ongoing projects. Mr. Jigme Dr. Sonam Wangyel Wang, Chief wings, radio-tracking, identifying Tshelthrim Wangyal gave a Forestry Officer, Nature bats from echolocation calls; presentation on herpetofauna of Conservation Division in the identification of fauna; Reference Bhutan from his research work in presence of the chief guest was collections around the world – Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary Mr. Dorji Wangchuk, Director, use of, how to access followed to this. At the end a College of Natural Resources. A electronically; building reference panel discussion was held. Paul total of 22 participants attended collec-tions; lab practical in Racey, Mike Jordan and Daniel the training from 10 National preservation; tissue collection answered participants’ questions. Parks, Territorial Forest Divisions, and preservation for bio-analysis Participants asked about the Education Institutions and Nature using museum specimens; required equipment for survey, Conservation Division. The recording morphological and how to network the survey syllabus of the five-day training, osteological measurements; key throughout Bhutan, what are included the following: taxonomic characters of Rodents health hazards handling the introduction to bats, rodents and and Chiroptera: survey protocol; animals and its prevention, insectivores; introduction to field Conservation Planning - Planning techniques for bats and rodents; and designing combined Volant/ *Education Officer, ZOO, standard techniques in inventory Non-volant mammals filed study Coimbatore, TN. and monitoring-temperate, sub- and Conservation Action [email protected]

Dr. Paul Racey explaining methods to capture bats using Harpnet

Dr. Sonam Wangyel Wang, Chief Forestry Officer, Nature Conservation Division delivering his inagural address

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 37 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 funding agencies, equipment already has some equipments. five day event. The programme suppliers or manufacturer Sonam Choden said that the was closed with the issue of addresses, the places to take-up training was very useful and they certificates. A few days following research in Bhutan. The will definitely take a lead the workshop, a proposal for participants were invited to surveying the population bats surveying the small mammals of become a member of CCINSA and and rodents in Bhutan soon. On the entire country was prepared, RISCINSA. Participants concluded behalf of Sally Walker, the Chair of a sign of success of the that there should be depository CCINSA and RISCINSA, Daniel workshop. for equipment in one place rather thanked the sponsors for than at different places; the NCD providing funding to conduct this

Trainees learning and practising hands-on techniques

38 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Bat Taxonomy and Echolocation Workshop for Researchers at M.K.U. B.A. Daniel*

A five-day hands-on training workshop on echolocation and bat taxonomy, workshop was organised by CCINSA/ZOO and WILD in collaboration with the School of Biological Sciences, Madurai- Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu from 10-14th August 2009. Sripathi, our CCINSA Chair had requested the advanced taxonomy training for his graduate students at MKU, and our regular trainer for bat field techniques, Paul Racey had recently introduced us to his Ph.D. student, Neil Furey, also from Aberdeen University, UK, specialising in bat taxonomy. It was a perfect match. Neil came over right after handing in his Ph.D.

In addition, Srinivasulu of Osmania University demonstrated some taxonomic and identification aspects. The entire training was attended by 18 participants. The training programme was sponsored by Chester Zoo and Bat Conservation International.

The training started with a presentation by Neil on basic taxonomic aspects of bats. He also talked about bat fauna of India highlighting more on taxonomic aspects. The basic anatomy of bats and measurements were covered using illustrations. As part of it he introduced various keys used in bat identification particularly character matrices and explained the differences between widely used character matrices and dichotomous key. The dichotomous key developed by Srinivasulu was used to identify the preserved specimens brought by the participants from different parts of southern India. In this exercise participants were divided into five groups and each group was given two specimens for identification using the dichotomous keys. The groups were asked to present the steps involved in identification using the key. They

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 39 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 felt that the key was handy for identification.

Day 2 of the programme started with species identification methods using cranial and dental analysis. To begin with, skull extraction was demonstrated. Identification of bats using cranial and dental analysis was explained. The participants in groups practiced skull extraction of bats. This gave an opportunity for each participant to practice cranial and dental analysis individually by taking measurements and observation. As part of the species identification, preparations for bacula analysis was carried out.

To introduce bat identification using acoustic analysis the functional basis of echolocation was discussed. Neil gave a presentation on acoustic patterns in Indian bat families and genera. He also reviewed types of bat detectors and the methods involved in bat sound analysis. Varieties of bat detectors used by bat researchers were displayed and the advantages and disadvantages of the tools were explained along with the methods to use the tools. In the afternoon of the third day the participants

practiced bat skulling techniques and practiced species identification using cranial and dental analysis. Bacula analysis was demonstrated. In the evening preparations for zipline recording was made and field assistants were employed to collect a few bat species from the wild.

Day 4 started with an early session before sunrise where participants gathered to watch the demonstration

40 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 of zipline bat sound recording. Two bats collected from the field early in the morning were used for the demonstration. The methodology involved in ziplines, hand release and light tagging using cyalume light capsules. The participants recorded the sound and analysed in the laboratory. During the day Neil gave a detailed description of a variety of field recording methods.

During the course flight tents were erected and the bats were released and the calls recorded. These recorded bat sounds were used for analysis. Dr. Sripathi Kandula, Scientific Chair of CCINSA and host of this workshop gave a talk to share his experience in bat research with particular reference to echolocation and taxonomy.

Day 5 started with discussions on aspects of acoustic identification and multivariate analysis. The strengths and weaknesses of acoustic sampling were discussed in detail. Neil also gave a presentation to introduce bat call libraries.

At the end Sanjay Molur, highlighted the activities of CCINSA and invited all the participants to become a member. He also thanked Chester Zoo and Bat Conservation International for providing funding support for the training. All the participants received a course certificate and a bound volume of lecture materials.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 41 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Participant feedback:

The Bat Taxonomy and Echolocation workshop, held at various species of bats. After that we had a theory class Madurai Kamaraj University during 10th - 14th Aug 2009, on the taxonomic overview of the bat fauna of India was a good exposure to the supposedly untouched and which also discussed the various bat families of Indian relatively non-popular branch of biology. The organization, subcontinent. Both the classes were handled by Dr. Neil program schedule and mainly the content of the workshop Furey. were satisfactory. Afternoon we had two lecture classes and a practical Taxonomy and systematics of the largest order Chiroptera session. The first lecture was on specimen collection, were efficiently dealt with in the workshop, while preparation and measurement and the second was on providing hands-on experience. Identification of bat character matrices and dichotomous keys for bat species using character matrices and identification keys identification. Both the lectures were a preamble to the was the most useful part of the whole program. Systematic next practical session. In the practical session we were layout and practical experience with morphological, dental split into groups and identified various bat species and cranial analyses of bats proved to be very effective based on external morphology. All the groups were also in identification of species. Introduction to bat provided with a dichotomous key and the groups echolocation calls, their role in taxonomy and importance presented their findings. The specimens that our team in identifying cryptic species were really helpful in worked were Rhinolophus beddomei and Rhinopoma exploring new avenues for research in the field of hardwickii. chiropteran biology. The second day started with a lecture class on bat Though it was a well organized workshop, previous skulls, including the procedures and methods for the arrangements with adequate number of specimens for skull preparation and curation. The skull extraction practical sessions of, for example, echolocation call process was demonstrated by Dr. Neil Furey. This was recording would have been helpful. Group discussion followed by the skull extraction by each of the team. sessions could be conducted wherein participants would The next session was a lecture on bat bacula analysis have been more interactive and informative. Voluntary talks and preparation. The lecture was then followed by the by researchers attending the workshop with respect to demonstration on the preparation of the bacula by Dr. their research experiences could be included. More of Neil Furey. We could not do the practical on the bacula informal discussions in the evenings with researchers, extraction due to the non-availability of male specimens. regarding the scope of and problems in such research would be encouraging. The third day started with the practical session on the morphology and measurement on bat skulls and dentition. Overall, it was a very productive workshop in acquiring Cranio-dental analysis is very crucial in the systematic knowledge in Bat taxonomy and getting familiar identification of the bats. We could do the practical on with its applications in conservation and management. cranio-dental analysis for species identification. Each --Kadambari V. Deshpande of the group was made to present their findings along with the bat skull that their team has extracted. My main objective to come to this workshop was to learn The next session was the lecture on bat echolocation. the key identifying variables for species identification. Neil Furey taught us the functional basis and taxonomic I have previously no formal training in taxonomy but patterns of bat echolocation. He also explained to us with the help of this workshop I have learnt at least the about the bat detectors, and its functioning. basic classification of bats. The parts of the workshop dedicated to using external morphology for The fourth day started with a practical session on identification was good. Hands on training were an recording the bat calls. The session was early in the important goal of the workshop which was achieved. Neil morning and we also did practical on flight tents, zip made the discussions lively. The only issue was the key lines and light-tagging using captured bat species. that was checked during the workshop. I did not This was followed by lectures on bat specimen personally find it an easy way to identify bats. collections, curation / management, measurement of --Kritika M. Garg echolocation calls, acoustic identification, call scaling and variation. It was the opening and introductory session of the workshop. Each participant introduced their background We also had a session on taxonomy and echolocation and interests. The next session was an introductory with case studies from SE Asia. We also had some class on bat systematics, taxonomy and conservation practical on bat bacula analysis using bacula prepared which also discussed the identification characters of by Dr. Neil.

42 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 The final day started with a lecture on multivariate necessary element of bat studies. All in all, the workshop analysis of acoustic identification. The strength, was very well organized including the seating arrangement, weaknesses and considerations of acoustic sampling meals, lectures and discussions. We look forward to were also dealt with. The next lecture was on the attending more of such workshops and training programs development and management of echolocation call in the near future. -- Megha Budhwani libraries. The workshop held on “Bat taxonomy and echolocation” We were also informed on the further information on was a great opportunity for students planning to work, or bat research such as, web resources and literature on already working in the field of bats. It gave us the insights bats. In the afternoon we repeated our practical on bat of the various studies being carried out on bats along with identification, skull extraction and cranio-dental a lot of information regarding its identification, analysis. After that we had the concluding session of classification and echolocation studies. the workshop and also had a photo session. Being new to this field myself, I registered for the The workshop was a very interesting and great learning workshop keeping in mind the future work that I have to experience. It was the first kind that we were do on bats (handling) and echolocation. So I was definitely attending. It discussed many practical aspects of bats awaiting this workshop with the idea in mind that I would and their conservation. The class on echolocation was a know more about the wide variety of bats present in nature, unique experience. It was also a great experience to their classification and identification strategies. have classes of Dr. Neil Furey and Dr. C. Srinivasulu. The workshop also provided many topics for discussion All of these notions of mine were definitely catered to and also the latest concerns in bat conservation which during the course of the workshop. The hands on will help us in the future. -- Malik Fasil, M. & experience in handling of bats, their identification and Leonald, G. Melite, KAU, Kerala capture of echolocation signals etc. were well coordinated and organized. The experts from each of these fields were The 5-day workshop on ‘Bat taxonomy and echolocation’ present and would contribute their thoughts and was a new and learning experience for the students who suggestions during each and every discussion. This really have started working on bats very recently. It covered, helped me in getting introduced to this field and very efficiently, the taxonomic aspects of bat studies. understanding exactly what are the various aspects under Species identification is kind of a pre-requisite for the study in bats. study of a particular organism, which sadly enough, no regular coursework includes. So, the platforms like this The other things include interactions with all the experts workshop turn out to be really helpful as far as very basic in the field of taxonomy, echolocation and other students aspects like taxonomy or even, morphology are concerned. / scholars presently working in the area. It is extremely overwhelming to know the current work being carried out Although, I expected this workshop to be more interactive on bats and to share the experiences of other people than it was, the lectures were really informative. However, currently working in this field. The experiments were group discussions or talks about different kinds of mostly given for each of us to perform and were not mere possibilities in bat biology or status of the work that is demonstrations. This kept the interest levels high being done in/outside the country would have been really throughout. Also the instruments and softwares used in helpful and driving. Since the workshop was on taxonomy, this field were introduced and their handling and use was not much field work was expected, but it would have been encouraged. a great experience to get to handle bats individually. Over all it was a wonderful experience. The organization and interest and time put in by the organizers were really ‘Learning by practicing’ was very well followed in the appreciable. -- Pooja Muralidharan workshop through the skull dissections, use of keys and matrices for species identification etc. Field work for Expectation from the workshop was that it will prove echolocation using line trapping, flight cages and use of useful for both basic and advanced level researchers different detectors was again a great use of resources to working on various aspects of taxonomy and acoustics. learn and know more. Also, to know about how the samples in different institutes and/or museums are preserved was Satisfaction level after attending the workshop: I did fascinating. Same applies to all the ‘physics’ involved in feel unsatisfied. echolocation. These are the aspects one can hardly find Only the acoustics part was dealt with some necessary any literature on, but are very important for a zoologist. detail.

Such workshops should last at least for a fortnight so Taxonomy part was dealt in a very unprofessional that more of fieldwork can be included, which is a manner. Our Indian resource persons were never

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 43 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 convincing in their clarifications. Too much stress was Resource person Neil’s presentation and explanations on given on their personal viewpoints. Materials supplied as wet specimen preparation, reproductive status identification matrices and dichotomous keys lacked assessment, echolocation was nice and it still live in necessary details and were replete with flaws. The mind, particularly recording calls by zipline was very entire exercise looked like an advertisement of a book new to me. Also Dr. Sripathi talk on echolocation calls that is yet to be printed. As workshop participants we was very informative. Dr. Srinivasulu involvement in should be taught with the help of established and well practical session with each group had helped a lot while accepted matrices. dissection of the specimen.

There was not much mention of ways of non lethal field Session on bat identification using dichotomous and identification techniques; some thing that is very character matrix key to identify a particular bat at essential in a country like India where rules and laws their species level was interesting and the book makes it a near impossible task for us to collect provided was really useful for identification at species specimens from protected areas. Personally, resource level. At the same time, the book also lacks some minute persons were quite approachable and friendly. details (key) to differentiate at species level for some -- Balaji Chattopadhyay species. Overall the workshop was very informative and educative. -- A.K.Vinoth Kumar The workshop was well organized and planned. Basic aspects on classical zoology particularly on taxonomic identification based on skull, dentition, baculum and echolocation was taught well.

Participant emails

Neil Furey, Vietnam [email protected] Sripathi Kandula, MKU, Madurai [email protected] C. Srinivasulu, Osmania University, Hyderabad [email protected] Sanjay Molur, ZOO, Coimbatore [email protected] B.A. Daniel, ZOO, Coimbatore [email protected] Talmale, ZSI, Pune [email protected] Joseph Reginald Louis, Coimbatore [email protected] Balaji Chattopadhyay, MKU, Madurai [email protected] A.K. Vinoth Kumar, MKU, Madurai [email protected] Arindam Chatterjee, MKU, Madurai [email protected] Kritika M. Garg, NCBS, Bengaluru [email protected] Pooja Muralidharan, MKU, Madurai [email protected] P.P. Kaliraj, MKU, Madurai [email protected] J. Maruthupandian, MKU, Madurai [email protected] T. Selvarathinam, MKU, Madurai [email protected] K. Senthilkumar, MKU, Madurai [email protected] S. Baskaran, MKU, Madurai [email protected] Kadambari V. Deshpande, MKU, Madurai [email protected] Megha Budhwani, MKU, Madurai [email protected] Malik Fasil M, KAU, Mannuthy [email protected] Leonald G Melite, KAU, Mannuthy [email protected]

44 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Public Education on Bats throughout India using materials funded by BCI

Report on Bat Kit program during summer camp at MCBT During the summer vacations, two day camps were held for 25 children between the ages of 10 and 14 at the Madras Crocodile Bank. During the camp the children were given a guided tour of the Croc Bank and got an opportunity to take pictures with our young reptiles. Besides the tour and some fun filled and informative animal activities they went on a night safari in Croc bank and took a trip to Nemelli, a village situated close to the Croc Bank, which has a large banyan tree and is a known roosting place for fruit bats. The next morning, they went for a snake trek in the nearby village. They also spent some time with the puppet theatre where they made their own script.

The trip to the bat colony was aimed at getting children familiar with the denizens of the night! They saw a large number of roosting fruit bats. The kids saw many seeds dispersed by the bats near this roosting tree and thus learned first-hand about the importance of these bats in seed dispersal and pollination.

Most of them had never seen such a large colony of bats. The Education Officer gave them all the information about these ‘flying foxes’.

The kids tried hanging from the banyan tree to get a feel of what it would be like to hang from a tree like the bats.

All the children were given the Bat Education Kits and they quickly wore the mask. They tied the rakhi to each other and promised to protect the bats. They were given information about different types of bats, the threats to bats and their importance. They were also given the Fruit Bats of South Asia pocket cards.

There was a question and answer round to clarify all the Akansha Mukherjee Education Officer, Madras Croc Bank myths they had about bats. All in all it was some time spent Trust [email protected] going batty about bats!!!

A programme on Bats On 13 November, I visited the Arivu facility where I had conducted a programme earlier this year on amphibians. The students still remembered that programme, particularly the colouring books which were a popular activity item. I introduced bats by asking the students to name birds that flew; they gave a big list including crows, mynas, egrets, etc. Next I asked them to name a mammal that flew, they were confused and uncertain. One said squirrel and another one said ‘bat’. The latter student told us how he had touched a bat once, under the supervision of an adult, when the bat had accidentally entered his house and was trapped inside. He’d touched the bat’s wing which was like a membrane.

The students learned then what a bat was and why it is called a mammal even though it can fly. They also learned what bats eat. I told them about some of the myths and misunderstandings about bats and how very useful they are to human beings. Bats are not to be killed or considered as pests.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 45 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 historic activities of IUCN since 1972, COUNT DOWN 2010 Save Biodiversity was explained. Students and teachers underwent training in bat conservation. Free educational packets from Zoo Outreach Organisation were distributed. They were taught using techniques of role-play, race and students initiation. Being the first time of this type of programme, the BAT Activities material was translated into Tamil and distributed to all. ‘Bat bookmark’ and South Asian Bats colouring books were distributed. Students participated in drawing and cultural programmes.

Wildlife Week celebrations with Bats Rani Meyyammai Girls Higher Secondary School, Chennai has encouraged the students to take up a Bat Conservation programme. They have conducted drawing competitions on bats and converted illustrations provided by ZOO to be carried out for public awareness. The Eco Task Force students created public awareness by distributing handmade paper bags and small cups made from paper pulp. Each student has maintained a separate note book to record their activities. It was inspiring to look into the things they have made to create awareness on environment and biodiversity conservation.

COUNTDOWN 2010 – Save Biodiversity Bell school, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu: The 2-day programme on Count Down 2010 – Save Biodiversity was conducted using bats as a theme. Eighty students and 11 staff members of 5 different schools participated. On 6 October a bat conservation awareness activity was conducted. Students have seen bats in their campus. A few students described the hanging position and feeding habits as well as more points about bats from the booklets distributed. They chanted ‘Take Care of bats…they are our friends’. Wearing rakhi, mask and placard they flew like bats from place to place. They learned there are 2 types of bats, fruit eating and insect eating bats. They identified the characteristics of insect bats and fruit bats. They drew bat pictures by connecting the dots. The book mark was very useful to share pithy facts about the bats. The next session was a drawing competition & role play. Students participated in the drawing competitionon featuring bats. There were four role- play sections based on the materials sent by ZOO. They learned the technical terms megachiroptera and Submitted by Ms. Jessie Jayakaran, microchiroptera, the difference between fruit bats and [email protected]. insectivorous bats. We also discussed where bats are usually found and how they find their way with their amazing hearing. Observation of 55th Wildlife Week by APOWA With this back-ground I handed out the bat colouring book Third day celebration was the wildlife education programme which thrilled them to have another opportunity to colour. for students of Venkateswar School, Pattamundai. Mr. They were referred to the instructions given on every page Manamohan Kudu, Education Officer, APOWA delivered an and did a good job colouring the bats. educational presentation to the students on conservation of bats. BATCOUNT (material provided by ZOO) contest was I would like to thank students, teachers and the trustees of organised for students. Students were given an orientation Arivu School, and all the people of Zoo Outreach about the type of forests and its importance for different Organisation, Coimbatore as well as Bat Conservation floral and faunal diversity. There were total of 62 students International BCI for coming out with the interesting participated in the programme. Sub. by: B.K. Kabi, APOWA, materials. Sub. by Tanuja, D.H [email protected], Orissa. [email protected] [email protected]

COUNTDOWN 2010 — Save Biodiversity in Chennai and Madurai Schools This programme was an opportunity to students and staff of Rani Meyyammai GHSS to learn more about bats and biodiversity, via material from ZOO. After relating some

46 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 Bat Biology and Conservation Workshop 23rd February, 2010

Workshop Details

Bats are among the most speciose yet poorly-studied groups of mammals. Some 120 species are known from the Indian subcontinent. Occupying diverse niches in both natural and human-modified ecosystems, bats perform important ecological functions as predators, pollinators, and seed dispersers, thereby providing valuable ecosys- tem services. Although there is a fund of research into the biology of a few common species, India’s bat communities still remain un-described and the ecological and anthropo- genic determinants of species distribution and abundance are mostly unknown.

This one-day workshop, conducted by Prof. John Altringham and Dr Anita Glover, University of Leeds, UK, will provide an overview of many aspects of the biology and conservation of bats, and introduce students to a variety of field and lab-based techniques to study bat ecology and behaviour including methods to identify bats from echolocation calls, and the use of bat detectors in facilitating field studies.

The workshop will be conducted at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore.

Provisional programme: • An overview of bat diversity: life history strategies, feeding and roosting ecology, social and mating systems, population biology • Bats in ecosystems: bats as predators, pollinators and seed dispersers • Bats and conservation: threats to bats, bats a biodiversity indicators • Techniques and protocols in research and conservation: catching and marking, echolocation call recording and analysis, radio-telemetry, biodiversity assessment protocols, ecosystem services • Practical demonstrations: mist netting and identification, echolocation call recording and sound analysis

Application Details We invite students working in the fields of ecology, evolution and conservation to apply for participation in this workshop. To apply, please email us at [email protected] with your CV, and a brief note on your research interests and how you think this workshop will be useful to you. We will begin reviewing applications on February 1st, 2010.

Fifteen students will be selected for the workshop. Selection will be based on each applicant’s academic background and plans. Food during the workshop will be covered by the workshop organizers. Travel costs (by second class train) will be covered for a limited number of participants. Please indicate in your application if you would like travel costs to be covered.

Coordinated by: Mahesh Sankaran (National Centre for Biological Sciences), M.D. Madhusudan and Divya Mudappa (Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore)

with with

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined 47 Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009 SMALL MAMMAL NETWORKS SMALL MAMMAL NETWORK International Partners Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South Asia (CCINSA) Chester Zoo Conservation Fund supports ZOO/ CCINSA office, BAT NET newsletter and training CCINSA is a network of South Asian Chiroptera in field techniques for bats. Chester Funds have specialists, educators and enthusiasts. The also made it possible to conduct training for rodent network aims to enhance communication, biologists as well. Chester Zoo, which has an cooperation and collaboration among outstanding and very popular facility for exhibition chiroptera specialists of this region and thereby and breeding of bats, and an active conservation create a chiroptera conservation “community” interest in chiroptera is located in Upton-on-Chester for better biodiversity conservation. in United Kingdom and administered by North of Chair: Sripathi Kandula England Zoological Society. www.chesterzoo.org Convenor and Administrator: Sally Walker Bat Conservation International BCI is one of Red List and Technical Expert: Sanjay Molur the most active, innovative and respected bat conservation organisations in the world. BCI has Rodentia, Insectivora, and Scandentia supported CCINSA for many years and takes active Conservation & Information Network of interest in the growth of the Network and its South Asia individual batters. See BCI’s wonderful website: www.batcon.org RISCINSA network of South Asia was suggested by interested biodiversity IUCN SSC Bat Specialist Group conservation specialists and the purpose of this CCINSA represents the IUCN SSC Bat Specialist network, then is to link together rodent field Group in South Asia. BSG utilises the CCINSA researchers and their field knowledge Network to locate specialists in different subject throughout South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, areas, to organise training as well as conservation India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and assessment workshops and other activities to assist Afghanistan) so the pooling of information can the CSG in their mission. lead to conservation action. Contact : Chair Paul Racey: [email protected] Scientific Chair: Sujit Chakraborty Convenor and Administrator: Sally Walker BSG, SSC, IUCN

Small Mammal Mail

SMM is bi-annual Newsletter celebrating the most useful yet most neglected Mammals for both CCINSA & RISCINSA -- Chiroptera, Rodent, Insectivore, & Scandens Conservation and Information Networks of South Asia

Editor: Sally Walker; Technical Advisors: Sanjay Molur, B.A. Daniel, R. Marimuthu; and Publication Assistants: Latha Ravikumar, Ravichandran, Pravin Kumar

CCINSA and RISCINSA are an activity of Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO) and Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) in association with CBSG, South Asia and RSG, South Asia.

Note: ZOOS’ PRINT Magazine, Journal of Threatened Taxa, Newsletters and a variety of reports can be found on our websites: www.zooreach.org and www.zoosprint.org.

Small Mammal Mail, C/o Zoo Outreach Organisation 9A, Lal Bahadur Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore 641004 TN INDIA Phone: 91 422 2561087; Fax 2563269; Email: Websites: www.zooreach.org, www.zoosprint.org; www.pterocount.org; www.southasiantaxa.org.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009