Small Mammal Mail Newsletter celebrating the most useful yet most neglected Mammals for CCINSA & RISCINSA -- Chiroptera, Rodent, Insectivore, & Scandens Conservation and Information Networks of

Volume 2 Number 2 ISSN 2230-7087 January 2011 Contents

First report of Hipposideros lankadiva (Chiroptera: Second Record of Hipposideros fulvus in , Hipposideridae) from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Narayan Lamichhane and Rameshwor Ghimire, India, Harpreet Kaur, P. Venkateshwarlu, C. Srinivasulu Pp. 27-28 and Bhargavi Srinivasulu, Pp. 2-3 Published! Bats of Nepal- A Field Guide, Compiled and First report of Taphozous nudiventris (Chiroptera: edited by: Pushpa R. Acharya, Hari Adhikari, Sagar Emballonuridae) from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Dahal, Arjun and Sanjan Thapa, P. 29 India, P. Venkateshwarlu, C. Srinivasulu, Bhargavi Srinivasulu, and Harpreet Kaur, Pp. 4-5 The diet of Indian flying-foxes ( Pteropus giganteus ) in urban habitats of Pakistan, Muhammad Mahmood-ul- Skull cum Baculum Morphology and PCR Approach in Hassan, Tayiba L. Gulraiz, Shahnaz A. Rana and Arshad Identification of Pipistrellus (Chiroptera: Javid, Pp. 30-36 Vespertilionidae) from Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Sunsari, Nepal, Sanjan Thapa and Nanda Bahadur First phase study of Bats in Far-western Development Singh, P. 5 Region Nepal, Prasant Chaudhary and Rameshwor Ghimire, Pp. 37-39 Additional site records of Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica (Erxleben, 1777) (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Announcement: Bat CAMP 2011, January 22-30, Godavari River Basin, Andhra Pradesh, India, M. Monfort Conservation Park (MCPARK) Seetharamaraju, C. Srinivasulu and Bhargavi Island Garden City of Samal, Pp. 40-42 Srinivasulu, Pp. 6-7

A note on road killing of Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Gray at Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary of Eastern Ghat ranges, Murthy K.L.N. and New Members Jul-Dec 2010 Satyanarayan Mishra, Pp. 8-10 CCINSA Call for papers and posters for the second seminar on Mr. Venkatesh Honnappa small mammal conservation issues, P. 10 Associate Professor, S.B.Arts and KCP Science College, Rodents in paddy fields-pros and cons of some Bijapur, Karnataka indigenous ways to control them in the Tirunelveli [email protected] district, Tamil Nadu, M. Mathivanan. M & T. Ganesh, Pp. 11-12 Mr. T. Ramesh Research Student, Notes on Hispid Hare ( Caprolagus hispidus) in Environmental Safety Division, Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, Achyut Aryal, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic P. 13 Research, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu [email protected], Species richness, distribution, and threats of bats in [email protected] (Palpa and ) of Western Nepal, Hari Adhikari, Pp. 14-22 Dr. Dau Lal Bohra Ornithologist and Conservationist, Book Review: The Biology of Small Mammals by Bikaner, Rajasthan Joseph F. Merritt. Reviewed by Rajith Dissanayake, [email protected], P. 23 [email protected]

Monitoring of Ptero-camp at Lainchaur-Kathmandu, RISCINSA Niroj Timalsina and Rameshwor Ghimire, P. 24 Dr. Kalyan Brata Santra Assistant Teacher, Nature of damages caused by Rodents in four districts Department of Biosciences, of the Gangetic Plain of West Bengal, Kalyan Brata Daulatpur High School (H.S.), Santra and Chanchal Kumar Manna, Pp. 25-26 Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal [email protected]

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA Volume 2, Number 2, Jul-Dec 2010

Species richness, distribution, and threats of bats in Palpa and Kaski districts of western Nepal Hari Adhikari

Abstract territory of Nepal was provided (Csorba et al. Eight species of bats were identified from Palpa 1999). Myotis csorbai was collected 4 km E of and Kaski districts for the first time, during the Syangja, 1300 msl., , about 30 km field work conducted from January to October S of town, Nepal by Dr. G. Csorba on 23 2009. Altogether 116 individuals were captured July 1995 and deposited in the Department of and released and 11 wet specimens were Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, prepared and preserved. This research provides Budapest (Topal, 1997). information on species richness, their distribution and threats on bats that exist in their natural Myers collected specimens from around the Royal habitat. External and craniodental measurements Chitwan National Park, , and a of the specimen and range of measurements of small collection in Kathmandu was done during captured individuals is given in Tables. March 1990, E. spelaea and E. dimissus were reported from the first time from Nepal, and the Introduction presence of Miniopterus pusillus and Kerivoula In context of excessive survey of bats from the picta was verified. Based on the distributions in Indian subcontinent, present knowledge on bats of neighboring areas, however, we suspect that at Nepal is incomplete. Based on published least 40 additional species might be expected to literatures and research done on different parts of occur in Nepal (Myers, 1999). Nepal, 58 species of bats belonging to 25 genera are reported to exist and other 23 species of 18 Books on mammals of Nepal including bats genera of bats have possibility of presence from species (Shrestha, 1997) is full of taxonomic this country (Article under review). Nepal has high inconsistency. Compilation on bats of Nepal based diversity in geographical and topographical on museum specimens and literature reviews is features, which led to high presence of bat provided by Bates and Harrison (1997). Based on species. the literature review, the most recent compilation of mammals of Nepal is supplied by Baral and History of Chiroptera research dates back to 1823 Shah (2008) with 53 species of bats. A.D. when Brian H. Hodgson collected mammals till 1843 which laid the foundation of Himalayan Materials and Methods mammalogy (Hinton and Fry, 1923). Hodgson reported 11 genera and 17 species (Gray, 1863) Study area and Scully (1888) recorded 9 genera and 19 Palpa District lies in the hilly region in Lumbini species (Referenced by Mitchell, 1980). Collection Zone of Nepal, between 27 034 ´ to 27 057 ´ N and of mammals was done in 1920 to 1921; altogether 83 015 ´ to 84 022 ´ E, with altitude 200 - 2000 23 species of bats were identified (Hinton and Fry, meters above m s l. The area is covered with 18% 1923). N. A Baptista working in the districts lying Chure Hills and 82% Mahabharat Range with to the west of Kathmandu between 1922 to1923 annual temperature ranges from 8 0 to 28 0 C and collected three new bat species (Fry, 1925). In average rainfall 1903.2 mm (DP, 2005). This area 1948-1949, S. Dillon Ripley led a field party to is very sensitive in case of biodiversity and large Nepal to collect natural history specimens for Yale key stone mammals like Tiger, Bear, Elephant uses University and the Smithsonian Institution the Churia forest for movement and as a green (Johnson et al., 1980). The long-eared bat, corridor. Plecotus homochrous was collected from the of Nepal by Sanborn (1950). Kaski District lies in , between 28 0 During 1967 - 1970, five new species of bats were 06´ to 28 036´ N and 83 040´ - 84 012´ E, with collected from districts of Banke, Dang-Deokhuri, altitude from 450 m to 8091m, (Annapurna-I). Ilam and Sindu (Referenced by Mitchell, 1980). The temperature ranges of Pokhara is from 13 0C in January and a maximum of 25.5 0C in July and On the second half of last decades of 20 th Century, the annual rainfall averages 3,353 mm (June some Russian and Hungarian expeditions came to 2007- May 2008) with seventy seven percent of Nepal for the purpose of collecting voucher precipitation occurring during the summer months specimens of bats for museum collections and from June to September (Adhikari, 2008). The making field observations, three new species Ia io, Murina cyclotis and Kerivoula hardwickii were Co-ordinator, Natural Resources Research and recorded for the first time while Myotis csorbai Conservation Center (NaReCon), Country proved to be new species to science. 23 species Representative, IUCN/ SSC Bat Specialist Group, were confirmed for their existence in Nepal and Kaski District, Nepal checklist of 51 bat species known to date from the email: [email protected]

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geology of Pokhara is very fragile, surrounded by of Bougha Ghumba V.D.C and Bougha mountains, with many caves present and Pokharathok V.D.C., inside the holy cave, on the distributed throughout this district. This provides bank of a Stream at a height of around 50 meters favorable places for bat species and some caves from the stream, on the way to famous place are of tourist importance. Ranighat. Specimen of Rhinolophus pearsonii (NaReCon 29.03.2009.04) was prepared. This Bats were observed and collected from the species was found alone in the cave. This cave is following localities: protected by the management committee as a religious place. Inside this cave various images of Tansen Municipality, N 27 052’03.9”, E 083 032’ gods were present and people used to enter from 52.3”, elevation 1221m, Naranthan, roosting site the small opening to the cave. Due to high flow of Pteropus giganteus was found in the Ficus of people, the species existence is endangered. religiosa, in the middle of the town, within the boundary of the Naranthan Temple. No specimen V.D.C., N 27 048’57.5”, E 083 058’10.7”, of Pteropus was prepared, because of its elevation 1101m, Ghising Odar (Cave), Sukekot protection in CITES Appendix II. This is the 9, on the private agriculture land. The cave is largest species of bats in Nepal and can be easily surrounded by the forest of Castonopsis indica , identified by eyesight. and S chima wallichi . Specimens of Rhinolophus affinis (NaReCon 31.03.2009.05) were prepared Argali V.D.C., N 27 0 55’03.0”, E 083 028’16.3”, from this cave. Hipposideros armiger was also elevation 553m, cave named "Chamere Dhulo present in huge numbers inside the cave. Kharbare or Arbhu Gufa" situated on the private grassland land of a person. The cave lies on the V.D.C, Siluwa Bat Cave, N 27 047’08.3”, E right hand side of the Tamghas Highway, (at the 083 048’33.6”, elevation 781, probable site for border of Argali V.D.C), 2 km away along the Rhinolophus sinicus, based on the interview of earthen road which starts from the border, right the local people, and the photo identified by to the small stream that follows the road. The them. Bat present in this caves are greatly cave is 50 meter long with wide opening and threatened by the local people as they kill the bat goes upward around 10 meters from the opening using gun for the source of meat. And only 5 to of the cave. Two species were found in huge 10 individuals were flying on the top of the cave numbers inside the cave. Specimens of (>25 m). They were fully confident on Miniopterus schreibersii (NaReCon Rhinolophus sinicus , when photos of other 20.03.2009.01) and Hipposideros armiger Rhinolophus species found in Nepal were also (NaReCon 21.03.2009.02; NaReCon shown to them. But the species could not be 21.03.2009.03) were prepared. captured from this cave.

Madan Pokhara Valley, Damkada, N 27 049’31.5”, Ramdi Area, Shree Siddha Cave, N 27 054’17.9”, E E 083 034’17.5”, elevation 704 m, Pteropus 083 037’54.2”, elevation 460 m. This cave is giganteus were found roosting on the Ficus present inside the temple, and people are only religiosa, 33 m in height. They have been living allowed to enter into this cave by permission. in that village for more than 70- 80 years based Hipposideros armiger , around 500 in numbers on the information from the local people. During were present inside this cave. Status of bats in the observation for one year, there was drastic this cave is not threatened. The cave is situated decrease in the number of individuals. They were on the border of Palpa District and Syangja found sharing their habitat with Little Egrets and District, along the Kali . There is a crows. But later the egret left the tree. Earlier huge hill forest ( Castonopsis indica and S chima this species were all living in one colony in the wallichi ) and small plots of agriculture land near same tree, but later they get dispersed and by the caves. started living in different tree near by earlier roost. People of this area were aware of positive , N 27 041’20.2”, E 083 027’50.0”, 184m, impacts of bat role in ecosystem, but most of Milan chowk, Amarmarg, 3 Cynopterus sphinx Pteropus died due to the electricity lines which go were found roosting on the banana cervices, in a near by the roosting sites. This roost was usually small garden with Guava and Mango plants. One disturbed by the hives of bees which was sharing specimen was prepared NaReCon 06.04.2009.07. the lower portion of crown of the same tree. They They used to leave the banana plant soon after fly around the tree by producing loud sound and the sunset and return back in the morning 3 to 4 get back to the tree after all the bees return to A.M. their hives. They used to leave the roost 30 – 40 minutes after the sunset and return back before Valley, 27°49’57.38”, 4 A.M. in the morning. The tree is surrounded by 83°33’24.04”, elevation 789m. Pipistrellus tenuis the agricultural lands and house. were captured from the store room of one house, and prepared as a specimen (NaReCon Shree Siddha Gufa, Awal, N 27 0 53’41.0”, E 083 0 01.04.2009.06). The house was on the edge of 32’11.0”, elevation 930 m, Located on the border dense forest of Shorea robusta and bamboo

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plants were present in huge numbers, 200 meter sites from listener in their locality. Field visit to below the house and in between agriculture plots these sites was done for three times during this for season food production was present. research project to check the species richness and status of the bat population. Besides that Electricity Tunnel, Dhovan V.D.C. elevation 200 map reading, Literature on District profile, m, 27 044’3.76” N, E 083 027’56.73” The interview with village representative and Wildlife electricity tunnel is on the bank of Tinau river, conservation organization was done as a source 150 meter from the small dam, or site from of Secondary data. where fossil of Ramapethecus was found. This tunnel is a water supply channel to the electricity GPS location of the roosting sites of bat was power plant, 20 meter from the bank of Tinau collected with the help of GPS (Garmin Vista) to River. The tunnel is situated 350 m NW from the accuracy of 5 meters and these locations Sidda baba Temple of Palpa District and around 1 were plotted on digitized map. Analogue map of km from border of Palpa and Rupendehi District. Palpa District (Modified UTM projection) was Specimens of Miniopterus schreibersii (NaReCon digitized with the help of heads up digitization in 13.10.2009.08, NaReCon 13.10.2009.09, Arc GIS 9.3(Map on the last page). NaReCon 13.10.2009.10) were prepared from the dead bats that were found from the tunnel. Specimen of each species were collected after taking permission from Department of National Kaski District, Pokhara, Batule Chour, 28°15’59.3” Park and Wildlife Conservation and Department of N, 83°58’12.3” E at 981 meters (3188 feet) in Forest (Government of Nepal) and revenue was Bat Cave. This cave is a famous tourist paid to the District Forest Office, Palpa. destination for local and international tourist and Specimens were preserved for 3 days in 10% named as Bat Cave due to huge presence of Buffered Formalin and later transferred to 70 % Hipposideros armiger in the cave. The cave lies Alcohol (Ethanol) (Simmons et al., 2008). Ten on the base of forest. The cave is made of specimens are deposited in Natural Resources calcium carbonate and lime, with perennial flow Research and Conservation Center (NaReCon) of water inside the cave. During the rainy and one in Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, seasons, most of the bats leave the cave and Zoology Lab. comes back in winter season for hibernation. Most of the collections and identification were Kaski District, Pokhara, Batule Chour, 28°16’03.3” done by entering inside the cave and with the N, 83°58’25.6” E at 962 meters (3126 feet) in help of hand net. Mist nets (9 and 12 meters) Mahendra Cave. This is also a famous tourist were set from 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. for 30 days in the destination in Pokhara near the human primary forest, across small streams, edge of the settlement and base of the hill forest. The cave is forest and agriculture lands, opening of the caves around 200 meter long with large opening and and the tunnel, forest pathway. easily accessible for moving. Bat population has been decreased due to electric lights kept on the (NaReCon 13.10.2009.08) refers to the Specimen caves. Few individuals were observed deep inside Number. Here ‘NaReCon’ means Natural the cave, less accessible to people to enter Resources Research and Conservation Center, 13 inside. Hipposideros armiger, Rhinolophus affinis means Date of Capture, 10 means Months of and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Specimen capture, 2009 means Year of Capture and 08 preserved in Institute of Forestry) had been means Specimen Number. recorded for the first time from this cave. Data from each bat were collected to the nearest Kaski District, Pokhara, Chindada, at 28°12’17.3” to millimeter with the help of Vernier Caliper and N, 84°01’25.3” E at elevation of 793 meters Skull were extracted from the specimens and (2577 feet), few bamboo plants and Bombax detailed measurements were done. These ceiba are present at the roosting sites in the measurements were compared with data given middle of the small village. Earlier the roosting on “Bats of the Indian Subcontinent” (Bates and trees of bats had been cut down because they Harrison, 1997) to identify the species. made sound in the morning and disturb the local people. So, they were compelled to roost on Specimen and measurements Bamboo plants. The following measurements were taken from all the specimen and this definition are on the basis Data Collection of Bates and Harrison (1997). HB: head and body Five episodes (30 minutes each) of F.M program length – from the tip of the snout to the base of was developed and lunched through Srinagar F.M the tail, dorsally; T: tail length – from the tip of to cover millions of people in and around study the tail to its base adjacent to the body; HB: foot area in order to create awareness on bat – from the extremity of the heel behind the os conservation and gather information on roosting calcis to the extremity of the longest digit, not

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including the hairs or claws, TIB: length of tibia: Km E of Syangja and at 1100 meters at from the knee joint to the ankle; FA: fore arm – Saldanda in Syangja District; 1150 meters at 8 from the extremity of the elbow to the extremity km N of Pokhara, Batule Chour in Kaski District of the carpus with the wings folded; E: ear – (Csorba et al . 1999); 2 (World Peace from the lower border of the external auditory Cave), Kaski District on the bank of Yamdi River meatus to the tip of the pinna, not including any (Phuyal, 2005, Daniel, 2007); Bhalam 2, Kaski tuft of hair; 3mt (MET): third metacarpal – from District (Birendra Cave) (Daniel, 2007); 1579 the extremity of the carpus to the distal meters at Sundarijal Area in Kathmandu (Thapa extremity of the metacarpal; 4 mt (MET), 5 mt et al .,2009) . (MET): as above but for the forth and fifth metacarpals respectively; 1ph3mt: first phalanx In Palpa District this species was observed in of the third metacarpal – taken from the proximal most of the caves surveyed. It was collected from to the distal extremity of the phalanx; 2ph3mt: caves at 553 meters (1797 feet) at Argale V. D.C, second phalanx of the third metacarpal – taken 460 meters (1495 feet) at Ramdi Area and at from the proximal to the distal extremity of the 1101 meters (3578 feet) at Sahalkot V.D.C. In phalanx; 1ph4mt / 2ph4mt: as above but for the Kaski District, Pokhara, it was collected from fourth metacarpal; GTL: greatest length of skull: Batule Chour at 981 meters (3188 feet) in Bat the greatest antero – posterior diameter of the Cave, at 962 meters (3126 feet) in Mahendra skull, taken from the most projecting point at Cave and 815 meters (2648 feet) forest of each extremity, regardless of what structure Banpale Dhada near Institute of Forestry. In forms these points; CCL: - condylo-canine length Rupendehi Distict, Butwal, they appeared in the – from the exoccipital condyle to the anterior evening after sunset in huge numbers to feed on alveolus of the canine; ZB: - Zygomatic breadth flying insects and disappeared at around 7 P.M. in – the greatest width of the skull across the the summer seasons. zygomatic arches, regardless of where this point is situated on the arches; BB: - breadth of Five individuals were captured on Mist nets, braincase – greatest width of the braincase at the placed above a small stream inside the Primary posterior roots of the zygomatic arches; PC: - forest and on the trial path at the edge of the postorbital constriction – the narrowest width forest and the agriculture land. Inside the caves, across the constriction posterior to the orbits; M: they were found in huge colony (> 500), living - mandible length – from the most posterior part together with other species of bats. In Argali of the condyle to the most anterior part of the V.D.C, together with Miniopterus schreibersii , in mandible, including the lower incisors; C - M n: - Ramdi Area the caves was only occupied by this maxillary toothrow – from the front of the upper species, in Sahalkot V.D.C along with Rhinolophus canine to the back of the crown of the last upper affinis. In Pokhara Valley, these bats were molar; C - M n: - mandibular toothrow – from the observed at Mahendra cave along with front of the lower canine to the back of the crown Rhinolophus affinis and Rhinolophus of the last lower molar; M n - Mn: - posterior palatal ferrumequinum and Bat Cave the whole caves width – taken across the outer borders of the last was occupied by this species. Around 1500 upper molar; C 1 - C 1: - anterior palatal width – individuals were present in Bat Cave in Pokhara taken across the outer borders of the upper in the winter season. During summer season, canine. N = Number of individual measured. only few individuals around hundred were present in the cave. On the basis of field visit, their Results survival is not threatened. Following species of bats were recorded from different sites of Palpa, Kaski and Rupendehi Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1819) District in Western part of Nepal for the first time. Schreibers’ Long – fingered bat Verspertilio fuliginosa, Hodgson, 1835: 700; Hipposideros armiger Hodgson, 1835 Nepal Great Himalayan Leaf - nosed bat Rhinolophus armiger Hodgson, 1835: 699; Nepal The presence of this species in Nepal has been noted by (Scully, 1887) in Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Valley; Syangja; near Pokhara; Later by Frick (1969), Mitchell (1978), Kock Bimalnagar (HNHM); Pattibhagan; Bouzini (1996). Specimen are collected from Kakani; (Hinton and Fry, 1923); Bachek; Hathiban; Dano Bimalnagar; Syangja (HMNH); Kathmandu at Kharka (Fry, 1925); Godhavari (HZM); near 1340m, (Myers, 1999); Tanahoun District, Baglung; Gari; Num (FMNH). It was collected at Bimalnagar, at 750m, Kathmandu, Hattisar, at 1030 meters (3348 feet) near Pokhara (Kock, 1400 m, Syangja District, 4 km E of Syangja at 1996); 1200 meters (3900 feet) at Gari and at 1300m, Annapurna Himal, 40km NW of Pokhara, 2031 meters (6600 feet) in Suki Patyl Forest, vicinity of Banthanti at 2200 m, vicinity of near Num (FMNH) (Bates and Harrison, 1997); Sudame at 1500 m (Csorba et al., 1999). 1410 meters at Balaju Forest Reserve, 1400 meter at Chobar in Kathmandu; 750 meters at In Palpa District this species were observed in the Bimalnagar in ; 1300 meters at 4 cave in Argali V.D.C at 553 meters (1797 feet)

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along with Hipposideros armiger . These two Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, species were found in two separate colonies in 1774) two different corners of the caves. In Dhovan V. Greater Horseshoe bat D.C, they were found at elevation of 200 meters Rhinolophus tragatus Hodgson, 1835: 699; Nepal (650 feet) roosting in the electricity tunnel, near by the river. Specimens were prepared from Kathmandu Valley (type loc. of tragatus ); these two places. Parasites were found on the Najarkot; Annigera (BMNH); Langtang (HNHM); hairs of all the captured bats in the caves. Seven Ramechhap (Kock, 1996). In Nepal, it was found Species were captured in mist net kept on the at an altitude of 2738 meters (8900 feet) at Num trail path of the forest. (FMNH); 2900 meters (9425 feet) at Ghorepani in the foothills of the Annapurna Range and at Rhinolophus affinis Horsfield, 1823 3500 meters (11375 feet) on the edge of the Intermediate Horseshoe bat Tibetan Plateau. (Bates et al., 1997). Rhinolophus affinis himalayanus This species was collected from Mahendra cave at Bouzini (Fry, 1925); Kathmandu; Dulegounda; 962 meters (3126 feet) and found together with Syangja; Bimalnagar (HNHM); Barabisse; Shebu Rhinolophus affinis and Hipposideros armiger in (FMNH); specimens from Parchung amd Thankot, Kaski District, Pokhara. Wet specimen is prepared listed as R. a. himalayanus by Hinton and Fry and stored in the Institute of Forestry, Zoology (1923) are referable as R. rouxii (Bates and lab. Three individuals were captured by using Harrison, 1997). It is recorded from 1410 meters butter fly nets deep inside the cave. Each species at Balaju Forest Reserve, 1400 meter at Chobar were living on different corner of the cave. in Kathmandu; 750 meters at Bimalnagar, 670 meters at Chon Pahad, 10 km W of Dulegounda Pipistrellus tenuis ( Temminck, 1840) in Tanahun District; 1300 meters at 4 Km E of Least Pipistrelle; Indian Pygmy bat Syangja and 1150 meters at 14 E of Syangja in Pipistrellus mimus Syangja District, 1200 meters at Tawa in (Csorba et al . 1999). In Nepal, it was recorded as Pipistrellus mimus from Bairia, Hazaria and (Hinton and Fry, 1923) This species was captured from only one cave and at an altitude of 160 meters (520 feet) in (presence >600 in numbers) in Sahalkot V.D.C. (Mitchell, 1980) (Cited in Bates et at elevation 1101m (3578 feet) from Ghising al ., 1997); Sauraha, Dudora Nala, Tamar tal and Odar (Cave) along with the Hipposideros armiger Tigertops at Dhandari Khola in Chitwan at an deep inside the cave and specimen was prepared. elevation of 200 meters (650 feet) (Mayers, Three individuals were also captured from the 2000). agriculture land near the forest during mist netting. In Pokhara, these species were observed These species were observed in Palpa District at from Mahendra Cave along with Rhinolophus an elevation of 789 meters (2564 feet) in Madan ferrumequinum and Hipposideros armiger. pokhara Valley in the store room of one house. Individuals were captured from deep inside the Four individuals used to visit the room at 8 P. M cave, away from the place where there is high and leave before 12 at midnight. Seven density of tourist. individuals were captured in the mist nets set across the small stream and the forest trials. Rhinolophus pearsonii Horsfield, 1851 They were all released after careful observations Pearson’s Horseshoe bat and measurement taken. In Rupendehi District, Rhinolophus pearsoni Buwal, they were captured at the height of 18 meters above ground level at around 6: 45 P.M. In Nepal, it was found at elevations ranging from when mist net was placed in the openings 1123 meters (3650 feet) at Dima near Num to between two buildings. One live juvenile stage 2031 meters (6601 feet) in the Suki Patyl Forest individual was found floating on the bank of Nisti (also near Num) (FMNH) to approximately 3384 River, near the suspension bridge of Kirtipur meters (11000 feet) at Parchung (Hinton and Fry, Village at 12:30 P.M. at the Border of Gandakot 1923 cited in Bates et al. 1997). It was also V.D.C and Darcha V.D.C. The wing of this bat had recorded from elevation 750 meters at many holes and was wet too. Bimalnagar in Tanahun District and at elevation 1700 meters at Mamankhe in Taplejung District Pteropus giganteus (Brunnich, 1782) (Csorba et al . 1999). Indian Flying Fox Pteropus leucocephalus Hodgson, 1835: 700; In Palpa District this species was recorded from Central Region of Nepal only one location at elevation 930 meters (3022 feet) from Shree Siddha Gufa in Bougha Ghumba It has been recorded from Japa (FMNH) and V.D.C. The existence of this species is according to Scully (1887), it is an autumn endangered due to religious activities performed migrant to the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal (Bates inside the cave. et al ., 1997). Two roosting sites were found in

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Madan Pokhara Valley and Tansen Municipality. As media, which is cost effective and large number per the local respondent, they have been living in of people could be reached at the same time. this place for more than 70 years. In Argali Further survey should be done with the combine V.D.C, a large colony of this species (around use of mist net, canopy net and harp net. 2000) disappeared from that place before 8 years due to high human disturbance. Personal Acknowledgement observation for last 10 years on these roosting I am indebted to Chester Zoo (North of England sites of Pteropus giganteus, suggests that this Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, species is decreasing drastically from their Chester, CH2-1LH. Registered Charity No. 306077) for financially supporting this project. I would like to roosting places and no further information on express my sincere thanks to Dr. Paul Racey (IUCN/SSC their new roosting sites has been received. No Bat Specialist Group), Dr. Neil Furey (Aberdeen specimens were prepared for this species University), Malcolm Pearch (Harrison Institute), Dr. because of their listing in Appendix 2 of CITES. In Gabor Csorba (Hungarian Natural History Museum), Dr. Kaski District, Pokhara they were observed in Sripathi Kandula (Madurai Kamaraj University), Dr P. O. Chindanda at an elevation of 793 meters (2577 Nameer (Kerala Agriculture University), Sally Walker feet) on Bamboo plants. Some roosting bamboo and Sanjay Molur (Zoo Outreach Organization), Dr. C. trees and Bombax Ceiba plant had been cut by Srinivasulu (Osmania University) for their help and the land owner, which caused these species to advice during this project. I am grateful to my field move to other plants near by the roosting sites. assistant Laxmi Karki, Niranjan Adhikari, Rakesh Kunwar, Ananda Chaudhary, Mijan Regmi, Bishow Kiran Giri and Santosh Kunwar for bat capturing and Raju Cynopterus sphinx Vahl, 1797 Ghimere for developing and lunching F.M program Short–nosed Fruit bat through Radio Station. I am indebted to all the local Cynpterus sphinx gangeticu s people who provided information on roosting sites in the study area. Chisapani (Johnson et al., 1980); Salthar (BMNH); Barabisse; Shebu; Wana; Tumlingtar References (FMNH) (Bates and Harrison, 1997). Adhikari, H. (2008). Assessment of Degraded Sites and Existing Rehabilitation Measures in Sub-watersheds Two individuals (1 Male and 1 Female) were of Khaste, Dipang, Gunde, Neureni and Maide Lakes of recorded from Palpa District in Madan Pokhara Pokhara Valley, B. Sc Forestry, Research Project Paper valley at elevation 750 meters (2437 feet) in the submitted to , Institute of Forestry, cervices of banana and 3 individuals (2 Male and Pokhara Campus, Pokhara, Nepal. 1 Female) were captured in mist net set in Siluwa Baral, H.S. and K.B. Shah (2008). Wild Mammals of V.D.C at elevation of 800 meters (2600 feet). Nepal. Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu, 128-157pp. They were captured at around 7:30 P.M., in the Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997). Bats of the Indian subcontinent. Harrison Zoological Museum orchard of Mango and Litchi. In Rupendehi Publications, Sevenoaks, Kent, UK, 258pp. District, Butwal three males, they were found Csorba, G., S.V. Kruskop and A.V. Borissenko roosting on the banana cervices in the orchard of (1999). Recent records of bats Chiroptera) from Nepal, mango and guava and one specimen was with remarks on their natural history. Mammalia 63(1): prepared from this site. In Kaski District, 61-78. Pokhara, they were found roosting on the banana Daniel, B.A. (2007). Training in Field Techniques for cervices at elevations of 790 meters (2567 feet) Survey and Conservation of Bats, held in Nepal. BAT at Hario kharka in Institute of Forestry NET NEWSLETTER, CCINSA AND IUCN SSC CSGSA , Jan compound. – Dec, 8: 1-2. Frick, F. (1969). Die Hohenstufenverteilung der nepalischen Saugetiere. Saugetierkdl. Mitt. 17: 161 – Discussion 173. Nepal is rich in biodiversity and survey of fauna Fry, T.B. (1925). Report No 37a: Nepal. Bombay and flora is very limited to the accessible parts of Natural History Society’s Mammal Survey of India, the country. Remote areas have never been Burma and Ceylon. Journal of the Bombay Natural surveyed and flora and fauna of this locality are History Society 30: 525- 530. unknown at present. There is huge possibility of Hinton, M.A.C. & T.B. Fry (1923). Report No. 37: finding new species to the country and new to Nepal. Bombay Natural History Society’s Mammal the science. This research is a preliminary project Survey of India, Burma and Ceylon. Journal of the to identify the distribution of these species. Bombay Natural History Society 29: 399-428. Most of the bats in the study sites were found Johnson, D.H., S.D. Ripley & K. Thonglongya (1980). Mammals of Nepal. Journal of the Bombay roosting in the caves and two permanent tree Natural History Society 77: 56-63. roosts of Pteropus giganteus were found in Kock, D. (1996). Fledermause aus Nepal. Madanpokhara Valley and Tansen Municipality. Senckenbergiana biologica 75: 15–21. Further research on status and distribution of Mitchell, R. (1978). A checklist of Nepalese bats. roosting sites should be done in different parts of Saugetierkdl. Mitt. 26: 75-78. Nepal. Species like Pteropus giganteus which is Mitchell, R.M. (1980). New records of bats loosing roosting sites every year should have (Chiroptera) from Nepal. Mammalia 44(3): 339–342. strict legal protection. Awareness program on the Myers, P., J.D. Smith, H. Lama and K.F. Koopman bat conservation should be lunched using mass (1999). A recent collection of bats from Nepal, with

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notes on Eptesicus dimissus. Zeitschrift fur Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, ii Saugeteirkunde. International Journal of Mammalian +11pp. Biology 65(3): 149-156. Topal, G. (1997). A New mouse-eared bat species, Phuyal, S.P. (2005). Survey of bats of Pokhara Valley, from Nepal, with statistical analyses of some other Nepal. Report submitted to Bat Conservation species of subgenus Leuconoe (Chiroptera: International, Austin, Texas, USA. Vespertilionidae). Acta Zoologica Academiae Scully, J. (1887). On the Chiroptera of Nepal. Journal Scientiarum Hungaricae 43(4): 375-402. of Asiatic Society Bengal 56: 233–259. District Profile (2005). National Planning Commission Shrestha, T.K. (1997). Mammals of Nepal: with Secretariat, Central Census Department. Tansen Palpa. reference to those of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Pakistan . 371pp. Simmons, N.B. and R.S. Voss (in press). Collection, preparation, and fixation of specimens and tissues (2008). In: Kunz, T.H. and S. Parsons (eds.). Ecological and Behavioral Methods for the Study of Bats - 2nd Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press. Thapa, S.B., R. Kaphle, A. Thapa and S. Dahal (2009). A report on preliminary survey of microchiropteran bats in Kathmandu Valley. CDZ Small Mammal Club, Central Department of Zoology,

Map of Study Area

20 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA Volume 2, Number 2, Jul-Dec 2010

2ph 4mt 19.20 15.08 15.22 17.58 16.90 7.36 29.62 20.60 20.10 19.32 18.04 1ph 4mt 10.08 22.02 24.14 13.00 11.08 10.20 25.60 9.52 9.52 9.54 12.10 2 ph 3mt 42.14 28.56 33.10 27.10 31.10 12.86 46.18 38.70 40.40 38.60 31.18 1ph 3mt 12.04 29.22 31.18 18.50 15.66 11.30 32.52 12.16 11.38 10.38 18.8 5mt 41.04 55.32 61.12 42.78 43.34 23.52 50.80 39.32 40.10 38.42 46.10 4mt 45.10 60.22 65.14 40.60 42.00 22.66 48.70 44.26 44.20 42.00 44.74 3mt 46.20 60.30 67.22 38.12 40.50 23.50 51.54 45.40 45.00 43.32 41.78 pared as voucher specimen voucher as pared FA 49.32 83.12 89.38 52.82 52.00 27.36 72.16 48.56 47.70 46.38 56.92 TIB 21.44 34.42 37.16 27.40 24.80 10.92 30.00 21.80 19.80 19.00 25.18 HF 10.12 15.08 17.14 12.62 11.18 4.12 16.74 10.30 11.80 10.30 11.10 E 12.10 26.22 33.38 25.00 20.30 9.40 23.06 15.30 14.00 12.00 20.9 T 50.14 53.18 59.22 21.06 27.20 26.10 T) (F 8.20 50.60 52.40 53.40 28.8 HB 60.02 85.42 92.08 60.00 55.82 35.10 104.30 59.12 57.76 56.48 56 Species Name Species Miniopterus Hipposideros armiger Hipposideros armiger Rhinolophus Rhinolophus affinis Pipistrellus tenuis Cynopterus Miniopterus Miniopterus Miniopterus Rhinolophus ferrumequinu m schreibersii schreibersii pearsonii sphinx schreibersii schreibersii schreibersii External Measurements of different species of bats pre of species different of External Measurements Specimen Number NaReCon 20.03.2009. 01 NaReCon 21.03.2009. 02 NaReCon 21.03.2009. 03 NaReCon 29.03.2009. 04 NaReCon 31.03.2009. 05 NaReCon 01.04.2009. 06 NaReCon 06.04.2009. 07 NaReCon 13.10.2009. 08 NaReCon 13.10.2009. 09 NaReCon 13.10.2009. 10 Institute of Forestry 27´ 50'' 27´ 56.7'' 27´ 56.7'' 27´ 56.7'' 28' 16.7'' 28' 16.7'' 28' 28' 16.7'' 28' 11.0'' 32' 10.7'' 58' 55' 03.1'' 55' 03.1'' 41´20.2'' 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55' 03.1'' 55' 41.0'' 53' 57.5'' 48' 3.76'' 44´ 3.76'' 44´ 3.76'' 44´ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 E 083 E 083 E 083 E GPS Location GPS N 27 N 27 N 27 N 27 N 27 N 27°49'57.38" E 083°33'24.04" N 27 N 27 N 27 N 27 N 28°16'03.3" E 83°58'25.6” E 083 E 083 E 083 E 083 E 083 E 083 E S.N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA 21 Volume 2, Number 2, Jul-Dec 2010

Craniodental Measurements of different species of bats prepared as voucher specimen

n n 1 1 No. Specimen Species Name GTL CCL ZB BB PC M C - M C - M n M - C - C Number Mn 1 NaReCon Miniopterus 15.40 14.00 8.00 7.86 4.00 10.80 5.80 6.40 6.64 4.30 20.03.2009.01 schreibersii 2 NaReCon Hipposideros 30.00 26.42 16.46 11.38 4.68 20.80 11.30 12.70 12.40 8.12 21.03.2009.02 armiger 3 NaReCon Hipposideros 31.00 27.16 17.30 11.80 4.58 21.76 12.00 13.20 12.20 8.54 21.03.2009.03 armiger 4 NaReCon Rhinolophus 24.74 20.60 12.26 10.20 2.80 16.8 9.20 10.00 9.00 6.34 29.03.2009.04 pearsonii 5 NaReCon Rhinolophus 23.00 19.62 11.20 9.00 2.58 15.30 8.70 9.26 8.42 7.00 31.03.2009.05 affinis 6 NaReCon Cynopterus 34.20 31.60 21.78 14.62 6.28 25.20 11.38 12.40 10.10 7.46 06.04.2009.07 sphinx

Measurement range of captured bats and number of individuals measurement taken (N) Miniopterus Hipposideros Rhinolophus Rhinolophus Rhinolophus Pipistrellus Cynopterus schreibersii armiger pearsonii affinis ferrumequinum tenuis sphinx

N = 24 N = 35 N = 8 N = 24 N = 3 N = 14 N = 8 HB 56.48-60.12 84.24-92.08 58.12-62.34 55.82-63.22 56.24-59.44 34.24-36.02 103.2–106.8

T 50.06-53.40 52.80-59.10 19.06-23.44 19.18-27.20 28.80-33.64 24.22-26.54 6.72 – 9.32

E 12.00-15.30 24.60-33.12 23.16-26.76 19.24-20.30 20.90-23.36 8.24-10.10 22.04–23.76

HF 10.12-11.80 15.18-17.14 9.98-12.62 7.22-11.18 9.82-11.24 3.70-4.54 15.4 – 16.94

TIB 19.00-21.80 34.42-37.16 26.32-28.02 24.80-30.12 25.18-27.64 9.64-11.08 28.8 - 30.00

FA 46.38-49.32 83.12-89.38 49.08-53.44 52.00-55.32 56.92-58.34 26.34-27.90 69.16–74.32

3mt 43.32-46.20 60.30-67.22 36.10-39.56 36.40-40.50 39.22-41.78 23.50-26.24 49.26–51.54

4mt 42.00-45.10 59.12-65.68 38.12-42.72 39.12-42.00 42.38-44.74 22.66-24.76 46.42–48.70

5mt 38.42-41.04 55.32-62.34 39.67-43.48 38.22-43.34 44.24-46.10 23.52-26.12 49.54-52.72

1ph 10.38-12.16 28.22-32.02 16.98-19.78 15.66-17.12 18.10-19.80 11.08-12.10 31.36-33.09 3mt 2 ph 38.60-42.32 28.56-33.10 26.16-27.10 29.02-31.10 29.22-31.18 12.14-13.04 45.22-47.38 3mt 1ph 9.52-10.08 21.54-24.14 11.38-13.00 10.22-11.08 11.98-13.04 9.46-10.94 24.38-26.30 4mt 2ph 19.20-20.60 14.10-15.56 15.94 - 18.10 16.90-18.24 17.24-18.32 6.78-7.80 28.92-30.82 4mt

22 Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA Volume 2, Number 2, Jul-Dec 2010

Published! Bats of Nepal-A Field Guide Compiled and edited by: Pushpa R. Acharya, Hari Adhikari, Sagar Dahal, Arjun Thapa and Sanjan Thapa

It is our pleasure to share our latest effort to print the first edition of Bats of Nepal-A field guide. The book included the latest update of bat related information of Nepal. The book is primarily divided into two sections – general section included the historical review of bat diversity and sincere inspection on current bat related activities as well as future possibilities in Nepal. While the main section bestowed primarily species profile to almost 53 bat species that sporadically described from Nepal. Each species are profiled with their distinguishing features, general ecology, conservation status, distributional map and a clear photograph. The book mainly targets the readers of Nepal. It is the foremost and first hand published bat literature in Nepal. We assure that, the book will be valuable priesthood to governmental policymaker to screen bat like small mammals in their priority list, Non governmental conservation stakeholders, community based conservation negotiator, students and universities. Precisely, the book is the complete overview of Nepalese bat research and conservation actions of the date and a clear hint for the further direction of Chiropterology in Nepal. We hope, the book will strengthen the issue of bat conservation at national level and facilitate to correct the current situation of least known and most neglected valuable fauna of the nature.

Acknowledgement We are grateful to Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and World Wildlife Fund, Nepal to arrange the essential cost for printing the book. Thanks to National and international reviewers, supporters and bat experts for their valuable suggestions, comments and guidelines.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA 29 Volume 2, Number 2, Jul-Dec 2010