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Newsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of CCINSA and the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia (CSGSA) Volume 8, Number 1-2 Jan-Dec 2007

From Convenor, CCINSA New CCINSA members since last Net Jan-Dec 2006 Just as last year, this issue of BAT Net — CCINSA’s newsletter — is Kul Chandra Aryal, Student Asmita Pasa Nakarmi, Student late but long! Res: Arkhale V.D.C-1, Gulmi dist. Dept. of Env. Sci., Patan Multiple College Lumbini zone, Campus, Lalitpur, Nepal The bactivity in Nepal that I [email protected] [email protected] mentioned last issue culminated Hem Sagar Baral Hari Neupane, Student in a field techniques training Himalayan Nature Dept. of Env. Sci., Amrit Sci. College sponsored by BCI and Chester Gyandeep Marg, Lazimpat, Kathmandu Lainchaur, Tamel, Kathmandu [email protected] [email protected] . The newly created community of bacademics got a Krishna Bahadur Basnet, Teacher Krishna Prasad Pokharel, Teacher real dose of information with Paul Boudha Sec. English School Institute of Sci. & Tech., Prithiv Narayan Racey and Sripati Kandula on Ramhiti-6, Kathmandu, Nepal Campus [email protected] Pokhara, Nepal and Mike Jordan on rodents. [email protected] We could accomodate 2 young Gyanendra Chaudhary, Student researchers from Dept. of Env. Sci., Kathmandu Univ. Nar Bahadur Ranabhat, Lecturer Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal Subhashree College working on the “Banglapedia” [email protected] Tinkune, Kathmandu, Nepal zoological section and a Ph.D. [email protected] researcher from . A Birendra Prasad Chaudhary, Student report of the training is in this Dept. of Zoology, Tri-chandra Multiple Tanuja Shrestha, Student Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal Padma Kanya Multiple Campus issue, as well as a report of [email protected] Bagbazaar, Kathmandu, Nepal Pterocount which we announced [email protected] last issue and a good number of Sagar Dahal, Student Pragati Margha, Pichara-15 Prakash Sigdel, Student feature and semi-scientific Biratnagar, Morang, Nepal Res: Duhagadi-4, Charali articles. We are still working on [email protected] Thapa, Nepal the new educational material we [email protected] promised last year and we gotta Bipin Chandra Ghimire, Student Bharatpur-8, Chitwan, Nepal Bikram Kumar Sitoula, Student do this now because we are fully [email protected], Dept. of Env. Sci., Amrit Sci. College out of bat packets and other [email protected] Lainchaur, Tamel, Kathmandu educational tools. [email protected] Rameshwor Ghimire, Student Dept. of Env. Sci., Patan Multiple College Tulsi Ram Subedi, Research Worker We have covered , Pakistan, Campus, Lalitpur, Nepal New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal Bangladesh, and Nepal [email protected] [email protected], with training...can we go to [email protected] Sudipa Ghimire, Student and ? Time Res: Bhanatpur-10 Jeevaram Tak, Teacher/Researcher will tell. Chitwan, Nepal Vill/Post-Khimara, Pali dist. 08, [email protected] Rajasthan [email protected] We desperately need photos of Rameshwor Kaphle, Student insectivorous bats of South Asia New Baneshwor, Kathmandu Arjun Thapa, Student for our poster project as well as [email protected],np, [email protected] Central Dept. of Zoology for uploading on the threatened Tribhuvan Univ. Narayan Prasad Koju, Student Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal taxa website. Bhaktapur, Sallaghari-17, Nepal [email protected] [email protected] If you know any persons Sanjan Bahadur Thapa, Student Tulashi Limbu, Student Res: Pokhara, Biratnagar-1 interested in bats ... studying, Padma Kanya Multiple Campus Morang, Nepal observing, teaching about, etc. Bagbazaar, Kathmandu, Nepal [email protected] send them to us. We can [email protected] probably find something to help Rabi Wenju, Student Payal B. Molur, Wildlife Educator Dept. of Env. Sci., Kathmandu Univ. them. Happy Batting. Peelamedu, Coimbatore 04, TN Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal [email protected] [email protected]

1 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 CCINSA mentors Contents and sponsors South Asian Bat Photographs STILL urgently needed, P. 3 New Projects initiated – Documentation and conservation of CCINSA was convened almost 9 Small in the Sacred Groves of Kerala, Peninsular India years ago. This is volume 8 of (2005-2008) by P. Padmanabhan, P. 4 BAT NET. Almost since inception we have had advice and help Training in Field Techniques for Survey and Conservation of from three organisations, e.g. Bats, Nepal by B.A. Daniel, Pp. 5-9 moral, technical support first from Chester Zoo the Bat Observations on roosts of ( Conservation International giganteus) in Karnataka by A.K. Chakravarthy, P. 10 (whom we act for in South Asia) and the Chiroptera Specialist Project PteroCount – Progress Report – June 2007 Group, SSC IUCN. BCI and by Sanjay Molur, Pp. 11-12 Chester have also provided financial and material support in Status of the Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) in the way of funds and literature. Bengaluru by Aravind Venkatesan, Pp. 13-15

The Bat Fauna of Nepal: A Current Conspectus by Pushpa Raj Acharya and Luis A. Ruedas, Pp. 16-19

Diversity, Role and Threats to the survival of bats in Pakistan by M. Mahmood-ul-Hassan and P.O. Nameer, Pp. 20-24 BCI provides programme and project support such as the Report on CCINSA Sarah Tucker Branch Activities 2006-2007, recent Nepal training, and has Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli by Juliet Vanitharani, P. 25 provided support for new bat programme kits, guidelines and Plant used by fruit bats in Jahangirnagar University packets, a stand alone drama kit, Campus, Bangladesh by Mohammad Abdul Aziz, Pp. 26-27 a colour poster for education and for assistance to Pterocount Abstract – Diet of the selected insectivorous bats of Peechi- volunteers, and poster / website Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Kerala by A.U. (TTMS) illustrations. Ashique, P.O. Nameer, and R.S. Arun, P. 27

Conservation Awareness on Bats of Pokhara Valley: a booming stride towards the conservation of Chiroptera fauna of Nepal Our support from by Sujas Prasad Phuyal, Pp. 28-29 Chester Zoo maintains the Bats of Delhi: An Update by C. Srinivasulu and Bhargavi Chiroptera Srinivasulu, Pp. 30-31 Network as a community, Survey of Chiropterans in Kachchh of Gujarat by K.R. Senacha, provides a website and Pp. 32-33 published newsletter, upkeep of a directory of CCINSA members, Indian Flying Fox roosts on Bengaluru-Madikeri road by occasional mailings of important Sanjay Molur and Payal Molur, Pp. 34-36 new information and news, and assistance for organising Conservation of Latidens salimalli and other red listed bats in training, travel, Pterocount, and Tamil Nadu by Juliet Vanitharani, Pp. 37-43 maintenence of various websites Electrocuted Flying Foxes in Madikeri, Coorg by Sanjay Molur, featuring bat material ... Payal Molur and B. Ravichandran, P. 44 pterocount, ttms, zooreach, and zoosprint website. Workshop on the Conservation and Management of Chiropterans (Bats) the ‘Keystone Species’ of Tropical Chiroptera S.G., SSC, Ecosystem by Juliet Vanitharani, Pp. 45-46 CSG IUCN provides technical IUCN SSC support and training by Morphometry and distress calls of the Asiatic Greater Yellow CSG Co-Chair Paul Racey. House Bat heathii Horsfield, 1831 by Sanjay Molur, Payal Molur and Aravind Venkatesan, P. 47

2 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 South Asian Bat photographs STILL urgently needed

Last year in the Bat Net Newsletter, Vol 7, Nos. 1-2, South Asian Insectivore bats for which Jan-Dec 2006 we announced that Zoo Outreach photos are required Organisation and CCINSA had been honoured with a three-year grant and responsibility of liaison representative for one of the most active all around Endemic insectivorous Myotis annectans taxon group conservation organisations in bat photos required: Myotis blythii tatei Myotis daubentonii the world, Bat Conservation International, or BCI. durgadasi Myotis formosus Hipposideros hypophyllus Myotis hasseltii That financial year BCI provided sponsorship for a Hipposideros lankadiva Myotis horsfieldii project to illustrate the Threatened Taxa Monitoring grisea Myotis longipes Systems TTMS website, Chiroptera CAMP data Myotis csorbai Myotis montivagus section with high quality illustrations and/or Myotis sicarius Myotis muricola photographs of all bats. We are trying for colour dormeri Myotis mystacinus illustrations painted from photographs for the sake Rhinolophus cognatus Myotis siligorensis of consistency. Rhinolophus leisler ferrumequinum Nyctalus montanus This is a formidable task and although we have Rhinolophus mitratus Nyctalus noctula collected all fruit bat photos except for one pallidus wroughtoni Sphaerias blanfordi (Thomas, 1891). If anyone has it perforatus Otonycteris hemprichii or knows of a source, write to us at Philetor brachypterus [email protected] and [email protected] Non-endemic Pipistrellus abramus please. insectivorous bat Pipistrellus ceylonicus photos needed: Pipistrellus coromandra Areilulus circumdatus Pipistrellus javanicus Our artist, Arnab Roy has completed eight tridens Pipistrellus kuhlii illustrations out of the 12 for which we have photos leucomelas Pipistrellus paterculus in hand. He is working on the remaing four and will frithii Pipistrellus pipistrellus paint the Sphaerias blanfordi (Thomas, 1891) when plicatus Pipistrellus tenuis we get a picture. We need now to get serious Eptesicus bottae auritus about the insectivorous bats. Eptesicus gobiensis Plecotus austriacus Eptesicus nasutus Rhinolophus blasii The lists below are what we need. We would like to Eptesicus pachyotis Rhinolophus hipposideros obtain photographs of both endemic and non- Eptesicus serotinus Rhinolophus lepidus endemic bats. If you have photos of any of these, affinis Rhinolophus luctus kindly send one low resolution version of each one Harpiocephalus harpia Rhinolophus macrotis you would like to be considered. We will study the Harpiocephalus mordax Rhinolophus pearsonii photo and decide whether it is appropriate for our Hipposideros armiger Rhinolophus pusillus project. Then we will ask you to send the Hipposideros ater Rhinolophus rouxii photograph by email if it is 2MB or less, by CD if it is Hipposideros cineraceus Rhinolophus sinicus more than 2MB, or if you have more than one Hipposideros diadema Rhinolophus subbadius photograph. We will discuss renumeration on a Hipposideros fulvus Rhinolophus trifoliatus Hipposideros galeritus Rhinolophus yunanensis case-by-case basis. Hipposideros larvatus Rhinopoma hardwickii Hipposideros pomona Rhinopoma microphyllum cadornae Rhinopoma muscatellum Hypsugo savii saccolaimus io Scotomanes ornatus hardwickii Scotophilus kuhlii Kerivoula papillosa aegyptiaca Kerivoula picta Taphozous longimanus lyra Taphozous melanopogon pusillus Taphozous nudiventris Miniopterus schreibersii Taphozous theobaldi Murina aurata persicus Murina cyclotis pachypus Murina huttonii murinus Murina leucogaster Murina tubinaris

by Arnab Roy 3 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 New Projects Initiated

Documentation and conservation of Small Mammals in the Sacred Groves of Kerala, Peninsular India (2005-2008) P. Padmanabhan1

Sacred groves are “Gardens of Gods” containing natural vegetation of the locality associated with a supernatural power and preserved over a period of time. They are patches of virgin forests preserved and protected by the local people on religious grounds and sacred groves are the only forest which have existed undisturbed for years.

Assessment of regional biodiversity is now a widely accepted trend in life sciences. Qualitative surveys along with quantitative analysis are helpful for identifying genetic diversity. Further this resource can be understood with the perception of its richness, distribution, threat, endemism, commercial utilization etc. Sacred groves are characterized by rare species preserved by social and religious beliefs of people (Kulkarni and Shindikar, 2005). These are more or less pockets of climax vegetation preserved on religious grounds. These forests are true indicators of the type of floral and faunal wealth that once existed here before the dawn of modern civilization. Their existence is mostly due to certain taboos, or strong beliefs, and supplemented by mystic folklore (Gadgil and Vartak, 1975).

In India sacred groves are known by several names – Kavu, Nagakkavu or Sarpakkavu in Kerala, Deorais or Deoban in Maharashtra, Orans or Kenri in Rajasthan, Devarakadu, Pavithravana or Sindravana in Karnataka and Sarana in Bihar (Induchoodan, 1996). Their size may range from a group of a few trees to a forest of trees. They are a treasure for naturalists supporting many threatened species in the area, but are becoming extinct as a result of deforestation. Some of the sacred groves need immediate attention as they contain rare and threatened species.

Though much work has been done on the floral diversity of sacred groves with special emphasis on endemic and endangered species. Faunal diversity is least documented. The present project work will fill scientific gaps in this regard, listing all faunal wealth with special reference to endemic and endangered small mammals such as rodents, insectivores, bats etc. Diversity of bats and rodents will be undertaken for study as the area is largely undisturbed by humans. Since sacred groves are religiously protected areas for centuries, valuable information may be gathered for fauna as well as flora.

Detailed investigation of the habit and , threats to sacred groves, etc. will be undertaken and suitable strategies recommended for conservation of threatened and endemic species of mammals.

1Scientist, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur - 680 653, Kerala Email: [email protected]

4 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Training in Field Techniques for Survey and Conservation of Bats, held in Nepal B.A. Daniel1 *See web supplement at www.zoosprint.org for photos

In keeping with CCINSA tradition of conducting classification of bats he said that bats are classified practical training and field techniques workshops into Megachiroptera that has about 200 species all on small mammals in a different South Asian under one family and Microchiroptera that has country every year, finally it was possible to secure about 900 species under 17 families. dates, venue, trainers and participants in Nepal. A Megachiroptera are found in the Old world tropics. six-day hands-on training in field techniques for They use vision to find food, fruits, leaves and survey and conservation of Chiroptera was nectar. Microchiroptera occur world-wide and they conducted at Nepal Administrative Staff College, use ecolocation to find food and protection, Kathmandu and the Institute of Forestry Pokhara, producing sound that ranges from 20-120 KHz. Nepal from 19-24 June 2007. The training Microchiroptera have diverse dietary programme was organized by Zoo Outreach habits. A majority of the microchiroptera eat Organisation, Coimbatore, CBSG South Asia and its , fishes, and blood while some species of taxon networks CCINSA and RILSCINSA. The new world tropics microchiroptera eat fruit, pollen workshop was hosted by NATURE, Kathmandu, Bat and nectar. Further he explained the needs of bats, Friends, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal. The he specified that, for the most part, workshop covered two groups of small mammals as megachiroptera roosts on trees while ZOO/CBSG South Asia has devised a system by microchiroptera roost in cavities, caves, mines, tree which both bats and rodents can be studied in the holes, behind bark, man- made structures, same field trip. This enables field researchers to churches, temples and a few in vegetation. They make the most of their time in countries where also need foraging and that includes research is incomplete. This report will cover the dense forests, forest edge, water holding areas, Chiroptera part of the training and the Rodent and gardens, etc. A bat weighing 0.3–5 gms can travel Insectivore component will be covered in Rat-a- a distance of 2-5 km while Pteropus can cover a Tattle, newsletter of our rodent network. distance of 30 kms for foraging. About 200 species are listed as threatened under IUCN. Bats are The bat component of the programme was ecologically important and they play a major role in sponsored by Bat Conservation International, USA the ecosystem. Mainly they pollinate, disperse and Chester Zoo, UK. It was organized in such a seeds, and predate upon insects like mosquitoes, way that the introduction and didactic lectures cotton boll weevil, tobacco worm thereby keeping on small mammals were covered at Kathmandu, at population under control. The fruit-eating the Nepal Administrative Staff College, bats feed on mango, grape, banana, pear, guava, Jawalakhel from 19-21 June, while intensive field passion fruit, papaya, lychee, cashew, lemon, etc. training for selected field researchers was Some bats are also vectors of diseases like Nipah organized at the campus of the Institute of virus in Bangladesh, and Hendra and Ebola in Forestry, Pokhara from 22-24 June. At Africa. Scientists have reported that bats produce Jawalakhel 42 participants including 37 students/ antibodies to viruses like SARS but the vector researchers from Nepal, two from Bangladesh, one status is not proved. from Pakistan attended it. Sixteen selected participants from the above attended the intensive Following the introduction to bats, Paul Racey training at Pokhara. The resource persons, Prof. explained the field techniques that are used Paul Racey from Aberdeen University, Dr. Mike for bat study. He listed the methods that a Jordan, Curator of Higher vertebrates, Chester Zoo researcher can employ to catch a bat for and Dr. Sripathi Kandula Scientific chair of CCINSA observation. It can be caught using ground mist from Madurai Kamaraj University handled both class nets, canopy (sub) mist nets, harp traps, forceps room and field sessions. The entire programme was and bottles. He explained the principles involved in coordinated by Sally Walker, Administrator of each methodology and the advantages and uses. CCINSA. Once the bats are caught they have to be handled in a proper way. He explained the handling Day 1. 19 June 2007 methods that a researcher has to follow. When the The programme started with registration and a bats are caught weight of the bat can be taken, simple inaugural which was attended by senior measure the arm length, find out the reproductive teachers and heads of the Zoology Department of status as parous or nulliparuous, and — if they are Tribhuvan University. Dr. Paul Racey after the females — we can observe if it is a inaugural gave a detailed introduction to Chiroptera and its role in the ecosystem. While explaining the *Scientist, Zoo Outreach Organisation, CBE 5 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 lactating mother, and if males we can measure the identification is not possible. Preservation size of the testes (large during breeding season techniques were also explained by him. Marking the and small during non breeding seasons), and captured bats is an important issue of bat research. condition of epiphyses (fused or un-fused) to So he explained about different ways of marking for determine maturity. Also, in order to establish both short and long periods. Sripathi Kandula predtory feeding behaviour, examination of faeces related his experience of marking methods he uses will indicate which species it prefers. In the for his bat research work. evening one ground mist net was set to trap bats in the campus of the administrative staff college, The Bat Friends of Nepal are doing bat conservation however, it was unproductive. education in and around the campus of the Institute of Forestry at Pokhara. Rajesh, the coordinator of Day 2. 20 June 2007 Bat Friends, explained the background of their On the second day Dr. Sripathi Kandula spoke education activities. He also mentioned about their about four different research works that are being publications and the website and requested all carried out by the researchers at Madurai Kamaraj nonmembers to become member of the club and to University, India. Leaf selection and tent contribute. construction by sphinx, deposition of masticated plant materials in the tent roosts of In the evening after setting up rodent traps, the Cynopterus sphinx; dispersal pattern and solitary group went out to the Central Zoo campus to set adult males in a polygynous mating bat, ground mist nets. The pond at the Central Zoo has Cynopterus sphinx are the topics he covered. He good visitation of bats during dusk and so all the also spoke of the radio telemetry studies of bats. nets were placed around the pond. In each net a His video footage on bat behaviour was very clear minimum of two participants were given the and easy to understand. He explained that some responsibility to observe and report when bats were of the works taken up by his students are special trapped. Participants learned to use bat detectors. observations carried out of personal interest of Around 8.00 pm about 5 bats were captured. All nets the students. He also encouraged participants by were closed down to stop further trapping and the sharing his initial memories when he decided to trapped specimens were examined and identified. work on bats. He recollected that their team had They were identified as Pipistrellus spp. Tentatively to work hard in their initial stages of research the species were identified as javanicus, coromandra, without proper field equipment and later received and tenuis. After field activity the day’s workshop support from many funding agencies. ended at 9.15 pm.

Dr. T.K. Shrestha, Chairman, Department of Day 3. 21 June. Zoology, Tribhuvan University gave a guest lecture Dr. Will Tuladhar-Douglas, Aberdeen University, on conservation of bats and other small mammals Scotland gave a guest lecture on Ethnoecology, in Nepal. He briefed about the protected areas of smallish mammals, and Nepal. He spoke about the Nepal and details of Nepal bats and its role in the practice of using bats as food and medicine. He ecosystem. He also commented that human also gave some examples from Africa and rest of interference is a major problem with regard to Asia about using bats as medicine. conservation of small mammals. He identified torquates, the naked bat, is eaten as ritual food some knowledge gaps and major problems of during marriages around Niah Cave in . ecodegradation. Widespread association of bat flesh and ‘asthma’ probably a misleading simplification of tremendous B.A. Daniel, ZOO, gave a presentation explaining local diversity, he said. Some kind of bat oil the Conservation Assessment and Management prepared traditionally are used to cure baldness, Plan (CAMP) workshop process and the Red List joint pain and to treat paralysis of one limb, often Categories and Criteria. an arm. He added that in all these cases this is a threat to bat populations and human health. He Paul subsequently talked about ethics of bat also explained the techniques used in the study of trapping and marking techniques before leading ethnoecology. the group for field work. He explained why we should trap bats and how safe it is for us and for A joint discussion session by all three resource the . He explained how to hold and persons was conducted so that participants could separate bats from the net and also precautions raise questions related to volant and non-volant of working with different types of bats. He gave a small study. Some of the basic questions clear idea about an easy way of identifying bats asked were: how to estimate bat population? What on the spot. He explained the ways of keeping the is the height of bat flight? How to standardize mist bats alive and active for a long time in a cloth bag netting? How to select a site for setting mist net? for observation using a key, if on spot 6 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 There were also questions on distress calls, range The significant observation was two pair of of echolocation and vision of bats etc. All the lactating females with their baby that was captured resource persons replied very clearly and the during trials. In the evening around seven bat nets session was very meaningful. were placed but this time in a different place in the campus of Institute of Forestry. One specimen was After evaluation of the workshop, the participants captured was identified as P. coromandra. The days made some commitments to contribute towards work in the field came to an end around 9.30 pm. conservation of bats and rodents by taking up projects. All sessions of the Kathmandu part of the Day 6. 24 June 2007. workshop came to an end with the handing over of On the last day of the training the participants certificates for the first set of participants. A CD were given a chance to give short presentations containing the workshop materials, literature, Key about their work. Suprio Chakma from Bangladesh to identification, CAMP reports, participants list and gave a short presentation on activities of Wildlife workshop photos were distributed. The Trust of Bangladesh for conservation of small participants from Pokhara got ready to leave for mammals. Rajesh, presented the activities on the Institute of Forestry Campus at Pokhara for conservation education of bats in local schools. intensive field studies. The group left at 3.00 pm in Kishore initiated a discussion by sharing ideas and a hired bus and reached Pokhara at 9.30 pm. problems anticipating solutions to his research problems. Day 4. 22 June 07 A total of 16 out of 42 participants took part in this After the discussion Paul did the follow up of bat intensive training at Pokhara. Apart from the adding that there could be 90 species of bats in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Indian participants the Nepal instead of the few from existing reports. The rest of the participants were residents of Pokhara. fauna of bats of Nepal is improperly known. He Since most of them are involved in Bat Friends appreciated the efforts taken by Bat Friends. He activities it was felt that they need intensive summarized that a total of 26 bats belonging to 5 training on small mammal field techniques. On 22nd species were caught and examined during the June, at 9.30 am the Dean of the Institute of workshop. The species were identified as: Forestry was invited to give a welcome. He listened to the training agenda and encouraged Rhinolophus affinis participants to take up similar training if required in leschenaulti the future also. After setting the traps for rodents Hipposideros armiger and insectivores at the campus, the group went to Miniopterus sp. World Peace Cave which is about 20km drive from Pipistrellus coromandra/javanicus the campus and 15 minutes walk. Four species of bats were caught. They were Rhinolophus affinis, Apart from this the roosts of Pteropus giganteus Rousettus leschenaulti, Hipposideros armiger, and were observed and counting techniques were Miniopterus sp. Later in the evening 4 mist tried. nets were set to trap bats. The trapped bats were examined and identified as Pipistrellus coromandra. Workshop evaluation: The workshop came to an end Day 5. 23 June 07 after the above discussion. Before leaving for the Pteropus roosting site, Paul Participants were asked to explained about bat capturing methods and share their experience and counting methods. The three methods of counting afterwards were given a were explained. After tea the group left for Pandit certificate and a CD Chowk to observe Indian Flying Fox’s roost. The containing literature and owner of the Pteropus roosting tree complained reports from about bats and how it affects her environment. It resource persons. was the participants' turn to help her understand Participants thanked the the advantages of bats in her tree. During resource persons in their discussion about Pteropus population, its breeding traditional manner. behaviour and conservation problems became clear.

After lunch at the campus the group went out to Birendra Cave which is about an hour’s drive plus 5 minute’s walk. The cave is situated in front of Putli Cave. Two bat species, Rhinolophus affinis and by Shajee Chelad Hipposideros armiger were caught and examined.

7 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Participants List

Pushpa Raj Acharya Rameswor Ghimire Aanchal Maskey Tanuja Shrestha Patan Multiple College B.Sc Environmental Science Nature B.Sc Zoology Kathmandu, Nepal Department of Environmental P.O.Box No.4068 Padma Kanya Multiple [email protected] Science Dhapasi, Kathmandu, Nepal Campus Patan Multiple College [email protected] Bagbazar, Kathmandu, Nepal Hari Adhikari Patandhoka, Lalitpur, Nepal [email protected] B.Sc III Year [email protected] K.C. Mohan Institute of Forestry Institute of Forestry Prakash Sigdel Pokhara, Nepal Sudipa Ghimire Pokhara, Nepal Environmental Science [email protected] Student [email protected], Amrit Science College Central Dept. of Zoology [email protected] Kathmandu, Nepal Kulchandra Aryal Tribhuvan University [email protected] Department of Zoology Kirtipur, Nepal Asmita Pasa Nakarmi Tri Chandra Multiple College [email protected] B.Sc Environmental Science Bikram Kumar Sitoula Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal Patan Multiple College B.Sc Environmental Science [email protected] Muhammad Mahmood –ul- Campus Amrit Science College Hassan Patandhoka, Lalitpur, Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal Krishna Bdr. Basnet Associate Professor/ [email protected] [email protected] Teacher & Coordinator of Bat Chairman Club, Boudha Secondary Dept. of WL & Ecosystem Hari Neupane Tulsi Ram Subedi English School University of Veterinary & B.Sc Environmental Science M.Sc Zoology Boudha, Ramhiti-6 Nepal Sciences Amrit Sceince College Arghatosh VDC-3, [email protected], Lahore, Pakistan Kathmandu, Nepal Arghakhanchi District [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Lumbini Zone, Nepal [email protected], Jyoti Bhandari Tark Raj Joshi Kishor Ojha [email protected] Institute of Forestry Central Department of Institute of Forestry Pokhara, Nepal Environmental Science Pokhara, Nepal Arjun Thapa [email protected], Tribhuvan University [email protected], M.Sc Zoology [email protected] Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal [email protected] Central Department of [email protected] Zoology Suprio Chakma Sujas Prasad Phuyal Tribhuvan University Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh Kazi Ahmed Kabir Forest Ranger Kirtipur, Kathmandu COSMOS Centre Department of Zoology Department of Forests [email protected] 69/1 New Circular Road University of Dhaka Babarmahal, Kathmandu Malibaug, Dhaka-1217 Room No. 1025 Nepal Prakash S. Thapa Bangladesh Shahidullah Hall, Bangladesh [email protected] Institute of Forestry [email protected] [email protected] Pokhara, Nepal Krishna Prasad Pokharel [email protected] Birendra Prasad Chaudhary Rameshwor Kaphle Tiribhuvan University B.Sc Zoology M.Sc Zoology Kirtipur, Nepal Sanjan Bdr. Thapa Department of Zoology Central Dept. of Zoology [email protected] M.sc in Zoology Tri Chandra Multiple College Tribhuvan University Central Dept. of Zoology Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal Rajesh Rachal Tribhuvan University [email protected] [email protected] Byasi Bagmati Zone Kirtipur, Nepal Bhaktapur-9, Nepal [email protected] Gyanendra Choudhary Ganesh Koirala [email protected] M.Sc Environmental Science Assistant Curator Will Tuladhar-Douglas Kathmandu University National Trust for Nature Nar Bahadur Ranabhat Scottish Centre for Himalayan Kathmandu, Nepal Conservation M.Sc Zoology Research [email protected] Central Zoo, Jawalakhel Krish-1, Kaski District University of Aberdeen Kathmandu, Nepal Gandaki Zone Aberdeen AB24 3 UB, Sagar Dahal [email protected] Nepal Scotland Department of Zoolgy [email protected] [email protected] Tri Chandra Multiple College Narayan Prasad Koju Ghantagar, Kathmandu, Nepal M.A.Anthropology & M.Sc Binita Shahi Rabi Wenju [email protected] Zoology Institute of Forestry B.Sc Environmental Science Central Dept. of Zoology Pokhara, Nepal Kathmandu University Radha Krishna Gharti Tirbhuvan University [email protected] Dhulikhal, Kavre, Nepal Veterinary Assistant Nepal [email protected] National Trust for Nature [email protected] Anjana Shrestha Conservation Institute of Forestry Resource Persons: Central Zoo, Jawalakhel Tulashi Limbu Pokhara, Nepal Dr. Paul A. Racey Kathmandu, Nepal Padma Kanya Multiple [email protected], Regius Professor of Natural Campus [email protected] History Bipin Chandra Ghimire Bagbazar, Kathmandu, Nepal School of Biological Sciences M.Sc Zoology [email protected] Niroj Man Shrestha University of Aberdeen Central Department of Institute of Forestry Tillydrone Avenue Zoology Joseph Reginald Louis Pokhara, Nepal ABERDEEN. AB24 2TZ Tribhuvan University Department of Zoology [email protected] Scotland Kirtipur, Nepal Bharathiar University [email protected] Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India [email protected]

8 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Dr. Mike Jordan Curator of Higher Vertebrates Comments from Resource Persons and participants North of Zoological Society It was really great to be at the workshop. I did learn a lot of things from both of Chester Zoo, Upton, them. the students were also good. A few are really in to it and I do sincerely hope Chester CH2 1LH that there will be some good returns from this workshop by way of bat workers in United Kingdom Nepal. They were asking so many questions and Paul and Mike have arranged to [email protected] help them as a group. There is a lot of enthusiasm and it was highly rewarding in Dr. Sripathi Kandula terms of learning and teaching!! -- Dr. Sripathi Kandula, Resource Person, Chair, Professor in Neurophysiology CCINSA, Professor in Neuropsychology, Madurai Kamraj University School of Biological Sciences Madurai Kamaraj University It was probably the best yet mainly because of the enthusiasm of the students who MADURAI - 625 021 Tamil already had some forward momentum having set up “Bat Friends” and encouraged Nadu, INDIA the “Mothers for Conservation”. The bat field work was also excellent. Although bats [email protected] were flying on the first night at the administrative staff college, we failed to net any [email protected] but had better luck around the lake in the zoo the following night. We also caught [email protected] bats every night in the grounds of the Forestry Institute in Pokhara. The two cave visits also provided an excellent opportunity for people to see several different Local coordinator: species at first hand. So thanks very much for the opportunity to participate. Geeta Shrestha Dr. Paul Racey, Chair, Chiroptera Specialist Group, SSC IUCN Regius Professor of Chair person Natural History, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen Nepal Action Trust for Utility, Resource and Education Just thought I would touch base with you post-Nepal. Things were great, the training (NATURE) Naya Baneshwor, Kathmandu, went exceptionally well and the mix of Kathmandu and Pokhara were perfect. We Nepal also managed to involve the zoo by carrying out the mist netting in their grounds [email protected], right opposite the staff college. The mix worked well because we managed to get [email protected] very good rodent and insectivore captures at Kathmandu (I think 24 animals in the 2 nights). So the focus in Pokhara was then largely bats, which worked well because Convenor and ZOO team the cave surveying took a lot of the time that we would otherwise have had to spend Sally Walker on trapping etc. -- Mike Jordan, Curator of Higher Vertebrates, North of England Founder/Director Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton, Chester CH2 1LH Zoo Outreach Organisation Chair (Europe & North Asia) IUCN SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group, co-Chair EAZA P.O. Box 1683 Small Mammal Taxon Advisory Group Peelamedu Coimbatore 641004 TN India We have finished the small mammalian workshop very successfully. The knowledge [email protected] imparted by our resource persons were quite useful and much more interesting. We learned lots of Field Techniques about Rodents and Bats. I think probably such a B.A. Daniel amazing program is for the first time in Nepal. It increases our confidence to do Scientist more in this sector. Being a Local organizer as well as most interested candidate I Zoo Outreach Organisation P.O. Box 1683 tried myself to make it successful. I hope the Nepalese youth will do more in coming Peelamedu days -- Pushpa Raj Acharya Coimbatore 641004 TN India [email protected]; The workshop was really fruitful. Some of the participants are in connection too. Your [email protected] mail with contact list will really support me -- Narayan Koju

R. Marimuthu I’m working to prepare the checklist of bats of Kathmandu Valley along with this Education Officer we’re progressing for a network effectively “cdz small mammals club”. i’ll inform u Zoo Outreach Organisation later about it’s activities -- Sanjan Thapa P.O. Box 1683, Coimbatore [email protected] Now we are planning to develop a project on small mammals covering the whole of Nepal -- Tulsi R Subedi

Thank you very much for giving opportunity to participate in such a good training and workshop. I gained a lot of knowledge on research and conservation by participating -- Anjana

It is my pleasure to inform you that a small library has been formed in Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Nepal. As per the demand of Bats Friends, Forestry campus has provided small place so as to place materials related to bats and some of the rodents -- Hari Adhikari

It was a very good workshop. Resource persons and host participants were excellent. I learned lots of from the workshop and hope i could carry similar research or program in Bangladesh. Though i am working on Herpetofauna of Bangladesh but I always carry a mist net when i go to field -- Suprio Chakma, Bangladesh

I was really happy in having a training with ZOO after 4 years. The training was really pleasant. The hospitability of local participants and organizers and the cooperation of ZOO crew with the technical knowledge of world renowned resource persons made the training more participatory and interactive -- Kazi Ahmed Kabir (Babu), Bangladesh

9 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Observations on roosts of Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) in Karnataka A.K.Chakravarthy*

An opportunistic survey of bat roosts in six districts of Karnataka revealed that traditional roosts of the Indian Fruit Fox (Pterocarpus giganteus) are more secure than the smaller-sized roosts formed out of the main bat roosts. The smaller sized roosts are subjected to development\human pressure.

The traditional roosts are being displaced and disturbed, which results in the fragmentation of the original population. Thirty percent of the bat roosts are secured. The major threat to the bat roosts has been the destruction of habitat and tree-roosts. It is critically important to preserve the existing bat roosts in Karnataka.Observations on bat roosts are in progress.

Table 1: Observations on bat roosts in Karnataka,2006-07 Location + Aprox Bat Roost\tree Habitat of Roost Roost Status Age(yr) size 1 Gowdregere, 2 Mangifera indica On left side of B(lore- 50-70 Temporary roosts, bats Channarayapatna, Trees. Hassan road. are frequently disturbed Hassan(50 yrs) by traffic\people & light. (13001(N, 76003(E) 2 Chikmagalur Town, Casuarina sp. In town, Urban built- 1500- Highly disturbed roost. DC(s office + police Eucalyptus sp. up. Heavily used 1800 Jungle crows nuisance. station(>50 yrs) Mangifera indica. road & residential Ground litter with faecal (13020(N, 75046(E) sp. areas pellets noisy even during Samania sp. day. 3 Bommenahalli, Ficus sp. Roadside tree. 70-80 Roadside, Kunigal ,Tumkur(>10 Disturbed, yrs) (3020(N, 77006(E) Fragmented population. 4 Anchinapura, 4 Km away Ficus sp. Roadside tree 50-70 Roadside, from Nelmangala Highly disturbed by Cross(>10 yrs) moving traffic. (12058(N, 77035(E) 5 Bangalore Ficus sp.Mangifera Garden, tree groves, 650- Main drained (dried one) Bugle Rock Park, indica. Samania protected area 710 by BDA. Farmland before. Basavangudi(>50 yrs) saman Casuarina Roost is undisturbed & (12058(N, 77035(E) sp., Eucalyptus sp. ancient one. Glyceridia sp. 6 Mandya Railway Samania saman Garden, tree groups, 150- Temple, religious site, Station(>50 yrs) Eucalyptus sp. protected area 180 safe well protected (12054(N, 76055(E) undisturbed roost. 7 Padubidri, Ficus sp. Built-up area heavily 50-60 Fragmented population Mangalore NH47 Samania saman used by traffic\ highly disturbed. (12054(N, 74051(E) human activities. 8 Mangalore Town, Ficus sp. Tree groves amidst Noisy Hampanaghatta, Samania saman urban set-up. 50-75 Disturbed. Mangalore-1 (12054(N, 74051(E) 9 Tiptur Town, Urban grove of Outskirts of town, 50-60 Fragmented roost, Tumkur trees of Ficus sp. slightly disturbed Noisy, relatively (3020(N, 77006(E) Samania saman area. undisturbed. 10 Malleshwarm, Railway Ficus sp. Religious site, slightly 100- Temple, religious site, big Station, Bangalore- Samania saman disturbed by traffic 150 roost with birds like 560003 (>50 yrs) Albizzia sp. and humans. Mynahs. Safe & secure (12058(N, 77035(E) Cassia sp. roost, undisturbed.

*Dept of Entomology, GKVK,UAS, Bangalore 560065, Karnataka

10 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Project PteroCount -- Progress Report – June 2007 Sanjay Molur1

Most people recognize only one kind of bat – the source of information or contribution. We are in the giant flying fox. At least this is what I hear in my process of redesigning the web site to incorporate three years of talking to people in Coorg. And some of the information provided and also provide what is amazing is that most of the people I have a map of roost sites as available till date. All roosts spoken to always come up with pretty accurate with GPS information are being mapped on Google details about roosts they know of or have seen. If Earth Plus. In some places roosts have been they are not directly knowledgeable, I have known decimated due to road construction and expansion, a few people actually get their friends to call me up which will be highlighted for further action. We to tell where the big bat roosts are. They all seem intend to make the web site www.pterocount.org to be in awe of this giant flying mammal. Very interactive for feeding roost information directly. occasionally, I do hear someone referring to the smaller bats that hang in their houses. Much of my While we try and improve our data management information on documenting bat roosts in Coorg and compilation, we request a more active has been through this kind of preliminary survey. participation from volunteers who enrolled eagerly Of course, I have been able to document several when the project was initiated. Roost information roosts driving around too and in all, over the last as we have noted from volunteers has been three years, I have been monitoring more than 20 compiled in different degrees of completeness. In roosts in Karnataka. All of this information has enquiring from the volunteers who have not gone into the PteroCount database. submitted information yet, I have been told the following difficulties in compiling data. Some of Project PteroCount was started in January 2005 them I will try and elaborate here, but suffice to with Shahroukh Mistry initiating and heading the say that most of the doubts raised by volunteers project through the South Asian bat network, are not very serious and I would urge everyone to CCINSA. I am helping in coordinating this in South provide information for documenting roost sites Asia and urging volunteers to contribute and population trends. information periodically. One of the initial steps was to develop a web site www.pterocount.org, 1. “I cannot complete the form because I do not which has the project details, volunteer enrollment have a GPS.”: This is not a problem at all as it is section, population estimation methodology, important to have the location identified with the downloadable data sheets in PDF and Word nearest village or geographical name. GPS formats. As always, the other initial task was readings can be taken as and when it is possible. actually writing to CCINSA members about the project and eliciting support and volunteers. In 2. “I cannot complete the form because I do not addition, other non-CCINSA members were enlisted have a camera.”: Same goes for photographs. who contacted us through the web or otherwise. Photo documentation becomes of paramount importance if there is any inkling of threat to the In the last two years 62 people have registered as bats or the roost tree, and photographs are very volunteers with 20 providing roost information. A good supporting documents. Since photo- total of 92 roosts have been reported till now from documentation can be done anytime during the three countries in South Asia, Bangladesh – 13; course of roost monitoring, it is not necessary to India – 75; and Nepal – 4. In India volunteers wait for this to send in the information. have provided roost information from 10 states. Of the people who have contributed till now, the effort 3. “It costs a lot of money to monitor roost sites. per Indian state follows: (this also follows the Does the project have funds to provide for travel?”: order of roost identified and monitored by This is understandable and we appreciate the volunteers in each state until now): Andhra prohibitive costs of making trips to the roost sites Pradesh – 2; Assam - 11; Gujarat – 1; Himachal to monitor. Since this is a voluntary project, we are Pradesh – 1; Karnataka – 36; Kerala – 7; Madhya unable to provide any support in terms of funding Pradesh – 1; Maharashtra – 2; Rajasthan – 8; Tamil for travel. Information for such roosts can be Nadu – 6. provided as and when an opportunity arises, so please don’t strain your wallet. Apart from this several other roosts have been entered into the database based on publications. 1Founder / Secretary, Wildlife Information Liaison On our part, Project PteroCount is maintaining the Development Society, Coimbatore, India. database as supplied by volunteers and as email : [email protected]. gleaned from publications giving credit for every website: www.pterocount.org. 11 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 4. “The information I provide for a roost may 9. “I have information on roosts of other bat species already be provided by another volunteer.”: This is such as insectivorous bats. Can I provide that true and is quite possible. But, understand that information?”: Although this project is called the probability of two volunteers studying the PteroCount, we intend to gather roost information same roost at the same time is almost negligible. on all bat species. So, if you have such information, So, even if one were to be reporting on a already please do send them to us. Just make sure you studied roost, the information is vital since indicate the species name on the form. You may fluctuations in the populations can be better find the current form inappropriate in some understood. instances such as cave- or man-made dwellings. In such instances you may provide such information as 5. “I have already published my information in an additional points. article. You can take my information from that.”: This is a typical response I get when I request for 10. “My students have studied several roosts in and information from some of the volunteers. This is around the college/university campus or the city. I’ll good information and we have updated this try and get that information across to you.”: This is information on to the web site, but much of this just wonderful, but of the six volunteers who have study is of the past and/or is a one-time study. promised this, not one has sent information in two Project PteroCount is an ongoing monitoring years. Past information on roosts is wonderful to project for which information on the roosts can be have, so please do send your students’ studies at provided on almost daily basis, if one were to do the earliest. If possible, please follow up on the so. I would therefore appeal to scientists who present status of the roost and provide information have already published to provide current to the project. This will not only help understand information in the format requested. the situation of those roosts, but will also help you with some wonderful analysis and publication. 6. “I am the owner of my information and do not wish to share.”: This is another common refrain I Volunteers helping with Project Pterocount last have heard from bat biologists. In fact, we have 2 years brought up this issue in the very first place when we initiated the project and requested for Pushpa Raj Acharya, Tribhuban University volunteers. I reiterate here – (i) the details of the [email protected] roost information will not be distributed on the Mr. Kazi Ahmed, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh web; and (ii) we encourage all volunteers to M. Abdul Aziz, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh prepare a write up or peer-reviewed scientific [email protected] papers for publication in BatNet Newsletter or Ansa Davis, Thrissur 680 741 Kerala ’ Print Journal so that they can have all credit Hiren Dutta, Dist- Sivasagar 785 664 Assam for the information. Satya Prakash Mehra, WWF India, Udaipur [email protected] 7. “If I provide information the first time, I should Sanjay R.V. Molur & Payal, Zoo Outreach do so every time for which I may not have the Organisation, [email protected] time.”: We appreciate this a lot, but since this is a Sanjeev Kumari Paul, Vety Polyclinic Kulu volunteer project, we expect information to flow in [email protected] as and when possible. In most cases the Debojit Phukan, Megamix Nature Club, Assam information you provide for a roost may be the B. Ravichandran, Zoo Outreach Organisation, first ever time anyone has recorded. This is [email protected] important documentation. I therefore request you R. L. Joseph Reginald, to not worry about your ability to monitor in the [email protected] future. There could be someone living closer to Kolipaka Srinivas Shekhar. Society for Nature the roost who might be willing to monitor it Conservation and Education-India regularly once you publish it. Pratab Singh, Bikaner 334 003 Rajasthan Satyendra Kay Tiwari, Naturalist, Wildlife 8. “I see that the project was started some time Photographer & Wildlife Artist, back and I have come to know only now. Is it too [email protected] late to provide information?”: It is never late to Shantilal N. Varu, Bhuj-Kutch 370 020 Gujarat provide information. This is an ongoing project on Aravind Venkatesan, Student. inventorying and monitoring bat roosts. If [email protected] anything, it is important to have information as regularly as possible.

12 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Status of the Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) in Bengaluru Aravind Venkatesan1 *See web supplement at www.zoosprint.org for figure

The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) is the are about 30 - 40 ft tall. There are about 20-25 second largest of the old world fruit bats. This roosting trees on the whole. species roosts on trees; colonies are often Institute of Wood Science: This is a research situated in close proximity with humans. It is easily institute situated in the northwestern part of the identifiable and is well known to the common city. The roosting area is situated in the interior people of India. Pteropus giganteus, like the other regions of the research campus. The trees found fruit bats, plays a vital role in and here are about 40-50 ft tall and the place has a in the basic ecology of the forests. The species thick canopy cover. Due to security reasons I was helps in the regeneration of forests, and many not permitted to make a note of the details. I could tree species depend on them for seed dispersal. visit the site only once for the identification of As these bats are known to cover large areas, species. The other details gathered about the they also play an important role in plant roost were by interviewing employed security regeneration in man-made clearings (Goyal and personnel there. Sale, 1989). Hence, the detailed study of this Office of the Commissioner of Police: This site is species could be crucial in conserving plant species situated in the northern part of Bengaluru city. The that are dependent on these bats. Though these roost is in the peripheral region of the office. Once bats are found roosting on tree patches in the again due to security reasons I could not collect middle of a city or township, very little is actually the necessary details about the roost. The trees known about their local migration pattern in found here are Eucalyptus, Silver Oak, Banyan particular and their ecology in general. Project Tree, and Jackfruit tree, which are about 30-40 ft ‘Pterocount’ deals with the distribution of Pteropus tall. giganteus in South Asia [Wildlife Information NAL, Wind Tunnel Research Centre: The site is Liaison Development (WILD), Coimbatore and Dr. situated just behind the Bengaluru airport in the Shahroukh Mistry, USA in collaboration with eastern part of the city. As this research centre is CCINSA]. I volunteer for this project to identify under the Indian Air Force, entry is reserved only to roosts of Pteropus giganteus in and around people who work there, so the details were Bengaluru and report here my preliminary findings collected by interviewing people employed in the of the last 18 months (since October 2005). institute. Since I was not able to collect information about the bat count during the day, an Bengaluru city (12°58'12" N - 77°33'36" E) is the approximation was made at dusk when these bats state capital of Karnataka, situated in peninsular were flying from their roosting site in search of India. Blanford and Thomas conducted the first food. survey of bats in the city and Shortridge conducted the second survey (Krishnan, 1999). Roost found in Bengaluru Rural district (Table 2): They have reported about the roosts of Pteropus Kurubarapalya: This is a small village found 22 kms giganteus in Bengaluru but nothing much has been off Bengaluru - Mysore highway. The roost is found said about their distribution in this region as such. just outside a palm plantation in the village. This roost said to be 60-70 years old. The bats are seen Bengaluru district is divided into Bengaluru urban roosting on Ficus bengalensis, which is 30-40 ft tall. and Bengaluru rural. From my study, I have Bidadi: It is a small township around 28kms from identified and monitored 15 roosts in Bengaluru Bengaluru enroute to Mysore. The roost is situated (Fig. 1) for over a period 1 year (since 2005). Four in the outskirts by the side of the highway. The roosts in Bengaluru Urban and about eleven roost is said to be 50 years old and the roosting roosts in Bengaluru rural have been identified so tree species is Terminalia, which is about 40ft tall. far. The details of the roosts are as follows: Ramnagaram: This is a township-situated 35kms from Bengaluru city, on the Bengaluru – Mysore Roosts found in Bengaluru Urban district (Table road. The roosting site is found around 8kms 1): before the township about 150yards off the Bugle Rock Park: This is a small public park highway. The roost is about 40 years old. The bats situated in the south of Bengaluru city. The colony roost was found on a mango tree and two other of Pteropus giganteus found here is around 50- unidentified tree species. The roosting trees are 60yrs old. The roost is situated in the central 40-50ft tall. region of the park. The bats that are seen roosting on different tree species include Gulmohar, Jackfruit tree, Eucalyptus, Pipal, which 1J.P. Nagar, Bangalore email: [email protected] 13 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Kengal: This is a village, 50 kms away from like Kengal, Bidadi and Ramnagaram, hunting is Bengaluru City and towards Mysore. The roosting carried out at the roosting site itself. In Bidadi, the site is basically a Eucalyptus grove found just locals are also aware of the decline in population of adjacent a famous Hanuman temple. The trees are bats in the roost. When a local of Bidadi was around 50 – 60ft tall. The bats are spread over 36 interviewed about the roost he explained that the trees in this grove. particular roost had more bats earlier. He added the Naaganayakanahalli: This is a village situated decline in number can be accounted for the scores about 20 kms away from Bengaluru city and is of villagers and others from the nearby cities (i.e. about 3 kms off Bengaluru – Hosur highway (NH4). probably from Bengaluru and Mysore) who frequent The roosting site is situated amidst the agricultural these sites for hunting. fields in the village. The roost is about 30 years old. The bat roosts are on the Casurina trees rooted by The popular technique of catching these bats is the side of the agricultural fields. usually by using canopy nets and sometimes, Bodanahosahalli: It is a village situated about though very rare, by using air guns. For air guns, 16kms from Hosakote, which is a township in the Ragi (a pulse widely cultivated in South India) is eastern part of Bengaluru city. The roost is found in used to make the pellets. The poachers do not a home garden of a resident of the village and is follow a particular pattern or season to hunt these about 50 years old. The bat roost is found on creatures, for hunting is purely based on the Eucalyptus, Tamarind and Banyan trees, which are demand for meat. about 40-50 ft tall. Nalapnahalli: This village is situated about 9kms On my trip to Pura (Vijayapura post), I happened to from Devana halli, a town 50 kms north to meet a local by name Lingaswamy who shared Bengaluru city. The roost is about 60 years old. The some valuable information on the instinct to poach bats were seen roosting on Banyan, Tamarind, and these animals. The popular belief is that the meat of Pipal and Mango trees. Trees are about 30-40 ft these bats is a very potent medicine against tall. asthma and rheumatic arthritis. The meat is also Pura (Vijayapura post): This village is also given to pregnant women, as it is supposed to keep situated near Devana halli and is 60kms north of the foetus healthy. In some cases it is fed to Bengaluru city. In this village the bats have been anaemic children. It is conducted as a ritual in these roosting since 200 years. The bats roost on a areas where the meat is cooked only on Tuesdays single Banyan tree. and Fridays. The flesh is consumed and the Sungatnahalli: This place is situated 16 kms remaining bones of these bats are dried, crushed southeast of Nandi Hills (a tourist spot 56 kms and mixed with special oil called Makkalla Yenne (in north of Bengaluru city). The roost is around 50 Kannada) and sometimes also mixed with mud years old; here the roosting tree is a Ficus tree. collected from some of the sacred hills. This Marnayakanahalli: This village is situated about preparation is further boiled and given to the 5kms north of Yelahanka, Bengaluru. The roost is affected child for oral consumption but its usage is more than 100 years old and the bats here roost mainly to strengthen joints. The flesh is in great on specifically two trees (Ficus bengalensis and demand in the urban areas also and is sold at a Ficus religiosa). price ranging between 50-500 rupees a kilo Mandikal: The village is situated around 30 kms depending on the availability. from Chikkaballapura on the Bengaluru – Hyderabad Road. This roost is about 100 – 120 Though the medicinal property of the meat is not years old. When my colleagues and I had visited proven scientifically, in some cases the local doctors the village for data collection, the villagers allowed themselves recommend the consumption of the only one of us to go near the roosting tree for meat to cure various health disorders! (Molur and tracking the bats in the roost. The bats were Daniel, 1999). roosting on nine trees [Mango (3), Orange (3), Banyan (1), and Tamarind tree (2)]. In the IUCN Red List criteria (Version 3.1) Pteropus giganteus is categorized under Least Concern The roosts identified so far in the Bengaluru city (C.A.M.P, 2002), but there is a dearth of information limits are safe from poaching. The question then is, about the ecology, migration patterns and their how safe are the roosts that are present outside behaviour. As the human population is on the rise, the city limits, i.e. the ones situated in rural roads have been expanded and the tolerance Bengaluru. From the information gathered in rural towards these animals is reducing. There is a Bengaluru, it can be confirmed that in majority of constant threat to the bats’ survival. This threat in the places like Pura (Vijayapura post), Nalapnahalli, the future could push them to a ‘threatened Naaganayakanahalli and Mandikal though hunting category!’ We know very little about the exact is prohibited at the roosting site, people still hunt population and other necessary valuable these bats at their feeding sites. In other places 14 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Table 1. Details of roost found in Bengaluru urban district

Roost site Lat. /Long. Numbers of Bats Protection Status Approximate

Bugle Rock Park 1205651.1N 3000 Hunting not allowed in the park. 7703408.7E Institute of Wood 13000.661N 500-600 Entry restricted. Hunting is strictly prohibited Research 77034.210E Office of the 12059.123N 600 The roost is well protected. Faces no threat Commissioner of Police 77035.661E from poachers. NAL 12056.601N 1000 Roost well protected. Faces no threat at 77040.050E present.

Table 2. Details of roost found in Bengaluru rural district

Roost site Lat./Long. Number of Bats Protection Status Approximate Kurubarapalya 12054.798(N 850 The villagers protect the roost. 77021.740(E Bidadi 12046(52. 1((N 300 The roost is not protected and is subject to frequent 77021(48. 4((E hunting. Ramnagaram 12044( 24((N 900-1000 The roost is relatively safe but hunting takes place 77018( 20.5((E occasionally. Kengal 12041.169(N 500-600 The roost is under threat of hunting and the bats are 77014.037(E hunted very frequently. Naaganayakana 12046(24. 8((N 1500-2000 The villagers are very protective about these bats and halli 77041(37. 8((E do not entertain hunting. Bodanahosa halli 12o58.642(N 3500 The landlord protects the roost. 77o48.182(E Nalapna halli 13012.472(N 4500 The roost is totally protected by the villagers and do 77046.747(E not entertain any sort of disturbance to the roost. Pura (Vijayapura 13018.572(N 800 The locals consider them very sacred since they are post) 77047.767(E believed to be passed on from generations before. Hunting is punishable in this village. Sungatna halli 13021.085(N 600 The villagers protect the roosts. There has been a case 77034.742(E where the poachers were handed over to the Forest Department. Marnayakana 13o10.086(N 400 - 450 The villagers protect the roost. The villagers believe halli 77o38.904(E that these bats were given to them by the Sages/God men. Mandikal 13o35.924(N 2000 The locals do not allow hunting of the bats. They 77o43.767(E believe that the bats protect their village. data, and more systematic studies are required to of South Asian Chiroptera: Conservation Assessment understand their roosting site and feeding site and Management Plan (C.A.M.P) Workshop Report, preferences, migratory patterns, information on 2002. Zoo Outreach Organisation, C.B.S.G. South Asia their interaction with other species and with their and Wild, Coimbatore, India, viii+141pp+CD-Rom. Molur, S. and B.A.Daniel (1999). Bat trapping around own kind. Pterocount is helping lay a foundation Mysore. Zoos’ Print 14(1): 15-16pp. for further research on this species by identifying Krishnan, R. (1999). Bats of Bangalore City – A roosts in South Asia. review. Blackbuck - A journal of Madras Naturalist Society 15(1). References: Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997). Bats of the Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C. Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, Indian Subcontinent. Harrison University Press, 258pp. A.M. Hutson, P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker, K. Padma Goyal, S.P and J.B.Sale (1989). Ecology of Indian Priya and A.R. Binu Priya (Editors) (2002). Status Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus).

15 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 The Bat Fauna of Nepal: A Current Conspectus Pushpa Raj Acharya1 and Luis A. Ruedas2,3

Conservation in the absence of knowledge Historical Studies of bats of Nepal regarding what should be conserved is an Hodgson (1834, 1835), Scully (1887), and Abe exercise in futility. Among mammals, one of the (1982) were the major contributors to the study of least known, and most misunderstood and vilified bats in Nepal. Johnson et al. (1980), Hinton and Fry groups is bats, Order Chiroptera. We present a (1923), Sinha (1973), Kock (1996), Sanborn, (1950), summary of the current taxonomic and Mitchell (1980), and Bates and Harrison (1996) also conservation status of Nepal’s bats. The country’s have paid particular and significant attention to bats diverse bat fauna is constituted by 54 documented of Nepal. species in seven families. An additional seventeen species are known from nearby areas in India, Abe (1982) reported on bats of Central Nepal, underscoring the fact that much work remains to including eight species in three families. These be done in order to fully document species included: Cynopterus sphinx (Pteropodidae), diversity of bats in Nepal, a situation likely Rhinolophus affinis himalayanus, R. rouxi rouxi, R. extensible to other groups of animals. This pearsonii pearsoni (Rhinolophidae), Myotis summary of the scant knowledge of Nepal’s bats mystacinus muricola (=M. muricola), Myotis siligorenis makes it possible to devise a cogent research plan siligorensis, Pipistrellus babu (=P. javanicus), and conservation strategy for the future of the Miniopterus schreibersii fuliginosa () country’s bat fauna. Scully (1886) published one of the earliest reviews Key words: Chiroptera, bats, conservation, Nepal of bats of Nepal. More recently, Bates and Harrison (1996) reported more comprehensively on bats in Among all the world’s mammals, only bats are Nepal in their work on bats of the Indian possessed of the capacity for true flight. The most Subcontinent. The most recent collection (Myers et current tally of mammals (Wilson and Reeder, al. 2000) not only added species, but also confirmed 2005) recognized 1,116 species of bats the presence of some species which were worldwide, with more being described on an previously doubtful in Nepal. A summary of species annual basis. Those 1,116 bat species represent currently known and documented from Nepal is about a fifth (20%) of the 5,418 known mammal presented in Table 1. species. The taxonomic order Chiroptera (bats) was traditionally divided into two suborders, In reporting from Nepal 52 species in seven families, Megachiroptera (186 species of Old World Fruit we observe that the number of documented bat Bats) and the Microchiroptera (930 species). species (i.e., represented by voucher specimens However, recent molecular studies have sensu Ruedas et al. 2000) known for the country is demonstrated that this apparently simple increasing. This is a result not only of additional dichotomy does not reflect true evolutionary literature studies but most especially results from relationships. Current hypotheses of evolutionary ongoing field studies, as only the latter can truly relationships instead suggest that the families increase the state of our knowledge, as well as Pteropodidae (Fruit Bats), (False records of species documented by specimens, the Vampire Bats), Rhinopomatidae (Mouse–tailed ultimate arbiter of species identification. These Bats), (Old World Leaf–nosed studies confirm that a remarkable bat diversity Bats), and Rhinolophidae (Horseshoe Bats), all are exists in Nepal. The 52 species comprise nearly 5% most closely related to each other, to the exclusion of world bat diversity and over 40% of South Asia’s of the remaining families of bats (Van den Bussche bat biodiversity. and Hoofer, 2004). Some people call that group the Yinpteropchiroptera, and remaining bats the A deficiency in prior studies was that these were . based on opportunistic collections or studies of museum specimens. For example, many At least 37 species are known to live and breed in Nepal (BPP, 1995), whereas Hutson et al. (2001) reported 51, of which 39 species recently 1Lecturer, Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, remained in various categories of threat (IUCN Kathmandu, Nepal. [email protected] 2006), including in descending order of 2Senior Fulbright Fellow, Department of Environmental seriousness of threat category: 2 vulnerable; 6 Science and Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, P.O. Box 6250, Kathmandu, NEPAL near threatened; 29 least concern; and 2 data 3Department of Biology and Museum of Vertebrate deficient, including one species possibly endemic Biology, Portland state University, Portland, Oregon to Nepal, that is, occurring nowhere outside Nepal 97207–0751, USA (E–mail: [email protected]) (Hutson et al. 2001). 16 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Table 1. A summary of species currently known and documented from Nepal

Scientific name Common name Status NP list

Pteropodidae

, 2 , 3

1 Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmarest, 1820)1 Leschenaults rousette LC

2 Pteropus giganteus Brünnich, 17822 Indian flying fox LC CITES II

, 4

3 Cynopterus sphinx (Vahl, 1797)3 Greater shortInosed fruit bat LC

4 Cynopterus brachyotis (Müller, 1838)5 Lesser dogIfaced fruit bat LC

5 Sphaerias blanfordi (Thomas, 1891)6 Blanfords fruit bat LC

6 spelaea (Dobson, 1871)3 Lesser dawn bat LC Megadermatidae

7 Megaderma lyra (E. Geoffroy, 1810)7 Greater false LC

Rhinolophidae

, 1 2

8 Rhinolophus affinis Horsfield, 1823 1 Intermediate LC

1 ,

9 Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774)1 NT CITES III

1 2 , 1 4

10 Rhinolophus lepidus Blyth, 18448 Blyths horseshoe bat LC

, 7 , 1 0 , 1 2

11 Rhinolophus luctus Temminck, 18351 Wooly Horseshoe bat LC

, 1 2

12 Rhinolophus macrotis Blyth, 18449 Big Eared Horseshoe bat LC

, 1 2

13 Rhinolophus pearsonii Horsfield 18517 Pearsons horseshoe bat LC

1 , 1 2 , 1 3

14 Rhinolophus pusillus Temminck, 18341 Least horseshoe bats LC

, 1 2

15 Rhinolophus rouxii Temminck, 18351 Rufous horseshoe bats LC

, 9 16 Rhinolophus subbadius Blyth, 18442 Little Nepalese Horseshoe bat DD

Hipposideridae

2 , 1 4

17 Hipposideros armiger Hodgson, 18391 Great Himalayan leaf nosed bat LC

2 18 Hipposideros cineraceus Blyth, 18351 Ashy roundleaf bat LC

19 Hipposideros fulvus Gray, 18382 Fulvous roundleaf bat LC 2 20 Hipposideros pomona Anderson, 19181 Andersons leaf nosed bat LC

Miniopteridae

, 1 5

21 Miniopterus pusillus Dobson, 1876 3 Small bentIwinged bat LC

, 1 2 22 Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1819)2 Schreibers longIfingered bat LC CITES III

Vespertilionidae

2

23 Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857)1 Lesser mouseIeared bat LC

, 1 2 , 1 4

24 Myotis formosus (Hodgson, 1835)2 Hodgsons bat LC

6

25 Myotis mystacinus (Kuhl, 1819)1 LC

7

26 Myotis muricola (Gray, 1846)1 Whiskered Myotis LC

2

27 Myotis longipes (Dobson, 1873)1 Kashmir cave bat VU

28 Myotis siligorensis (Horsfield, 1855)7 LC

8

29 Plecotus auritus (Linnaeus, 1758)1 Brown longIeared bat LC

1 30 Plecotus austriacus (Fischer, 1859)1 Grey longIeared bat NT

31 Barbastella leucomelas (Cretzschmar, 1830I Asian (or Eastern) barbastelle LC

1831) 5

2

32 Scotomanes ornatus (Blyth, 1851) 1 NT

, 8 , 1 2 , 1 9

33 Scotophilus heathii Horsfield 1831 4 Asiatic greater yellow house bat LC

2

34 Eptesicus serotinus (Schreber, 1774)1 Serotine LC 0 35 Eptesicus gobiensis Bobrinskii, 19262 Gobi LC

36 Eptesicus dimissus (Thomas, 1916)3 Surat serotine VU

2

37 Ia io Thomas, 19021 Great NT

, 1 2 , 2 1

38 Pipistrellus javanicus (Gray 1838)7 Javan pipestrelle LC

, 1 2

39 Pipistrellus coromandra (Gray 1838)7 LC

, 8

40 Pipistrellus tenuis (Temminck, 1840)7 LC

2

41 Falsistrellus affinis (Dobson, 1871) 1 Chocolate pipistrelle LC

2

42 circumdatus (Temminck, 1840)1 BlackIgilded pipistrelle LC

43 Nyctalus montanus (BarrettIHamilton 1906)8 Mountain noctule NT

, 1 2 , 1 4 44 Nyctalus noctula (Schreber, 1774) 7 Noctule LC

45 tickelli (Blyth, 1851)8 Tickells bat LC 2

46 Murina cyclotis Dobson, 1872 1 RoundIeared tubeInosed bat LC

2 , 2 2

47 Murina aurata MilneIEdwards, 18721 Little tubeInosed bat NT

48 Murina leucogaster MilneIEdwards, 18722 Greater tubeInosed bat VU

49 Murina huttoni (Peters, 1872) 7 Huttons tubeInosed bat NT

50 Kerivoula picta (Pallas, 1767) 3 LC

2 51 Philetor brachypterus (Temminck, 1840)2 Rohus bat LC

Emballonuridae

4 52 Taphozous longimanus (Hardwicke, 1835)2 LongIwinged tomb bat LC

Literature citation reporting each species is in superscript following the species name. Codes for IUCN Red List categories are as follows: DD-Data Deficient; LC-Least Concern; NT-Near Threatened; VU-Vulnerable. Codes for literature are as follows: 1:Fry, 1925; 2:Scully, 1887; 3:Myers et al. 2000; 4:Johnson et al 1980; 5:Corbet and Hill 1992; 6:Lekagul and McNeely 1977; 7:Hinton and Fry 1923; 8:Mitchell 1980; 9:Blyth 1844; 10:Hodgson 1843; 11:Kock 1996; 12:Bates and Harrison 1997; 13:Sinha, 1973; 14:Hodgson 1835; 15:Maeda 1982; 16:Dobson 1871; 17:Gray 1846; 18:Sanborn 1950; 19:Agrawal and Chackraborty 1971; 20:Koopman 1993; 21:Kock 1996; 22:Koopman 1983; 23:Maeda, 1980; 24:Worth and Shah 1969. 17 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 investigators maintained that the false vampire bat populations, or are separated from the type locality was not found in Nepal. However, Prater (1948) by barriers to dispersal such as mountains or large indicated that “Lyroderma” (=Megaderma) lyra was rivers. For example, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum to be found in the plain regions (Tarai) of Nepal. In was described from France. Although Asian bats order to have a reliable database on Nepal’s nominally identified as R. ferrumequinum may biodiversity, ongoing studies of fauna are not only resemble their putatively conspecific European required, but essential. One potential of such species, comparative analyses of molecular data ongoing studies would be the confirmation for from Spain and suggest that those R. Nepal of species of bats that may occur in the ferrumequinum populations are only very distantly country based on literature records from very related and in fact represent very distinct species. nearby, and the fact that suitable habitat exists in Since the Nepal populations of R. ferrumequinum are Nepal. Those species are listed in Table 2, below discrete from both Chinese and European (compiled from Corbet and Hill 1992, and Bates and populations, it is likely that the Nepal populations in Harrison 1997), and demonstrate the potential of turn represent distinct species from those two. adding at least another 21 species to the bat Other species that may have similar taxonomic and fauna of Nepal, which then would potentially have biogeographic problems to resolve include a bat fauna comprised of approximately 73 species, Miniopterus schreibersii and M. pusillus without even consideration of undescribed species (Miniopteridae), Taphozous nudiventris and yet to be discovered. Saccolaimus saccolaimus (), Megaderma spasma (Megadermatidae), Rhinolophus One final consideration is that increased research trifoliatus (Rhinolophidae), Hipposideros ater on Nepal’s bats also has the potential not (Hipposideridae), among Vespertilionidae: Myotis necessarily to change the total number of species mystacinus, Plecotus auritus, Barbastella leucomelas, known for that country, but rather to change some Pipistrellus javanicus, P. affinis, P. ceylonicus, names, that is: to lead to a clearer and more Harpiocephalus harpia, Kerivoula picta, K. hardwickii, natural . This is the case when species Nyctalus noctula, Murina aurata, and M. leucogaster, are described from one—potentially distant— and finally, Tadarida teniotis (Molossidae). Molecular locality, and are represented in Nepal by disjunct studies of these nominal taxa from Nepal, not

Table 2. Species of bats potentially occurring in Nepal, but not documented by voucher specimens.

Scientific name Common name Status Rhinopomatidae 1 Rhinopoma microphyllum (Brünnich, 1872) Greater mousetailed bat LC 2 Rhinopoma hardwickei Gray, 1831 Lesser mousetailed bat LC Emballonuridae 3 Taphozous melanopogon Temminck, 1841 Blackbearded tomb bat LC 4 Taphozous nudiventris Cretschmar, 18301831 Nakedrumped tomb bat LC 5 Saccolaimus saccolaimus (Temminck, 1838) Nakedrumped pouched bat LC Megadermatidae 6 Megaderma spasma (Linnaeus, 1758) LC Rhinolophidae 7 Rhinolophus trifoliatus Temminck, 1834 Trefoil horseshoe bat LC Hipposideridae 8 Hipposideros ater Templeton, 1848 Dusky roundleaf bat LC Vespertilionidae 9 Myotis annectans (Dobson, 1871) Hairfaced bat NT 10 Eptesicus tatei Ellerman and MorrisonScott, 1951 Somber bat DD 11 Scotophilus kuhlii Leach 1821 Asiatic lesser yellow house bat LC 12 Tylonycteris pachypus (Temminck, 1840) LC 13 Pipistrellus ceylonicus (Kelaart, 1852) Kelaart3s pipistrelle LC 14 Pipistrellus paterculus Thomas 1915 Mount Popa pipistrelle NT 15 Pipistrellus cadornae Thomas, 1916 Cadorna3s pipistrelle NT 16 Scotoecus pallidus Dobson, 1876 Desert yellow bat NT 17 Scotozous dormeri Dobson, 1875 Dormer3s bat LC 18 Philetor brachypterus (Temminck, 1840) Rohu3s bat LC 19 Harpiocephalus harpia Temminck, 1840 Hairywinged bat LC 20 Kerivoula hardwickii (Horsfield, 1824) Hardwicke3s woolly bat LC Molossidae 21 Tadarida teniotis (Rafinesque, 1814) European freetailed bat LC

18 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 currently possible due to a lack of suitable and Conservation Action Plan. Gland, Swizerland: IUCN specimens, may lead to the recognition of species (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), x endemic to Nepal, on account of the rich yet + 258pp. isolated nature of Nepal’s ecosystems. The IUCN (2006). 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened fundamental need for these animals, however, is Species. . Downloaded on 21 conservation based on knowledge—knowledge of August 2006. both ecology and taxonomy. Over 35 years ago, Johnson, D.H., S.D. Ripley and K. Thonglongya Agrawal and Chackraborty (1971:41) noted that (1980). Mammals from Nepal. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 77: 56–63. “knowledge about the mammalian fauna of Nepal is Kock, D. (1996). Fledermäuse aus Nepal (Mammalia: scanty and only scattered accounts are available ” Chiroptera). Senckenbergiana Biologie 75(1/2): 15–21. Thirty–five years on, such scanty and scattered Koopman, K.F. (1993). Oder Chiroptera, pp.137-144. accounts are all the we still have: there remains a In: Wilson, D.E. and D.M. Reeder (eds), Mammal pressing need for a systematic methodological Species of the World: A taxonomic and geographic survey of Nepal’s mammalian fauna. Otherwise we reference, 2nd edition. Washington, D.C: Smithsonian run the risk that many of these night stars may Institution Press. vanish—due to negligence of their conservation Lekagul, B. and J.A. McNeely (1977). Mammals of needs—from Nepal’s environment without ever . Bangkok, Thailand: Association for the having been known by the people of Nepal. Conservation of Wildlife, li + 758pp. Maeda, K. (1980). Review on the classification of little References: tube–nosed bats. Mammalia 44: 531–551. Agrawal, V.C. and S. Chackraborty (1971). Notes Maeda K. (1982). Review on the classification of on a collection of small mammals from Nepal, with the Miniopterus in Eurasia, Australia and Melanesia. description of a new mouse–hare [Lagomorpha: Honyurui Kagaku Supplement 1: 1–176. Ochotonidae]. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of Mitchell, R.M. (1980). New records of bats Calcutta 24: 41–46. (Chiroptera) from Nepal. Mammalia 44(3): 339–442. Abe, H. (1982). Ecological distributions of small Myers, P., J.D. Smith, H. Lama, B. Lama and K.F. mammals in central Nepal. Mammalia 46: 477–503. Koopman (2000). A recent collection of bats from Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997). Bats of Nepal, with notes on Eptesicus dimissus. Zeitschrift fur Indian subcontinent. Sevenoaks, Kent, England: Saugetierkunde–International Journal of Mammalian Harrison Zoological Museum, xvi+258pp. Biology 65(3):149–156. Biological Project Profile (1995). Biological Project Prater, S.H. (1948). The Book of Indian mammals, 1st Profile. Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, Nepal. ed. Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society. Blyth, E. (1844). Notices of various Mammalia. Journal Ruedas, L.A., J. Salazar–Bravo, J.W. Dragoo and of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 13: 463–494. T.L. Yates (2000). The importance of being earnest: Corbet, G.B. and J.E. Hill (1992). Mammals of the What, if anything, constitutes a “Specimen examined?”. Indomalayan Region. Oxford, England: Oxford Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 17(1): 129–132. University Press, 488pp. Sanborn, C.C. (1950). A Nepal record of the Long– Dobson, G.E. (1871). Notes on nine species of Indian eared Bat (Plecotus homochrous Hodgson). Natural and Indo–Chinese Vespertilionidae. Proceedings of the History Miscellanea (Chicago Academy of Sciences) 69: Asiatic Society of Bengal 210–215. 1–2. Fry, T.B. (1925). Report No. 37a: Nepal. Bombay Scully, J.A. (1887). On the chiroptera of Nepal. Natural History Society’s Mammal Survey of India, Journal of Asiatic Society of Bengal 56: 233–259. Burma, and Ceylon. Journal of the Bombay Natural Sinha, Y.P. (1973). Taxonomic studies on the Indian History Society 30: 525–530. horseshoe bats of the genus Rhinolophus Lacépède. Gray, J.E. (1846). Catalogue of the specimens and Mammalia 37(4): 603–630. drawings of Mammalia and birds of Nepal and Thibet Van den Bussche, R.A. and S.R. Hoofer (2004). presented by B.H. Hodgson Esq. to the British Museum. Phylogenetic relationships among recent chiropteran London, England: British Museum, 156pp. families and the importance of choosing appropriate Hinton, M.A.C. and T.B. Fry (1923). Report No. 37: out–group taxa. Journal of Mammalogy 85(2): 321–330. Nepal. Bombay Natural History Society’s Mammal Walker, S. and S. Molur (Compliers) (2003). Survey of India, Burma, and Ceylon. Journal of the Summary of the status of South Asian Chiroptera. Bombay Natural History Society 29: 399–428. Extracted from CAMP 2002 report. Zoo Outreach Hodgson, B.H. (1834). On the Mammalia of Nepal. Organization, CBSG, South Asia and WILD, Coimbatoe, Proceedings of the zoological Society, London 1834: 95– India. 99. Wilson, D.E. and D.M. Reeder (eds) (2005). Hodgson, B.H. (1835). Synopsis of the Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition). Baltimore, Vespertilionidae of Nepal. Journal of the Asiatic Society Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press, 142pp. of Bengal 4: 699–701. Worth, R.M. and N.K. Shah (1969). Nepal Health Hodgson, B.H. (1843). Journal of the Asiatic Society of Survey 1965–1966. Honolulu, Hawai’i: University of Bengal 12: 414. Hawaii Press, ix + 158pp. Hutson, A., S.P. Mickleburgh and P.A. Racey (2001). Microchiropteran Bats: Global Status Survey

19 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Diversity, Role and Threats to the survival of bats in Pakistan M. Mahmood-ul-Hassan1 and P.O. Nameer2

Pakistan is roughly rhomboidal in shape and lies *This article is reprinted from the The between 240and 36.70 north latitudes and J. Anim. Pl. Sci. 16(1-2): 2006 61.00and 75.00 east longitudes. The total area of 2 Pakistan is 807048 km that can topographically be As you all know, we struggle to include subdivided into two distinct regions - the mountain information from every country of South Asia terrains and tableland in the north and the in Bat Net issues. Hence we are grateful to gradational flats in the south – the Indus Plains. Mr. Khalid Javed, Senior Editor of The J. Anim. The Indo-Gangetic plains were formed in Tertiary Pl. Sci ([email protected]) for per- when great depressions in front of the newly up- mission to reproduce this article in Bat Net heaved Himalayas appeared. The process of Newsletter - Editor. alluviation from the highlands and the subsequent severance of the river Indus from the river Ganges includes 17 families viz. Rhinopomatdae, following the uplift of Siwalik system resulted in Emballonuridae, Carseonycteridae, Nycteridae, the present form of the Indus and Gangetic Plains Megadermatidae, Rhinolophidae, Hipposideridae, (Wadia, 1953). The plain is generally featureless Noctilionidae, , Phyllostomidae, sloping gently towards the sea - an important Natilidae, , Thyropteridae, Myzopididae, hydrographic feature in relation to flooding and Vespertilionidae, , and Mollossidae irrigation. The Indus is the only south flowing river (Smith, 1977). Bats are found throughout the world, in Pakistan, which is fed by the glaciers in the except for the Arctic and Antarctic and on some Karakoram Range. The total length of the river in isolated oceanic islands (Mickleburgh et al., 2002). Pakistan is 2900 km and the total basin area is The Vespertilionidae (357 species) and the 259210 km2 comprising nearly one third of the Phyllostomidae (151 species) are the largest total area of the country (Roberts, 1997). families with a worldwide distribution found in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions (Hutson et al., Geographically, Pakistan is uniquely located. It lies 2001). at the western end of the South Asian subcontinent, and its flora and fauna are Uncertainty on the exact number of taxa of composed of a blend of Palearctic and Indo- Chiropterans occurring within the territorial limits of Malayan elements, with some groups also Pakistan has been a matter of debate (Roberts, containing forms from Ethiopian region. Indo- 1997; Bates and Harrison, 1997; Walker and Molur, Malayan forms are predominant in the east of the 2004). Bats comprise 28% of known mammal country, in the Indus basin, and the Palearctic species of the country. Roberts (1997) has listed 50 forms in the mountains of the north and west. The species of bats representing 23 genera and 8 Palearctic species contain a mixture of those families from Pakistan (Table 1) and expects the common to a large part of Eurasia, along with presence of some additional species as described affinities to , West Asia (Afghanistan by Walker and Molur (2004) (Table 2). India, that and ), Central Asia and Tibet. The rate of shares a long boarder with Pakistan on the eastern endemism is low but the blending elements from side, possesses 7 families of bats (Nameer, 1998). A different origin have ensured a diverse and unique comparison of richness in the bat fauna of Pakistan mix of flora and fauna. Due to this reason, with Indo-Malayan region (Bats and Harrison, 1997) Pakistan has a rich bat fauna. and Palearctic region (Horacek et al., 2000) is documented in Table 3. Bates and Harrison (1997) Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained have made the most comprehensive and up-to-date motion through the air by flapping motions of their revision of the chiroptera of Indian subcontinent arms. Their wings consist of an extension of the and enlisting 119 species of bats belonging to 37 body skin which is stretched over greatly genera and eight families in the Indian subcontinent elongated fingers without any intervening tissue. encompassing India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, One of 26 mammalian orders, at present there are Maldives, Afghanistan, Tibet, and northern Mynamar. 1,001 recognized species of bats (Chiroptera) worldwide, about a quarter of all known mammal species (Hutson et al., 2001). The Order Chiroptera is divided into two Suborders, the Megachiroptera 1Department of Wildlife and Ecosystem, University and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan (167 species) and the Microchiroptera (834 email: [email protected] species). The former is represented by only one 2Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of family (Pteropodidae) and is restricted to Old Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, World tropics of Africa and Asia, while the later Kerala, India. email: nameer.ommer@gmailcom 20 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 The bat fauna of Pakistan is much rich and diverse other parts of the world where extensive studies than the whole Palearctic which is the largest on food habits of the bats and been made, the biogeographic region of the world comprising 25 bats are generally favoured by the farmers for their genera and 8 families (Horacek et al., 2000) as strong predilection for insect pests of agriculture. compared to Pakistan where there 23 genera and The farmers throughout America and Europe 8 families are present within a very short welcome them and encourage their presence in the geographic range. Thirty-one of the 50 bat species fields and yards as they forage upon and of Pakistan representing 15 genera and 6 families true bugs. Most of them are serious agricultural belong to Palearctic region (Table 1) whereas the pests. Whitaker (1995) conducted an extensive remaining belong to Indo-Malayan fauna. There are study of the food habits of big brown bat Eptesicus four species that Roberts (1997) has not included fuscus and found significant spatial and temporal in his list (Table 2) whereas the taxonomy of one variation in diet among and within colonies in species i.e. Scotozous dormeri Dobson, 1857 is not Indiana and Illinois. Among all colonies, hard- clear as Walker and Molur (2004) has assigned it to bodied insects were the dominant food items, with genus Pipistrellus. scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae), ground beetles (Carabidae), cucumber beetles (Chrysomelidae), As for as the survival of bats in the region is stink bugs (Pentatomidae) and leafhoppers concerned, the situation is very crucial. Of the 260 (Cicadellidae) being most common. Whitaker (1995) bat species recorded from the Indo-Malayan Region concluded that the diet of E. fuscus in Indiana and one is extinct and 43 are threatened–six Critically Illinois was associated with agriculture because a Endangered, nine Endangered and 28 Vulnerable. number of major prey items were pest species A total of 189 species are listed in the Lower Risk (e.g., spotted cucumber , Diabrotica howardii; categories – 62 as Near Threatened and 128 as green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare; potato Least Concern. A further 27 species are listed as leafhopper, Empoasca fabae). Hamilton (1933) noted Data Deficient (Hutson et al., 2001). In Pakistan, that E. fuscus in northern West Virginia also preyed one species of bat is Endangered, Four are substantially on insect pests (e.g., click beetles, Vulnerable, nine near Threatened, eighteen are Elateridae). Least Concerned, seven are Data Deficient and one In one summer season the 150 bats of an average is Not Evaluated (Table 1) (Walker and Molur, can easily eat 38,000 cucumber 2004). beetles, 16,000 June bugs, 19,000 stinkbugs, and 50,000 leafhoppers. These estimates are very If harnessed, bats can play a significant role in the conservative and do not include the many other agroecosystems of Pakistan. The most impressive insects eaten. Based on analysis of fecal pellets, example is that of fruit bats those pollinate the June bugs, Scarabaeidae, were the most abundant flowers and serve as vector for seed dispersal. food of a colony of big brown bats, E. fuscus, About 75% of microchiropterans feed on insects, forming 36.9% of the overall food. Ground beetles, although food sources may include other Carabidae, were the second most abundant food invertebrates, fish, amphibians, small mammals item (12.1% of the diet overall). Beetles, (including other bats), fruit, and flowers. Most collectively, made up 57.7% of the sample, followed microchiropteran bats feed mainly on insects and by hymenopterans (10.7%; composed primarily of other invertebrates. A review of the feeding Formicidae), dipterans (10.5%), homopterans ecology of insectivorous bats is given by Fenton (8.8%), and hemipterans (5.0%). Lepidopterans (1982). Fleming (1982) and Dobat and Peikert-Holle made up 2.8% of the diet. (1985) review the foraging strategies of plant- visiting bats. Insects may be caught in flight, or Cucumber beetles are one of the most significant taken from vegetation, the ground, or water agricultural insect pests in the United States. The surfaces in a foraging style referred to as gleaning. adults attack corn, spinach, and various vine Echolocation is generally used to locate prey plants, but the greatest impact is by the larvae— although some bats use ‘passive listening’, homing corn rootworms. Rootworms can reduce corn in on the sounds made by the preys themselves. productivity by 10 to 13 percent, with insecticide Food may be consumed on the wing or taken to a costs to control them running from $15 to $25 per perch to be eaten. Such feeding perches may be acre. Their appetite costs farmers in the United regularly used and rejected food remains discarded States about one billion dollars annually (Agosta et beneath the site may reveal the presence of bats al., 2003). in that area. Some insect species, such as some moths and lacewings, have developed means of In South East Asia, the importance of the positive avoiding capture by detecting the ultrasound of role of bats in the ecosystem was recognized in approaching bats and falling to the ground. 1998 when Malaysian Government passed a Wildlife Protection Ordinance which includes No studies have been conducted in Pakistan to protection of all species of bat. know the diet of the bats up till now. However, in 21 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Table 1. A checklist of various bat species of Pakistan and their status according to 2002 IUCN Conservation Assessment Management Plan (C.A.M.P.) Workshop report. (EN=Endangered; VU= Vulnerable; NT=Near Threatened; LC=Least Concerned; DD=Data Deficient; NE=Not Evaluated; * Palearctic bat species.)

Family Genus Species (English name) Pteropidae Rousettus * R. aegyptiacus E. Geoffroy, 1810 () VU R. leschenaultia Desmarest, 1820 (Fulvous Fruit Bat) LC Pteropus * P. gigantieus Brunnich, 1782 (Indian flying fox) LC Cynopterus C. sphinx Vahl, 1797 (Short-nosed Fruit Bat) DD Rhinopomatidae Rhinopoma * R. micropphullum Brünnich, 1782 (Greater Mouse-tailed Bat) LC * R. hardwickii Gray, 1831 (Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat) LC * R. muscatellum Thomas, 1903 (Small Mouse-tailed Bat) NT Embellonuridae Taphozus * T. perforatus E. Geoffroy, 1818 () LC * T. nudiventrus Cretzschmer,1830-31(Naked-rumped Tomb LC Bat) Megadermatidae Megaderma M. lyra Geoffroy, 1810 (Indian False Vampire) LC Rhinolophidae Rhinolophus R. Blyth, 1844 (Big-eared Horseshoe Bat) LC * R. ferrumequinnum Schreber, 1774 (Greater Horseshoe Bat) * R. hipposideros Bechestein, 1800 () VU * R. blasii Peters, 1866 (Blasius Horseshoe Bat) NT * R. lepidus Blyth, 1844 (Blyth1s Horseshoe Bat) NT Hippsideridae Hipposideros H. fulvus Gray, 1838 (Fulvous leaf-nosed Bat) LC H. diadema E. Geoffroy, 1813 (Diadem leaf-nosed Bat) VU Trianops * T. percicus Dobson, 1871 (Persian ) NE Asellia * A. tridens E. Geoffroy, 1813 (Trident Bat) LC Molossidae Tadarida * T. aegyptiaca E. Geoffroy, 1813 (Egyptian Free-tailed Bat) LC Vespertilionidae Myotis M. muricola Gray, 1846 (Nepalese Whiskered Bat) LC * M. mystacinus Kuhl, 1819 (Whiskered Bat) VU * M. emarginatus Geoffroy, 1806 (Notch-eared Bat) * M. blythii Tomes, 1857 (Lesser Mouse-eared Bat) DD * M. longipes Dobson, 1873 (Kashmir Cave Bat) Eptesicus * E. nasutus Dobson, 1877 (Sindh ) DD * E. bottae Peters, 1869 (Botta's Serotine) DD * E. serotinus Schreber, 1774 (Serotine Thick-eared Bat) DD * E. gobiensis Bobsrinskii, 1926 (Bobrinskii's Bat) DD Nyctalus * N. leisleri Kuhl, 1819 (Leisler's Bat) EN * N. noctula Schreber, 1774 (Noctule) LC * N. montanus Barret-Hamilton, 1906 (Mountane Noctule) Pipistrellus P. pipistrellus Schreber, 1774 (Common pipistelle) LC P. ceylonicus Kelaart, 1852 (Kelaart's Pipistrelle) LC P. javanicus Gray, 1838 (Javan Pipistrelle) LC P. paterculus Thomas, 1915 (Mount Popa Pipistrelle) P. cormandra Gray, 1838 (Conrmandel Pipistrelle) P. tenuis temminck, 1840 (Indian Pygmy Bat) LC * P. kuhlii Kuhl, 1819 (Kuhl's Pipistrelle) LC P. savii Bonaparte, 1873 (Savi's Pipistrelle) Scotozous S. dormeri Dobson, 1857 (Dormer's Bat) Barbastella * B. leucomeals Cretzschmar, 1830-31 (Eastern Barbatelle) DD Scoteocus S. pallidus Dobson, 1856 (Yellow Desert Bat) NT Scotophillus S. kuhlii Leach, 1821 (Asiatic ) LC S. heathii Horsefield, 1831 (Asiatic Greater Yellow House LC Bat) Otonycteris * O. hemprichii Peters, 1859 (Hemiprich's Long-eared Bat) NT Plecotus * P. auratus Linnaeus, 1758 (Brown Long-eared Bat) NT * P. austriacus Fisher 1829 (Grey long-eared Bat) NT Miniopterus M. schreibersii Kuhl, 1918 (Schreiber's Long-fingered Bat) Murina * M. tubinaris Scully, 1881 (Scully's Tube-nesed Bat) NT

22 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Table 2. Bat species reported to be present in Pakistan (Walker and Molur, 2004).

Hi ppsideridae Hipposideros H. cineraceus Blyth, 1853 (Least Leaf -nosed Bat) Vespertilionidae Kerivoula K. pappilosa Teminck, 1840 (Pappilose Bat) Murina M. huttonii Peters, 1872 (Hutton's tube-nosed Bat) Vespertilio V. murinus Linneaus, 1758 (Partcoloured Bat)

Table 3. A comparison of relative richness (%) in the bat fauna of Pakistan (C) with Palearctic (A) and Indo-Malayan regions. (n = actual number of genus/ genera /species.)

Sub-order Family % genera (n) % Species (n) A B C A B C Megachiroptera Pteropidedae 15.4(4) 21.6(8) 13.0(3) 5.8(6) 12.1(14) 8.0(4) Microchiroptera Rhinopomatidae 3.8(1) 2.7(1) 4.3(1) 2.9(3) 2.6(3) 6.0(3) Nyctridae 3.8(1) - - 1.0(1) - - Embellonuridae 7.7(2) 2.7(1) 4.3(1) 2.9(3) 5.2(6) 4.0(2) Megadermatidae - 2.7(1) 4.3(1) - 1.7(2) 2.0(1) Rhinolophidae 3.8(1) 2.7(1) 4.3(1) 9.6(10) 13.8(16) 10.0(5) Hipposideridae 11.5(3) 10.8(4) 13.0(3) 4.8(5) 10.3(12) 8.0(4) Mollosidae 3.8(1) 5.4(2) 4.3(1) 4.8(5) 3.4(4) 2.0(1) Verspertilionidae 50.0(13) 51.4(19) 52.2(12) 68.3(71) 50.9(59) 60.0(30) Total 26 37 23 104 116 50

In 1999 another was approved according to which judge. Very little is known about species’ a license was required to use and sale mistnets in requirements. Equally little is known about the the country, with a penalty of both imprisonment geographic distribution of bats even in relatively and fine for the sale/and or use of mistnets well-studied countries. In some countries, such as (Gurmal and Racey, 1999). In India, two species of , , , and Viet Nam, bats viz., the Wroughtons free-tailed bat (Otomops information on bats is still limited. There have been Wroughtonii) and Salim Ali’s Fruit bat (Latiden recent surveys in Laos (Francis et al. 1996, 1997a, salimalii) are highly protected and are on Schedule b, 1999, Francis and Vonghamheng 1998, Robinson I of Wildlife (Protection) act 1972. The realization of 1997, Robinson and Webber 1998) that have found the role of bats in agricultural economy of India can large numbers of bats of a variety of species, some be documented from the fact that owing to its of which are new records for the country. This feeding habits in Bihar, the Indian false vampire is suggests that the country is important for bat considered as a good friend of farmers who reward biodiversity, which would probably be confirmed by it by food in bad weather and call it "goddess more detailed survey work. In , recent Laxmi" (Sinha, 2002). surveys have identified sites that are globally important and have provided records of species Loss of their natural habitat by increased human previously unrecorded in the country (Bates et al. population and human activities such as 1997). It is likely that further surveys in all these deforestation, use of pesticides, industrial countries will uncover many new records and activities, loss of buildings or alteration in the probably new species. design of their roves and deliberate anthropogenic disturbance are the major causes of their The biology and ecology of almost all species in population decline throughout the world. Even the Pakistan is poorly known and there is no minor alterations in the habitat such as the loss of specialized bat biologist in the country. There are key landscape elements for example tree lines, only a few who are either interested or properly hedgerows, and canals that are used regularly by equipped to undertake such work. Similarly, bats bats during flight result in the abandonment of are rarely considered in either environmental their roosts and maternity colonies. policies or educational projects. In many cases, the only information about a species is based on the In , there is little information about original description since it has not been collected distribution, roosting, and habitat requirements for subsequently. most bats, and this makes it very difficult to judge which species are threatened or in need of special Novel techniques are already being used in conservation measures. Sufficient is known about systematics to separate taxa that are not some species to indicate that they are not separable by traditional methods. For example, endangered (i.e., those that are abundant), but mitochondrial DNA and analysis of echolocation the status of those that are rarely found is hard to calls have been used to establish that one of 23 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 the most widespread species in Europe, Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN/ Pipistrellus pipistrellus, actually comprises two SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, species, the nominate species and P. pygmaeus Switzerland and Cambridge, UK., x + 258pp. (Barrett et al. 1997; Jones and Barrett 1999). Jones, G. and E. Barrett (1999). Case 3073. These and other techniques may have far- Vespertilio pipistrellus Schreber, 1774 and V. reaching effects on species recognition and the pgymaeus Leach, 1825 (Currently Pipistrellus clarification of higher classification in Pakistan. pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus; Mammalia, Chiroptera): Proposed assignment of neotypes. Bulletin of LITERATURE CITED Zoological Nomenclature 56(3): 182–186. Agosta, S.J. and D. Morton (2003). Diet of the Robinson, M.F. (1997). Chiroptera survey. Rapid big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus, from Pennsylvania biologicalassessment Xe Paine Protected Area, and Western Maryland. Northeastern Naturalist. 10: Champassak Province, Lao P.D.R. Unpublished final 89-104. report, World Wide Fund for Nature, Thailand. Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997). Bats of Robinson, M.F. and M. Webber (1998). Small the Indian Subcontinent. Harrison Zoological mammal survey. Khammouan Limestone National Museum, Sevenoaks, UK., xvi + 258pp. Biodiversity Conservation Area, Lao P.D.R. Barratt, E.M., R. Deaville, T.M. Burland, M.W. Unpublished final report, World Wide Fund for Bruford, G. Jones, P.A. Racey and R.K. Wayne Nature, Thailand. Lao PDR. (1997). DNA answers the call of pipistrelle bat Roberts, T.J. (1997). Mammals of Pakistan. Revised species. Nature 387: 138–139. Edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Dobat, K. and T. Peikert-Holle (1985). Blüten Wadia, D.N. (1953). Geology of India. 3rd Edition. und Fledermäuse; Bestäubung durch Fledermäuse McMillon Publication, Lonton, England. und Flughunde. Waldemar Kramer, Frankfurt am Walker, S and S. Molur (Compilers) (2003). Main. Summary of the status of the South Asian Fenton, M.B. (1982). Echolocation, insect Chiroptera. Extracted from CAMP 2002 Report. Zoo hearing, and feeding ecology of insectivorous Outreach Organization, CBSG South Asia and Wild, bats, pp.261–285. In: T.H. Kunz (ed.). Ecology of Coimbator, India. bats. Plenum, New York. Whitaker, J.O., Jr. (1995). Food of the big brown Fleming, T.H. (1982). Foraging strategies of bat Eptesicus fuscus from maternity colonies in plant-visiting bats, pp.287–326. In: T.H. Kunz Indiana and Illinois. American Midland Naturalist 134: (ed.). Ecology of bats. Plenum, New York. 346-360. Francis, C.M. and C. Vonghamheng (1998). Report on a survey of bats in Khammouane Limestone NBCA. Unpublished report, Wildlife Conservation Society, New York. Francis, C.M., A. Guillen and M.F. Robinson (1999). Order Chiroptera: Bats, pp.225–235. In: Wildlife in Lao PDR. 1999 status report (compilers Duckworth, J.W., Salter, R.E., and K. Khounboline). IUCN – The World Conservation Union, Wildlife Conservation Society and Centre for Protected Areas and Watershed Management, Lao PDR. Francis, C.M., A. Guillen and C. Vonghamheng (1997a). Survey of bats and small mammals in Dong Amphan NBCA and nearby areas. Unpublished report, Wildlife Conservation Society, New York.

Francis, C.M., A. Guillen and C. Vonghamheng (1997b). Preliminary survey of bats in Dong Hua Sao NBCA. Unpublished report, Wildlife Conservation Society, New York. Francis, C.M., K. Khounboline and N. Aspey (1996). Report on 1996 survey of bats and small mammals in the Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA and nearby areas. Unpublished report, Wildlife Conservation Society, New York. Hamilton, W.J. Jr. (1933). The insect food of the big brown bat. Journal of Mammalogy 14: 155-156. by Shajee Chelad Hutson, A.M., S.P. Mickleburgh and P.A. Racey (comp.) (2001). Microchiropteran bats: Global 24 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Report on CCINSA Sarah Tucker Branch Activities 2006-2007, Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 1 Juliet Vanitharani *See web supplement at www.zoosprint.org for photos

Vision “Service through knowledge” CCINSA Sarah bat team helped with education material and participation Tucker Branch in the science congress with a ‘project on Tirunelveli bats’ The bat research team consisting of director CCINSA Sarah Tucker branch, Ph. D. Scholars and colleagues of Report on CCINSA Sarah Tucker College Branch the faculty of Zoology, 3 junior research fellows, 2 field Activities 2006-2007 assistants, one technical assistant working in the bat On Jan 8-9, 07 Dr. Juliet Vanitharani presented a research laboratory and the student bat club members of research paper titled ‘Mission of bats in mosquito Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, South India, have an eradication in the tropical plains of India' in the national excellent record in terms of bat conservation in India. On workshop on Integrated mosquito management future August 02, 2006 the inauguration of CCINSA bat club directives at vector biology and control lab at Osmania activites 2006-7 began along with zoology association for University, Hyderabad. On Jan 23-25 the bat club this academic year. Mr. A. Ramkumar, I.F.S., Chief members attended a workshop on 'coral reefs and Conservator and Field Director of Agasthiyamalai biodiversity richness of Gulf of Munnar coast and coastal Biosphere Reserve spoke on wildlife conservation. islands of Rameswaram’. They were surprised to see the Students have gained more information regarding the at Curusadi island in the unused buildings of heritage of our country, importance of conservation of CMFRI Bamban. On Feb 2, Director conducted a midterm tiger to bats and the techniques involved in the group review at UGC, Delhi and spoke on “Inventory conservation. Aug 20-22 featured a film show on bats. work on ecological economic role of Latidens salimalii” The activities of the bat research laboratory got special which won the appreciation of the expert committee, appreciation and created awareness among the students. UGC. On 17 Feb the Bat Res. Team presented a paper in All the bat club members conducted a science exhibition State Level Seminary on Eco-centrism at St. John’s as co-curricular activity of the zoology department. Bat College, Palayamkottai. On 20 Feb Dr. Juliet conducted exhibits were the center of attention. On Aug 23 the a workshop and created awareness among the foot hill Director and a few members participated as bat college students, tribal school children and the remote researchers of Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve tribal (Kanni) villagers of Pothigai Hill complex. Topics workshop on biodiversity conservation and rural discussed in the workshop bat conservation and livelihoods improvement project, Agasthiyamalai management action plan, role of fruit bats in the Landscape. On Sept 10-11, the Bat Team trained the ecosystem, role of insectivorous bats in the ecosystem. 2005-06 IFS batch on Biodiversity Conservation and ST bat team led the new members of CCINSA to see the Management of Keystone Species (Bats) at Kalakad bats in their natural surroundings. Also on 7-8 March Dr. Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. The IFS batch pledged to Juliet attended Wild biodiversity conservation programme protect bats in their jurisdiction. On Sept 23 the Tamil at Tamil speaking on Biodiversity Conservation in nadu Forest Department, Tirunelveli Division conducted Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve and Protective an interschool and inter-collegiate district level Management of Chiropterans. competitions in connection with wildlife week celebration, convened by the CCINSA Bat club members. Wildlife On 11 March the ST Branch Bat Club participated in a week was celebrated by Tamil Nadu Forest Department Seminar on biodiversity conservation through eco- on October 7,2006 at Sarah Tucker College. Juliet development Initiatives at Agasthiyamalai landscape and Vanitharani delivered special lecture about biodiversity on the same day there was a National Environment conservation. Awareness Campaign 2007 at St. Xavier’s Hr. Sec. School, Palayamkottai students were exposed to the bat On Oct 12, YWCA members had ‘seminar on biodiversity species of southern Western Ghats, Tirunelveli. conservation awarness programme at Biodiversity conservation in Agasthiyamali Biosphere Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve’ and learned that Reserve and protective management of chiropterans. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is a Biodiversity Hotspot. CCINSA Bat Club also organised By 29 March there was a Valedictory Function with an quiz and drawing competitions under the theme inspirational talk on ‘Recent trends in ethology-chemical ‘biodiversity conservation and created an awareness communication in mammals with special reference to a about wildlife among YWCA members and the working few common bat species-Scent marking behaviour brings women of YWCA hostel. On Oct 30 There was a reproductive success in bats’ by Dr. Vanitharani. seminar on Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve for members of Rotary Club Tirunelveli, who were exposed to Bats as a ‘key stone species’ playing a major role in the ecosystem and economy as a bio-agent for pest 1Bat Research Laboratory, Department of management. Also on Oct 12-26 Eco-club members of Zoology, Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, TN Schaffer School learned benefits of bats. The CCINSA E.mail: [email protected]

25 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Plant species used by fruit bats in Jahangirnagar University Campus, Bangladesh Mohammad Abdul Aziz1

Introduction plants belonging to 168 genera and 62 families are The Order Chiroptera contains 1,116 species of available in the campus (Hossain et al., 1995). bats globally, which are only volant (flying) Among them the dominating plant species in the mammals. Bats are sub-categorized as campus are Mahua (Madhuca latifolia), Jam Megachiroptera (fruit bats) and Microchiroptera (Syzygium cumini), Kadam (Anthocephalus (insectivorous bats), on the basis of their chinensis), Kathal (Artocarpus heterophyllus), specialization in feeding habits and morphological Mahagony (Swietenia mahagoni), Tal (Borassus adaptations. Among the world’s mammals, bats flabellifer), Raintree (Samania saman), Krishnachura make up 20% of the total number. Bats are found (Delonix regia), Mango (Mangifera indica) etc. The all over the world except the Arctic, the Antarctic climatic condition of JU campus enjoys hot, humid and some islands (Mickleburgh et al. 2002). and rainy summer and cool winter. The highest temperature recorded during April (32.7°C) and the Ahmed and Hussain (1982) studied some aspects lowest during January (14.1°C) with mean rainfall of bats of Bangladesh. Bates and Harrison (1997) 100.89 mm. The identification of food items used by mentioned 16 species of bats in Bangladesh. The bats was confirmed by collection and identification total number of bat species in Bangladesh varied of the feeding signs of the foraging trees. Mist nets according to different workers as 17 by Sarkar and were deployed to catch bats and eventual Sarkar (1988), 29 by IUCN Bangladesh (2000), 31 identification of the species. The study was made by Khan (2001), 34 by Molur et al. (2002) and 38 between April 2005 and March 2006. by Srinivasulu et al. (2005). However, all these reports were on the literature based checklist of Results and Discussion bats. The present study was an attempt to find Two species of fruit bats were found to occur in the out the plants species used as food along with the campus. The identified bats were Pteropus giganteus foraging patterns of fruit bats in Jahanginagar and Cynopterus sphinx. These bats fed 13 plant taxa University campus, Bangladesh. (Table 1). The former species has a colony outside the campus one and half kilometers away of the Study area and Methods north-west periphery while the latter is found in the Jahangirnagar University (JU) is situated at the campus. The recorded plant species provided foods geographic location in between 30º16´N latitude for the species round the year. and 90º26´E longitude with an area of about 280 hectares. JU with its diverse habitats such as open Pteropus giganteus, the larger fruit bat, was grasslands, scrub jungles, cultivated rice fields, recorded to be the most common bat in the small , permanent and temporary freshwater bodies abound rich and diverse wild plant and animal resources. The campus provides 1Lecturer, Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar habitats for various kinds of mammals, birds, University, Savar, Dhaka - 1342, Bangladesh reptiles, amphibians, fishes and innumerable email: [email protected] insects (Sultana, 2000). A total of 233 species of

Common name Scientific name Plant parts used by bats Bat species

Mahua Madhuca latifolia Flowers Pg, Cs Chapalish Artocarpus chaplasha Ripe fruits Pg Dhewa Artocarpus lakoocha Ripe fruits Pg Debdaro Polyalthia longifolia Flowers and fruits Pg, Cs Bot Ficus bengalensis Ripe fruits Pg, Cs Pakur Ficus comsa Ripe fruits Pg, Cs Cowa Grewia cowa Both green and ripe fruits Pg, Cs Areca Palm Areca guppyana Flower and fruits Cs Jam Syzygium cumini Ripe fruits Pg, Cs Banana Musa sapientum Flowers and ripe fruits Pg, Cs Guava Psidium guajava Both ripe and green fruits Pg Mango Mangifera indica Flowers and green fruits Pg, Cs Tal Borassus flabellifer Flowers Cs

Pg- Pteropus giganteus, Cs- Cynopterus sphinx 26 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 campus. Large group of bats were observed to taxonomic identity. Bangladesh J. Life Sci., 7 (1 & 2): enter the campus from the northern periphery in 95-103. search of trees. No roosting trees or colonies have IUCN Bangladesh (2000). Red Book of Threatened been found inside JU campus for P. giganteus. Bat Mammals of Bangladesh. IUCN Bangladesh Country groups were recorded to enter inside the campus Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh. xii+71 pp. in average 18 minutes (range: 11-20 minutes) Khajuria, H. (1979a). Taxonomical and ecological after sunset. The bats choose to forage in trees studies on bat of Jabalpur District Madhya Pradesh, located comparatively in an open areas where the India. Records Zool. Surv. Misc. publs occ. Pap. No. tree density is low. The flying fox was found to 19:1-59. forage in the upper canopy (5.5-15 m) entering Khan, M.A.R. (1985). Mammals of Bangladesh: A into the tree branches from the upper surface of field Guide. Nazma Reza, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 92 pp. the canopy. Mickleburgh, S.P., A.M. Hutson and P.A. Racey (1992). Old World Fruit bats: An action Plan for their Diurnal roost sites for Cynopterus sphinx included conservation. IUCN-The World Conservation Union, the underside of the leaves of Debdaro (Polyalthia Gland, Switzerland. 252 pp. longifolia), Kadam (Anthocephalus chinensis), the Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C. Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, leaf spaces of Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) and A. M. Huston, P.J.J. Bates, S Walker, K. Padma the crevices of old buildings of the campus. During Priya and A. R. Binu Priya (eds.) (2002). Status the study, this bat was found to be active in of South Asian Chiroptera-Conservation average 33 minutes (range: 27-41 minutes) after Assessment and Management Plan (C.A.M.P.) sunset. Similar observations were made by Workshop Report 2002. Zoo Outreach Khajuria (1979) in India. Bats were found in plenty Organization, CBSG-South Asia and WILD, close to the recorded plants during fruiting Coimbatore, India. Viii+141pp+CD-Rom. seasons of the year. The middle (5.5-7.5m) and Sarker, S.U. and N.J. Sarker (1988). Wildlife of lower (1.5-5.5m) canopy of the trees were used Bangladesh – A systematic List. Rico Printers, by this bat species. Cynopterus sphinx started to Dhaka, Bangladesh. xix+59 pp. forage after 15 minutes (range: 16-21 minutes) Sarker, S.U. and N.J. Sarker (2005). Bats of later of the Pteropus giganteus. Bangladesh with notes on the status, distribution and habitat. BatNet, CCINSA Newsletter. 6(1): 19- References 20. Ahmed, S. K. and K. Z. Hussain (1982). Bats of Sultana, S. (2002). Feeding and breeding Bangladesh. Journal of the Asiatic Society of behaviour of three wetland birds of Jahangirnagar Bangladesh (Science), 8: 89-99. University campus. M.Sc. thesis (unpublished). Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997). Bats of Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. the Indian Subcontinent. Harrison Zoological Srinivasulu, C. and B. Srinivasulu (2005). A Museum, Kent, U.K. 258+xvi pp. review of chiropteran diversity of Bangladesh. Hossain, A. B. M. E., S. A. Khan and M. A. Islam BatNet, CCINSA Newsletter, 6(2): 5-11. (1995). An inventory of plant diversity in relation Wilson, D.E. and D.M. Reader (2005). Mammal with ecology and environment of Jahangirnagar species of the world. A taxonimic and geographic University: I. Vegetational composition and their reference. Vol. 1. The Johns Hoplings University Press, Baltimore. 743 pp.

DIET OF THE SELECTED INSECTIVOROUS BATS OF PEECHI-VAZHANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, WESTERN GHATS, KERALA Ashique*, A.U., Nameer*, P.O. and Arun*, R.S.

ABSTRACT The dietary composition of three species of insectivorous bats, viz: Megaderma spasma, Rhinolophus lepidus and Rhinolophus rouxii (Microchiroptera) at Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary were studied following faecal pellet analysis method from August 2005 to April 2006. From 56 samples analyzed representatives of eight insect orders and Araneidae (spiders) were identified. The insect orders included Coleoptera (beetles), (butterflies and moths), Isoptera (), (grasshoppers, crickets etc.), (bugs), Odonata (dragonflies and dams ), Diptera (flies and mosquitoes) and (, bees and wasps). Coleoptera and Lepidoptera constitute the major and preferred food in all the three species of insectivorous bats. Diet of Megaderma spasma contained all the eight insect orders as well as spiders. Diet of Rhinolophus lepidus and Rhinolophus rouxii included only seven insect orders (except Isoptera) and spiders.

*Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680 656 27 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Conservation Awareness on Bats of Pokhara Valley: a booming stride towards the conservation of Chiroptera fauna of Nepal

Sujas Prasad Phuyal1 *See web supplement at www.zoosprint.org for photos

Pokhara Valley, holding a number of bat and their habitat as they are beneficial for humans. assemblages within the small acreage has been, The installment of the board was done in recently recognized as the bat centre of the collaboration with Shivashakti Women’s Group, country. It is worth mentioning that in 2005 our Chindanda and SHEAC, Pokhara. Recently, the team had, accomplished a baseline survey of bats Women’s Group has been looking after the bats of in the valley. In this survey, we had assessed the their area and also taking the further responsibility diversity and threats of bats of the valley and of caring the installed boards. provided recommendations for the long term conservation of bats in the valley. To employ the 3. Formation of Bat Club recommendations made after the survey of bats, A bat club of school children was formed in our team has recently completed a conservation Mahendra Secondary School, Bhalam, Pokhara. The awareness program of bats in Pokhara titled “Bat club covers two significant bat colonies of the valley Conservation Expedition in Pokhara Valley”. The named Birendra Cave and Putli Cave. The Kid’s club Conservation Expedition Project was designed was named as Bhalam CCINSA Bat Club. Chiroptera with the aim of uplifting the movement of the Conservation and Information Network for South conservation of bat fauna in Pokhara Valley. Asia (CCINSA) has particularly supported the However, it was focused to fulfill the three working formation of club by providing a set of bat club objectives: 1. publication and distribution of a bat materials like Bat vest, bat wheel, bat board, etc. brochure, 2. raising habitat focused conservation awareness of bats in Chindanda and Sita Caves 4. Formation of Cave Conservation and (both seriously threatened bat colonies of the Development Committee valley) and 3. formation of a bat club of school A cave conservation and development committee of students. local adults was formed for the needed conservation of cave and bats remaining inside the The project was carried out from July- November, Sita cave located at Lekhnath municipality-14 of 2006. We used established techniques to Pokhara Valley. The committee members included raise public awareness such as publication, media representatives from local women’s group, youth publicity, message display, group discussion, mass club, Municipality office, Journalist, conservationists, meeting, bat talk, and school teaching. Even urbanization development board, etc. though the project was a short term one, it has lead to the fulfillment of proposed objectives to Experience and success from the collaboration ensure long term conservation of Chiropteran during the project period: the project crew have fauna in the valley. made visits to different organizations, personalities and field locations. Following are the major Presented below are the major accomplishments experiences and success realized from the of our six months project. successful completion of the project.

1. Publication of Bat Brochure a) Working with Local Women’s Group A bat brochure was published in Nepali language Women’s groups of Pokhara have been functioning at the instigation of the project. The publication excellent in comparison with the women’s group in was done in collaboration with Self Help other places of the country. Involvement of women Environment Awareness Camp (SHEAC), Pokhara. for the conservation of bats could be unbelievable Brochures were distributed among people nearby but it was successfully made out in Pokhara valley the bat colonies in the valley. They were through our project. Shivashakti women’s group distributed to the local people around Bat Cave, located at Chindanda showed interest to work in Mahendra Cave, Crazy Cave, Birendra Cave, Putli collaboration with us for the conservation of bats of Cave, Sita Cave, Gupteshwor Cave and Peace their area. We have also realized that the Cave. collaboration made the work simple and effective. Making people organized and get their voluntary 2. Installation of Display Boards participation with women’s group was fascinating. Two display boards (4 ft X 3 ft and 3 ft X 2ft) were installed at Chindanda Pteropus roosting site. The display boards were painted with the information *Forest Ranger, Dept. of Forest, Babar Mahal, about the beneficial roles of bats to farmers and in ecology and thus requesting not to destroy bats Kathmandu. [email protected] 28 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 In Sita cave area too, women’s group members • Collaborative projects with local mother’s group, were actively involved in the formation of the Sita local schools and other organizations should be cave conservation and development committee shaped for the long term success of the bat (SCCDC). During our visit to Bhalam VDC, we have conservation activities. found that a local women’s group there has been interested to work for the conservation and • A separate organization focusing on bat and cave development of Birendra Cave. Voluntary conservation should be initiated in the country participation of the women’s group for the and that should co-ordinate the bat and cave conservation of bats and caves is really interesting activities. Such type of organization is very in Pokhara valley. It is imperative to increase the essential to provide umbrella protection to the Bat local women’s involvement in conservation of bats Club and cave conservation and development of the valley in coming days. committee formed during this project period too.

b) Working with Schools • Indian Flying Foxes roosting in private lands in During the project period we also worked with Chinidanda area need to be provided with an school students and teachers nearby the bat alternate roosting site for the long term. Plantation colonies of the Valley. We met teachers at of bat trees in the public land that is available Bindebasini Secondary School, Batulechaur, Bishnu nearby the current roosting site could be helpful to Paduka Secondary School Hemja, Mahendra provide alternate roosting site in 10-15 years. secondary School, Bhalam and others from Chindada and Sita cave area. Teachers from Sita cave area hold responsibility as members of • Cave conservation and development committee steering committee in SCCDC. Teachers from should be formed in other caves too. Post support Mahendra secondary School closely assisted our is necessary to the Sita cave conservation and project crew to form Kid’s bat club. They also development committee. participated in school teaching program with high interest. • Bat field person should be prepared nearby all the bat colonies in the valley. Students nearby the Conclusion bat roosting site should be trained with the bat Bat Conservation Expedition in Pokhara valley has techniques and continuous monitoring of bats been executed with the aim of uplifting the should be done with the involvement of local conservation of Bat faunas in the valley. The students. project work was focused specifically to meet the three types of objectives; publishing and Acknowledgements distributing brochure, raising habitat focused My honest thank goes out to Mr. Kishor Ojha and conservation awareness of bats in Sita Cave and Mr. Ananda Khadka who helped me to develop this Chindanda bat colonies and forming a bat club of project and carry out work in the field. I am most school kids in the valley. The project followed indebted to Extended BCI families for financial and different conservation raising techniques. They moral support to this project. Ms. Sally Walker from included the publication of bat brochure, media CCINSA/ZOO, India and Ms. Cynthia Myers from Bat publication, group discussion, mass meeting, bat World NOVA, USA are thankful for their curiosity and talk, school teaching and other techniques. support to our project. I would like to acknowledge Publication of especially commissioned bat Self Help Environment Awareness Camp, Pokhara; brochure, installment of display board, formation of Shiva shakti Women’s Group, Chinidanda; bat club and formation of cave conservation and Mahendra Secondary School, Rayalechaur; development committee are four major visible Bishnupaduka Secondary School, Hemja; accomplishments of the project. The project Janakalyan Youth Club, Lekhnath-14; Khoodeli provided us the opportunity to work with local Youth Club, Lekhnath-13; Deurali Women’s Group, women’s group and school teachers as new Lekhnath-14 and Local people nearby the bat experience on the conservation journey. The colonies for their help and collaboration to our project crew realized the working with women’s project. group very interesting and unique too.

Recommendations Based on our field visit and the experience by working with different groups of people nearby the different bat colonies in the valley, the following recommendations should be considered for appropriate conservation of bats within the valley.

29 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Bats of Delhi: An Update C. Srinivasulu1 and Bhargavi Srinivasulu2

Delhi is inhabited since 3000 years and has been 2. Pteropus giganteus Brunnich, 1782 Indian Flying gradually losing its green cover to ever-expanding Fox urban sprawl. The green cover that is left in Delhi Roost near Humayun’s Tomb. Frequently seen all is on its ridge spread over an area of 7,777 ha. over in Delhi. Sinha & Sati (1997) reports this Historic Moghul gardens, other recently developed species from Najafgarh, Kamala Nehru Ridge and parks, farmlands, orchards, blocks of forests along Humayun’s Tomb. river Yamuna and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary adds further green. These areas along with 3. Cynopterus sphinx Vahl, 1797 Greater Short- numerous old forts, dilapidated buildings, ruins, nosed Fruit Bat bridges, flyovers and brick houses in slums (that A male bat [FA – 72.5 mm, HF – 16.5 mm, E – 22 are characteristically not plastered from outside) mm, HB – 106 mm, TL – 15 mm] mist netted on 31 provide ample roosting sites for bats. Every January 2006 in the orchard of Yamuna Biodiversity evening, scores of insectivorous bats out from Park, Wazirabad, North Delhi by senior author. their roosting sites to feed on nocturnal insects that swarm over the nullahs and open drains and Suborder Microchiroptera waterlogged areas adjoining slums and larger Family Rhinopomatidae wetlands. 4. Rhinopoma microphyllum (Brunnich, 1782) Greater Mouse-tailed Bat So far a total of 4 species of bats were put on Bates & Harrison (1997) and Molur et al. (2002) record by Sati & Sinha, 1997. The first collection of place it on record from New Delhi. So far not bats in Delhi was done by Brosset (1962) who put encountered by us. on record two species from Delhi. 5. Rhinopoma hardwickii Gray, 1831 Lesser Mouse- We reviewed several published material on tailed Bat mammals of Delhi (Brosset, 1962; Sinha & Sati, Brosset (1962) and Molur et al. (2002) place it on 1997; Bates & Harrison, 1997; Molur et al., 2002) record from Delhi. We have sighted this species in and also have kept records of bats observed Qutab Minar Complex and the adjacent ruins. intermittently in Delhi between 1996-2005 and regularly from July 2005 onwards. We collected Family Emaballonuridae some vouchers from selected areas of Delhi 6. Taphozous melanopogon Temminck, 1841 Black- following standard techniques. We have made bearded Tomb Bat observations of roosts of bats in ruins, forts, Sighted this species in Qutub Minar Complex and tombs and old buildings, and also observed bats the adjacent ruins. in orchards and gardens and in villages. 7. Taphozous nudiventris Cretzschmar, 1830-31 We provide an annotated checklist of bats that are Naked-rumped Tomb Bat found in Delhi. So far 13 species of bats have been Brosset (1962) and Molur et al. (2002) place it on reported, collected or sighted from Delhi and its record from Delhi. So far not encountered by us. environs. Of the three species, two, namely, Rousettus leschenaultii and Cynopterus sphinx have Family Megadermatidae been reported for the first time. Of the 10 species 8. Megaderma lyra E. Geoffroy, 1810 Greater False of insectivorous bats, four species, namely, Vampire Taphozous melanopogon, Tadarida aegyptiaca, Sinha & Sati (1997) reports this species from Scotophillus heathii and Pipistrellus tenuis are Humayun’s Tomb and IARI Campus. Large roost in reported for the first time from Delhi. the cellar of Humayun’s Tomb. Suborder Megachiroptera Family Pteropodidae 1. Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmarest, 1820) Fulvous Fruit Bat 1Scientist, Biodiversity Research and Conservation A female bat [FA – 82.0 mm, HF – 18.0 mm, E – 20 Society, Secunderabad, AP - 500 011 email : [email protected] mm, HB – 119 mm, TL – 15.5 mm] mist netted on 2Senior Research Fellow, Dept of Zoology, Osmania 30 December 2005 in the orchard of Yamuna University, Hyderabad, AP - 500 007 Biodiversity Park, Wazirabad, North Delhi by senior email : [email protected], author. [email protected]

30 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Family Rhinolophidae 13. Pipistrellus tenuis (Temminck, 1840) Least 9. Rhinolophus lepidus Blyth, 1844 Blyth’s Pipistrelle Horseshoe Bat One dead specimen collected from Yamuna Brosset (1962) & Molur et al. (2002) place it on Biodiversity Park, Wazirabad village, North Delhi on record from Delhi. 5 specimens, including 4  [FA 11 December 2005. – 39.5-42.5 mm, HF – 7.2-8.5 mm, E – 17.2-18.3 mm, HB – 47.5-48.5 mm, TL – 17.0-22.2 mm] and 1 Acknowledgements: CS thanks Prof. C. R. Babu, [FA – 42.5 mm, HF – 7.2 mm, E – 17.5 mm, HB – CEMDE, University of Delhi for his encouragement, 48.6 mm, TL – 22.5 mm], were collected by the and colleagues of the Biodiversity Parks senior author from a cave in Aravalli Biodiversity Programme of CEMDE, especially Dr. P. S. Chauhan. Park, Vasant Kunj, South Delhi on 12 November BS acknowledges research funding from CSIR, New 2005. Delhi.

Family Molossidae References 10. Tadarida aegyptiaca (E. Geoffroy, 1818) Egyptian Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997). Bats of Free-tailed Bat the Indian Subcontinent. Harrison Zoological Two specimens observed roosting behind a display Museum, Sevenoaks, Kent, U.K. 258 pp. board of a shop in Wazirabad village, North Delhi. Brosset, A. (1962). The bats of central and western India. Part II. Journal of the Bombay Natural Family Vespertilionidae History Society, 59: 583-624. 11. Scotophillus heathii Horsfield, 1831 Asiatic Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C. Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, Greater Yellow House Bat A. M. Hutson, P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker, K. Padma We have sighted this bat in Wazirabad village, Priya and A.R. Binu Priya (eds.) (2002). Status North Delhi. of South Asian Chiroptera – Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (C. A. M. P.) 12. Pipistrellus coromandra (Gray, 1838) Indian Workshop Report 2002. Zoo Outreach Organisation, Pipistrelle CBSG – South Asia and WILD, Coimbatore, India. One specimen mist netted in Wazirabad village, viii + 141pp + CD-Rom. North Delhi on 5 March 2006, but escaped while Sinha S.K. and J.P. Sati (1997). Mammalia. In: handling. Sinha & Sati (1997) reports this species Director (Ed.), Fauna of Delhi, State Fauna Series 6. from Kamala Nehru Ridge. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta. pp. 823-839.

by Shajee Chelad

31 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Survey of Chiropterans in Kachchh of Gujarat 1 K. R. Senacha *See web supplement at www.zoosprint.org for photos

Being vital players as and seed perforatus and R. lepidus were reported from the fort dispersers for various plant taxa, and by preying only. Though S. heathii were located from the fort upon a variety of insects, bats are crucial to the and a building, they were found roosting in open well-being of the ecosystems in which they dwell. compartments, having better daylight intensity than Despite the fact that bats are the key-stone roosts of the other three micro-bat species (Fig. 2). species in forest ecosystems, they are not yet Comparison of these roosts with available well-studied in India. Historically, very few people references on bats from Gujarat revealed that R. have worked on bats in India and their efforts lepidus reported here (Fig.5) is the first record of have remained localised. They have preferred to this species from Gujarat state (Senacha, 2007). study the species of bats that live in localities Though R. hardwickii and T. perforatus have been surrounding their work place. None of the reported from Bhuj Taluka of Kachchh (Bates and protected areas in India has been thoroughly Harrison, 1997) this report is first to confirm the studied for bat diversity. Also no one has presence perfotatus in Abdasa and hardwickkii in undertaken comprehensive surveys to assess Abdasa and Mandvi Talukas. S. heathii had already their distribution in other potential habitats across been reported from Mandvi and Bhuj Talukas the country. Besides their ecological value, bats information pertaining exact location of roosts are known to carry deadly viruses such as rabies, remains scanty in Mandvi (Bates and Harrison, yellow fever, St. Louis encephalitis, Japanese 1997). This report provides the location of two encephalitis, West Nile, Hendra, Nipah and the roosts of S. heathii from Mandvi taluka. Besides recently isolated SARS, which are pathogenic to population estimates, I could also find that some of humans and animals (Wang, 2005). Information the individuals among populations of R. hardwickii about bat roosts and their populations therefore and S. heathii at all the explored roosts had pups are of great importance, both from ecological and attached to their ventral body parts (Fig. 3 and 4). health safety point of view. It seems to be of worthwhile even if we can collect information Besides collecting the biological information on about location of their roosts. species of bats I found this trip remarkable for the kind of comments I heard from Mr. Nakadar Singh Last year in July and August 2006, while on Jadeja, owner of Mata Asambhiya village fort. He vulture conservation work, I had a chance to visit told me enthusiastically that the bats that live in Abdasa, and Mandvi talukas of Kachchh district in their fort premise can sense an earthquake in Gujarat state of India. Altogether we spent 15 days over there but as and when time permitted I conducted opportunistic surveys of chiroptera in both of these talukas, based on information provided by locals. Species were identified on the basis of morphological characters and to the best of my knowledge, and experience of identifying bats in the Thar desert over last six years. Populations were estimated by direct count method.

One megachiropteran, Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus and four microchiropteran species, Lesser Mouse-tailed bat Rhinopoma hardwickii, Egyptian Tomb bat Taphozous perforatus, Asiatic Greater Yellow House bat Scotophilus heathii and Blyth’s Horse-shoe bat Rhinolophus lepidus were encountered at 6, 4, 1, 2 and 1 roosts respectively Map 1: Location of chiropteran roosts (refer the concerned serial (Table: 1). P. giganteus was found roosting on numbers in Table1 for the name of the location and species of trees of Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), Peepal (Ficus bats observed there) explored during July – August 2006 in religiosa), Imaly (Tamarindus indica) and Neem Kachchh District of Gujarat in India. (Azadirachta indica); and highest numbers (1100 – 1300 individuals) were observed at the farm field 1 roost in Bidada village in Mandvi taluka. Among Scientist – Bombay Natural History Society Hornbill House, S. B. S. Road (Opp. Lion Gate), microchiropterans R. hardwickii was found roosting Mumbai – 400 023, India. E-mail: in unattended semi-dark covered compartments of [email protected] forts and other old buildings whereas, T. 32 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007

advance. He related that/ they have

a colony of small bats (R. hardwickii) S

.N

12 11

roosting in three, unattended rooms 10

o.

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

of their fort premise over more than

Moti

Gadhsisa

Rajpur

Rajpur

Mata

Bidada

Koday village

Shirva

Bada

Sandhan

Kothara Tera

150 years. Their number might vary L o Table 1: Description of chiropteran roosts explored during July-August 2006 in Kachchh district of Gujarat

seasonally but at least 200 odd bats cation

Mau

village

Asambhiya

Layaja

were always seen there year-round. village

village

village

village

village

village

village

of village

On 25 January 2001, for the first village

time he noticed that there were no roost

village

bats in the entire fort premise.

Though he was surprised by their

unexpected disappearance and

Mandvi

Mandvi

Mandvi

Mandvi

Mandvi Mandvi

Mandvi

Mandvi

Mandvi

Abdasa

Abdasa Abdasa discussed it among his family Taluka

members he could not make out the

reason behind that. Next day on 26

January 2001, around 8.00 am, the

23.10189

23.12125

23.09203

23.10375

22.86264 22.89756

22.90356 22.96847

23.02194 22.89286

23.13442

23.28469

(

Latitude D

entire Kachchh was badly affected by egrees) a deadly earthquake (7.9 magnitude

on Richter scale) leading to mass

destruction in that locality. There

69.35428

69.35183

69.38336

69.28808

69.28847 69.48258

69.39381 69.45283

68.99253

69.22089

68.94106

68.93119

( Longitude

was massive mortality in the village. D Eighty percent of buildings in their egrees)

fort collapsed. Mr. Jadeja and his

family remained safe fortunately. Two

of three rooms being used by bats in

135

129

113

190

13

111

14 84

231

20

52

22

(Meters)

Elevation

their fort premise also collapsed. To

his great surprise, bats returned to

his fort by 28 January and occupied

the unattended compartments

Scotophilus

Rhinopoma

Rhinopoma

Pteropus

Pteropus

Pteropus Pteropus

Taphozous Rhinopoma

Scotophilus Rhinopoma

Rhinolophus

Pteropus

P

Name species

therein. By this occurance he teropus

concluded that if not all other kinds

at least these bats (R. hardwickii) of

the

giganteus

giganteus

giganteus giganteus giganteus

have a better sense of earthquakes giganteus

perforatus

hardwickii

hardwickii

hardwickii

hardwicki

heathii

heathii

than even mechanically equipped lepidus bat

humans. He strongly believes that

these bats can predict earthquake

well in advance and move to the

safer place before it appears. Now

80

250

50

10

50

800

100

17

1100

10

80

80

100

50

Estimated

every day they keep tracking the Population

-

-

-20

-

-

-100

-100 -

-

-

-

-

-

100

70

20

80 15

presence of these bats in their fort 70

-

300

1000

150

120

1300

premise and hope to that it will lead

them to be aware and prepared well

in advance for further earthquakes.

the

secondary

inside

Trees

3

of

Man

ground

Abdeer

Ceiling village

the

Mr.

village

Lord

the

Trees Unattended

Unattended field

Banyan

stand

Banyan ground

Ceiling

compartments

Neem

the

Imaly

Unattended

Roost

km

Shri

premise

road

farm

premise

Bhamjee

We don’t know whether the

made

near

Shiva

east

of

of

and

the

tree

type

pond

fort

Panch of

assumption and belief of Mr. Jadeja of

Sakur

trees

tree

Imaly

Imaly

about

field

a

the

Peer

about bats and earthquake is true or

a

of

peepal

school

tunnel

located

building

rooms

rooms

rooms

farm

of

of

near

not, but if it is true would it not be a the

Lalji,

located

main

Ganga

behind

mosque

of

and

and

Fateh

Hindu Muslim

landmark invention! 1

village

km

near

village

of

inside

the

trees

located

at

on

in

and

Banyan

Neem

gate

the

located

temple,

from

Mohmmad

the

cremation

the

the

inside

village

References:

farm

Government

cremation

located

village

the

of

1. Bates, P. J. J. and D. L. Harrison, fort

temple

premise

bank

located

the

alongside

(1997): Bates of the Indian village

located

field

a

inside

premis

bus

locate

Subcontinent. Harrison Zoological farm

villag

of

insid

Museum, Kent, England. 51 – 55 Pp. of

of

in

o

fo

2. Senacha, K. R. (2007): First record of Blyth’s Horseshoe bat Rhinolophus lepidus (Blyth, 1844) from Gujarat, India. . Zoos’ Print Journal (Submitted in June 2007 and is under review). 3. Wang, L. (2005): Bats found to be the natural host of SARS. Livestock horizons, 1(3): 17. 33 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Indian Flying Fox roosts on Bengaluru-Madikeri road Sanjay Molur1 and Payal Molur2

The Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus is the only Mysuru-Madikeri road is being widened and over the bat known universally amongst inhabitants of most last two years this has taken its toll on the roosts localities of rural and urban India. Its popularity is along the roadside. Three roosts have been due to a unique characteristic aspect of this species completely destroyed and the roost trees, in these - its affinity to humans despite the apparent cases being ficus trees, have been uprooted. Two disturbance created by humans. Eucalyptus roosts are partially destroyed with some trees uprooted, and one more roost tree is likely to Most of the roosts recorded until now occur close to come under the axe soon. The aftermath of one human habitations or by the road side. This makes destroyed roost is known since a new roost is its presence obvious and much noticed. Ask anyone established about 800m from the old one. We about a bat and pat comes a reply about the giant assume this is one of the bats from the destroyed fruit bats roosting somewhere, or flying in hoards, roost closed to it. or making shrill noise, or hanging limply on an electric line, or just existing in a huge colony. All counts of bat populations in big roosts have been Almost universally, Giant Fruit Bats have defined the through the branch estimation method. Only in a whole world of bats for the common man. Barring a few instances when the population was very low, very few individuals whose knowledge of bats could actual counts determine bat numbers. Our extend to a smaller species found in window observations of the Bengaluru-Mysuru bats are, on crevices or under ledges, Pteropus giganteus is the average, once in 4 months, while the Mysuru- only bat known to most people, despite the 1000 Madikeri ones are every other month. Since we drive plus species in the world and the 120 odd bat taxa to the two destinations from Coimbatore, we have in India alone. It is fun to watch peoples' been able to document fluctuations in bat roosts. expression at the mention of these numbers and The data reveals an interesting fluctuation in some the fact of a possible 10-20 kinds of bats existing roosts while others are steadier and show little around them at almost any given location. variation. There are four stable roosts on the Bengaluru-Mysuru road, while there used to be four In trying to document bats in different parts of stable roosts on the Mysuru-Madikeri road before Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, we have recorded the road widening took a toll on roost trees. several roosts by the roadside between Bengaluru and Madikeri, 17 to be precise - 8 between We have identified roosts that are stable and those Bengaluru and Mysuru and 9 between Mysuru and that are used occasionally. Stable roosts are where Madikeri - since May 2004. the bat numbers remain almost constant, while the occasional roosts could have some bats only at some All of the roosts reported here between Bengaluru times of the year. Inconsistent roost usage has and Mysuru are along the new highway. In been noticed also where we have observed bats to enquiring with the locals in villages along the new occupy a tree only once or twice a year. It seems highway, we realized that there were at least 20 like all bats have alternate roosting sites, sometimes roosts about 20 years ago, but due to constant causing difficulty to classify the stable roost. The tree felling for road widening, and finally with the case of the Mandya bat roosts is one such example. new 4-lane highway construction, all of the We have observed bats shuttling between the roadside roosts were affected. Presently, there are railway station site and the PWD site in one day. only four roosts on the highway that have not been Their occupancy of the sites and seasonal preference destroyed since they are slightly away from the would be interesting to understand. road, namely the Bidadi roost, the Ramnagaram roost and the two Mandya roosts. Not including It is interesting to note how these bats have the massive Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary roost in adapted to changes in their environment, especially this count, the four other roosts are new. Nothing to the destruction of roost trees. Although our is known about the status of the bats of the other observations have been for three years, in enquiring disappeared roosts. Enquiries with locals indicated with locals it is unanimous that the bats have been the presence of two or three likely roosts in other constantly affected by road widening, tree felling and places that are yet to be confirmed, and the hunting for food and medicine that confirmed presence of one roost in a village 10 km off Madduru. 1Dy. Director, Zoo Outreach Organisation The roosts between Mysuru and Madikeri totaling email : [email protected] nine are also along the road, but in a far worse 2Founder, Go WILD Workshops condition due to road expansion activities. The email : [email protected] 34 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 the numbers have dropped considerably in the last native Ficus or Terminalia species. Although the 2-3 decades. Our enquiries have led us to some exotic trees such as Eucalyptus and Casuarinas are new roosts established since the destruction of the more open and provide less cover bats tend to older and bigger roosts, but the general consensus choose them at least initially until a native tree is of the locals is that the numbers have declined identified as a suitable roost. The bats of the drastically. It is unclear what happens to the bats Hunsur bypass roost established a two years ago of a destroyed roost, whether they migrate en on Eucalyptus trees are now shifting to a banyan masse to an alternate site, or split up and establish tree since the last 10-12 months. We have, more two or more roosts, or join other roosts. In our recently, observed these bats to be totally absent observations of the destroyed roosts, we have from the Eucalyptus trees. observed only the destroyed Bilikere main roost establishing another one close to the old roost site. We have listed a few other roosts documented and However, on counting the bats, this roost seems to observed until now in other parts of Mysuru such as have lower bat numbers than the original roost. in Gundlupet taluk, HD Kote taluk, Chamarajanagara taluk and Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary. It is critical In a few instances new roosts established in the to understand the status of these "common" bats last few years can be linked to roosts destroyed in for repeated threats could be detrimental to the nearby areas or elsewhere. The new roosts also overall population. seem to be established on exotic trees rather than

Table: List of Indian Flying Fox roosts observed on Bengaluru-Madikeri road

Roost name GPS/altitude Bat numbers Roost Distance Present Roost trees (in deg/min) characteristics from road status Bangalore-Mysore Highway Bidadi, Bengaluru 12 47 37.7 350-400 Old and stable 10m Existing, but 2 Terminalia dist. 77 22 42.9 roost hunting for sp. 10-13m tall meat practiced Ramanagaram, 12 44 19.7 1300-1400 Old and stable 120m Existing, but 7 trees in all * Bengaluru dist. 77 18 25.8 roost protected only 3 Rain trees, 2 at the roost mango trees, 1 not in flight Terminalia sp. and 1 casuarina Sundahalli, Mysuru 12 30 24.5 400-450 Stable roost, new 10-30m Existing, but 4-5 trees, all dist. 76 50 04.0 since 2002 hunting for but one meat practiced eucalyptus Thubinakere, 12 29 42.9 Some times 0, Inconsistent, 20m Existing, no 1 rain forest Mysuru dist. 76 47 52.4 other times highly fluctuating hunting, but tree 50-70 new roost since roost 2000 or so sometimes empty Thubinakere 12 29 42.6 Mostly 0, but Very occasional , 50-70m Existing, no 2 trees, species alternate, Mysuru 76 47 55.7 occasionally new roost since hunting, but unidentified dist. around 100 2000 or so roost mostly empty Mandya Railway 12 31 43.2 Usually 350- Old, but 20m in front Existing, no 4-5 tree, 2-3 Station, Mysuru 76 53 48.2 400, but inconsistent and of the railway hunting, roost eucalyptus and dist. occasionally 0 highly fluctuating station occasionally 2 rain trees roost empty Mandya PWD, 12 31 37.4 Sometimes 0, Old, but 5-10m Existing, no 9-11 Mysuru dist. 76 53 31.9 other times inconsistent and hunting, roost eucalyptus 250-300 highly fluctuating occasionally trees roost empty Near Maddur, Not recorded Around 300, Probably an 100m Don7t know Unidentified Mysuru dist. observed only occasional roost once Mysore-Madikeri road Bilikere main, 12 19 54.3 30-300 Very old roost, Roadside Roost tree Banyan tree Mysuru dist. 76 27 46.0 highly fluctuating felled in numbers October 2006 for road widening

35 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Roost name GPS/altitude Bat numbers Roost Distance Present Roost trees (in deg/min) characteristics from road status Bilikere bund, 12 19 51.5 30-80 Very occasional, Roadside Existing, but 1 Peepal and 1 Mysuru dist. 76 27 31.3 highly fluctuating under threat Neem tree from road widening Bilikere new, 12 19 37.8 200-250 Very new, 1000m Existing, but 1 unidentified Mysuru dist. 76 37 38.5 observed in likely to be tree January 2007 for hunted the first time severely as the main Bilikere roost was when it existed Happy Town, 12 20 00.6 80-100 Relatively new, Roadside Roost tree 1 banyan tree Mysuru dist. 76 28 58.2 about 10 years felled in old December 2006 for road widening Kolagatta, Mysuru 12 20 21.4 30-100 Old roost, highly Roadside Roost tree 1 banyan tree dist. 76 23 40.4 fluctuating felled in September 2006 for road widening Hunsur Court, 12 18 30.63 550-600 About 7 years old Roadside Roost trees on 6 eucalyptus Mysuru dist. 76 17 51.2 earlier, now one side of the trees 250-300 with road felled for half roost road widening destroyed Hunsur turnoff, 12 18 31.6 Around 50 Very occasional Roadside Existing 3 eucalyptus Mysuru dist. 76 17 45.9 trees

Hunsur fork 1, 12 18 40.9 50-200 Fairly new, Roadside Existing, no 3-4 eucalyptus, Mysuru dist. 76 16 03.9 inconsistent roost threats known 1 casuarina

Hunsur fork 2, 12 18 40.83 200-250 Old roost, stable Roadside, Existing, road 1 banyan tree Mysuru dist. 76 16 06.96 about 100m widening is a from Hunsur threat fork 1 roost Other roosts recorded in Karnataka Ranganthittu, 12 25 27.65 More than Old stable roost Sanctuary No threats Many trees Mysuru dist. 76 39 16.0 2500 Belagola, Mysuru 12 23 26.2 4 Very occasional Roadside No threats 1 banyan tree dist. 76 36 36.9 Gundlupet, Mysuru 11 50 00.12 330-420 Old, stable roost Roadside No known 2 banyan trees dist. 76 40 16.8 threats Atgulipura, Mysuru 12 49 47.2 Around 500 Very new roost, 10m No threats 10-12 dist. 77 02 14.0 since December eucalyptus 2006 trees Dodda Salundi, 12 13 25.7 Around 200 Stable, new roost 50m in No threats 2 ficus trees Mysuru dist. 76 34 46.2 about 2 years old agricultural field

Hampapura, 12 07 11.1 Around 270 New since 2005, Roadside No threats 1 peepal and 1 Mysuru dist. 76 28 32.9 stable roost terminalia tree established after old roost tree on main road was felled for road widening Kabini, Mysuru 11 56 11.2 100-150 Old, stable roost Inside a grove No threats 2 native and 1 dist. 76 16 20.8 gulmohar tree

36 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Conservation of Latidens salimalii and other Red - listed bats in Tamil Nadu Juliet Vanitharani1 *See web supplement at www.zoosprint.org for photos

Bat belong to the order Chiroptera under class status has classified them into two categories: 30 Mammalia which is divided into two sub orders, bat species as forest bats, and 23 bat species as Megachiroptera (fruit bats) which consist of only one bats of foothills and the adjoining tropical plains. family (Pteropodidae) and Microchiroptera Among them 12 bat species are distributed both in (Insectivores) which consist of 17 families. Among the forest and plains. Currently, 22 out of 41 the world’s mammals, bats make up 25% of the species of bats which occurs in Tamil Nadu are total number. They are the only flying mammals and categorised as threatened on the IUCN Red List. play a vital role as ‘keystone’ species in the earth’s (Molur et al., 2003) Tables 1 and 2 have listed the production system. They help in the survival of roosting habit and the distribution elevations of plants, animals and thus of mankind (Kunz and forest bats and the bats of tropical plains of Tamil Pierson 1994; Ronald and Nowak 1994; Kunz and Nadu. In these Tables, names of the red listed bat Fenton 2003). species are superscribed with asterisk.

India, being a tropical country, has a rich diversity of Bats are vulnerable, sensitive, nocturnal mammals. bat fauna. According to IUCN 2003 India has 114 Being sensitive creatures they prefer to stay away bat species representing 7 families of from human disturbances. In Tamil Nadu, the forest Microchiroptera and one family of Megachiroptera habitat and the habitat for bats in the urban, semi with 13 bat species. A very few published scientific urban and agro ecosystem is vulnerable to major works are available about Tamil Nadu bat species threat due to increasing human activities. (Vanitharani 2004a). Availability of suitable roost influences the distribution and abundance of bats. Bats prefer to In fact for many million of years bats did nothing but roost during day time in diversified roosting good. The Megachiropterans are one of the patterns (caves, trees and anthropogenic important pollinators and seed dispersers for a structures) depending upon their population size, number of ecologically and economically important risks of , food resource availability, body plants (Marshall 1985; Cox et al. 1991; Rainey et al. size and physical environment (Kunz and Fenton, 1995). They are often the only vertebrate large 2003). In general bat roosts are located near water enough to carry large seeded fruits. Thus they play resources (Barbour 1932; Bates and Harrison, a key role in structuring the forest community 1997; Fenton, 1997). Figure 1 shows the (Rainey et al. 1995). As frequent dispersers of comparison of different roost habitats like ‘Caves ‘pioneer’ plant species of the forest, bats play an and Crevices’; ‘Trees and Foliages’; Buildings and important role in the regeneration of cleared areas Temple’ usage by the bats of Tamil Nadu and their (Fleming 1988; Gorchov et al. 1993). But Indian other threatened conspecifics. The percentage of Government legislation and policies are giving poor roost usage in both to categories are almost similar. recognition to these useful animals. Indian fruit bats More than 50% of bats in Tamil Nadu and 64% of are kept under Schedule V (as Vermin) of the Indian the red listed bats prefer to roost in caves. This rate Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. There was no change is very high when compared to other roosting even in the 1991 revision. They can be captured or habitats. Caves serve as roost sites for solitary killed with impunity. The Microchiropterans are the bats and groups of large aggregation. It offers wide important components of agro-ecosystem and thermal range combined with structural and forest ecosystem as primary consumers of nocturnal elevational components and provides greatest insect pests. They can consume up to 100% of body diversity of roosting sites (Tuttle and Stevenson weight per night and travel long distances of 1978). Among the 22 red listed bat species 13 several kilometers per night (Eckrich and Neuweiler (59%) are forest bats among them 10 roost in 1998; Davison and Zubaid 1992). They play a major caves. A few representations of cave dwelling role in regulating insect populations and in red listed forest bats are shown in Figure 2*. This transporting nutrients across the landscape from analysis suggests that if the Indian Government stream corridors to tree roosts (Kunz 1982; Rainey would give special protection to the cave roosts of 1992) bats then the state of Tamil Nadu can save 64% of the red listed bat species that are threatened. Status of bats in Tamil Nadu The tropical plains and forest area of Tamil Nadu encompasses 41 bat species (Vanitharani 2003, 1 Bat Research Laboratory, Department of 2004 a, 2004b, 2004c; Vanitharani 2005a; Zoology, Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, TN Vanitharani and Jeyapraba 2004). The distribution E.mail: [email protected]

37 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Figure 1. Comparison of different roost habitats 60% use caves, and among tropical plains bats 65% like ‘Caves and Crevices’; ‘Trees and Foliages’; use crevices and cracks of old buildings and temples Buildings and Temple’ usage by the bats of Tamil as their roosting habitat (Figure 3). Threats to Nadu and their red listed members. roosting sites cause severe effect on the population

size. Because the roosts serve as a spot for mating,

o o s t i n g P a t t e r n s o f B a t s o f T a m i l N a d u a n d t h e R e d L i s t e d B a t S p e c i e s R a venue for rearing young ones, a community hall for 25 social promotion and a refuge from adverse weather 22 and predators (Kunz 1982). Preference and fidelity of 20 roost site differ from species to species (Levis 1995). Habitat loss is the major reason for the decline in the 15 14 bat diversity in Tamil Nadu. 12

10 Number of 10 Bat Species The author made the first ‘Bat Survey’ in 6 Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve, one of the hot 5 4 spots of the world for biodiversity richness in fauna and flora and home to 35 bat species (Vanitharani et 0 Caves & Crevices Trees & Foliages Buildings & Temples al. 2005a, 2005b; Vanitharani, 2006a, 2006b). Figure Roosting Habits 4* shows the release of the bat conservation poster Bats of Tamil Nadu Red Listed Bats of Tamil Nadu depicting all the 35 bat species during the seminar on wild biodiversity of Tamil Nadu organized by the Next to the caves the majority of red listed bats Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Chennai. The (27%) roost in cracks and crevices of old buildings; author's bat survey project made the first record of temples face the problem of extinction. Fifteen bats potential threat assessment for Tamil Nadu bat species (65%) out of 23 bats present in species with particular reference to Salim Ali’s fruit the tropical plains roost in man-made buildings. The bat (Latidens salimalii) Endemic to southern Western bats which dwell in crevices and cavities show Ghats (Vanitharani, 2005d; Vanitharani, 2006b). special anatomical adaptations and have important influence on the ecology and social behaviour of According to IUCN 2003 Version 3.1 there is a bats (Vaughan and O. Shea, 1976). Because of this continuous decline and fluctuation in bat population uniqueness these bats cannot find an alternative all over the earth. Many species shows restricted roosting site in their ecosystem. In recent past the distribution and some of them are facing extinction. overall temple renovations with special The real cause for this menace in the ecosystem is Government fund allocations, killed several due to increasing human activity and habitat loss. population of bats which inhabited temples. In Mickleburg et al. (2002) has predicted that addition because of the industrialization in urban disturbances to roosts, loss of foraging areas and area, extension of urbanization in the agro intensive agricultural practices are the primary ecosystem of the villages brought about renovation examples of human interference. of several unused buildings occupied by bats (Pushparani et al. 2004). Special Note on the Endemic Endangered Species Latidens salimalii A few bat species of Tamil Nadu also prefer to roost Tamil Nadu shelters six Megachiropterans in tree branches and within foliage. Even the representing the family Petropodidae. Out of which cavities of tree trunks offer favoured shelter for Latidens salimalii is the endemic Endangered fruit bat some of the Microchiropterans. Among the forest bats 23% of red listed bats prefer trees and foliage Figure 3. The comparison of the roost as roosts. Loss of habitat for roosting and foraging preference in forest bats and the bats of tropical are owing to the fragmentation in the forest area plains in Tamil Nadu mainly due to human settlements. Lopping of trees for management purposes, construction of dams, Roosting Patterns In Tamil Nadu Bats roads, plantations, extension of private estate 70 65 60 boundaries and developmental activities in the 60 private estates are the major disturbance for their 50 Percentage 40 habitat loss. In government legislations also of 33 Bat Species 30 several loop holes in favour of these destructions 22 (Vanitharani, 2005b; 2005c; Jeyapraba and 20 13 Vanitharani, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) similar 10 7 observations were reported by Balakrishnan 0 (2002) in Kerala state forest area. Caves & Crevices Trees & Foliages Buildings & Temples Bats of Tropical Plains Roosting Habits Bats of the Forest The comparison of roost-preference between forest bats and plain bats reveals that among forest bats, 38 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 species live in caves located on the riversides of the considering the distribution status of this bat rainforest of southern Western Ghats. The High species within Tamil Nadu it is a rare species. Wavy Mountains of southern Western Ghats Vanitharani et al. (2003b) made the second record remained the only recorded distribution of Latidens for India (first report was from Caluctta Thomas until 1999, when its presence was recorded, but (1916) and the first from the peninsula, of the without details in the Kalakad – Mundanthurai Tiger Papillose bat Kerivoula lenis, a tree dwelling bat from Reserve (Ghosh et al. 1999). In 2002 the author Courtalam hills. The noteworthy red listed bats made the first report about the distribution of located in Agsathiyamalai Biosphere Reserve that Latidens salimaii in Courttalam Hills and about its are ‘Near Threatened’ are saccolaimus saccolaimus, cave roosts in Nagapothigai (Vanitharani et al. Hipposideros cineraceus, H.pomona, Myotis 2003a, 2004; Vanitharani 2005d). At the moment montivagus, Murina cyclotis, Miniopterus schreibersii, few more day roosts (Primary roost) and feeding M. pusillus, Rhinolophus affinis and R. beddomei. The roosts (Secondary roosts) were reported in bat species Pipistrellus dormeri, Hipposideros speoris Kalakad, Pothigai, Manimuthar and Courttalam Hills and the endangered Rhinolophus beddomei are of Southern Western Ghats (Vanitharani et al. endemic to South Asia (Vanitharani 2003, 2004a, 2003a; Vanitharani, 2006a) 2005a and Molur et al., 2003).

Map.1. Agoramoorthy (2000) again confirmed the Emerging Trend in Bat Diversity Conservation species, existence in the vicinity of the Kardama The report on ‘Biodiversity Conservation and Coffee Estate during an examination of 46 Management Action Plan’ submitted to the Ministry individuals from a colony with an estimated of Environment by Tamil Nadu Forest Department population of 250. Their existence in the High Wavy has suggested a Diversity conservation Mountains of southern Western Ghats were also Action Plans and requested the Indian Government reconfirmed by Singaravelan and Marimuthu (2003a, to implement the ‘Conservation Management Plans’ 2003b). through legislation and policies. Indian Government legislation stand has recognised the need and upgraded two endemic bat species, Latidens Map 1. Bat conservation poster depicting all the 35 bat species of Agasthiyamali Biosphere salimalii (Tamil Nadu) and Otomops wroughtoni Reserve (Karnataka) under Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Protection Act. The Conservation of the feeding habitats and food resources of bat species is also of paramount importance to conserve these unrecognized beneficiaries of the ecosystem (Vanitharani and Arulsundari, 2005).

Management tips to the policy makers The only way to bring conservation of bat diversity is to list out measures and action plans and implement them through Government policies and legislation. - Ensure removal of fruit bats from Schedule V (Vermin category) of India Wildlife Protection Act 1972. - Incorporate the interests of Chiroptera in the National Wildlife Action Plans, Forest Management Plans, National Biodiversity Strategies, Environment Impact Assessments (EIA) and other similar policies, plans and strategies of India and also in South Asian countries. - Mammal surveys in Protected Areas (PA) of India have a very strong bias towards larger and conspicuous animals. Bats should be included in About the other Red listed bats: their management action plans and also should be Eonycteris spelaea is the only nectarivorous bat listed in their inventories. species available above 2800m elevation - Legislation should be formulated to protect the (Vanitharani 2006a). Few bats were caught in the key roost sites. Trees, caves abundant unclaimed mist net during the bat survey at Injikuli area of buildings in which large number of bats are Pothigai hills. The author still couldn’t locate the roosting. cave roost of the bat. The population assessment is - Laws should be extended to prevent trading and difficult. So far no report has been made about their hunting of bats for food, medicine and sports. existence in Palani hills and Anaimalai. While 39 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 - Include the insectivorous bats that were not If appropriate measures are not taken to conserve listed on any schedules of the Indian Wildlife bat taxa genetic diversity could be lost forever. Of (Protection) Act, 1972. course no country wants to lose an endemic species - Need for the renewal of legislation and policies in as it would be a national disgrace. Even the non- India Legislation are still based on false economic endemic species are needed for the benefits to principles and political salvation without sufficient ecosystem and human need. The current information attention to genuine scientific information from the from active field works should be the compass for field biologists. making viable conservation action plans (Vanitharani - NGOs, State and Central Government agencies 2007). There is a crying need for more active full - involved Wildlife conservation activities should time field biologist to work on bat species India holds coordinate Chiroptera specialists while they discuss 114 complex groups of mammals. and formulate various broad conservation issues. Conclusion Action Plan through awareness It is high time to establish the status of bats in India India is not an exception to believe and trust a lot and give recommendations to the government body of myths about bats. Bats in general have got a to make viable legislations and policies to protect very poor reputation. In many cultures people view Indian bats. Of course a favorable measure has bats with suspicion. Bats are persecuted as been taken on September 30, 2003 to protect two of they are believed to commonly attack people, drink the bat species. Otomops wroughtoni blood and transmit disease like rabies. In many (Microchiropteran) and Latidens salimalii places of Indian states the bats are persecuted (Megachiropteran). Now it is the duty of the and very often associated with evil power and are environmentalists to give documentary support and depicted as agents of evil, indicators of death, proof to bring the rest of the 112 bat species under symbols of bad luck and inauspicious omen. the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and to remove the 12 fruit bat species from Schedule V. The The only remedy is to create informative next important move is to create awareness among awareness among different ages and status of the public why bats have to be cared for and society. conserved! - Make educational packets for school children and public in vernacular languages Acknowledgements - Erect posters and information boards in National The author specially thanks the Whitley Foundation, Protected Areas (NPA), near temples and also in UK for the award of the Rufford Small Grants and locations near bat roosts. Ministry of Environment and Forest (Government of - Writing articles in newspapers and magazines. India) for the bat survey project in Agasthiyamalai - Make special reading material for the policy Biosphere Reserve. Special acknowledgements are makers (both State and Central Government of due to University Grants Commission, New Delhi for India), forest and environment monitoring officials, the endorse of the Major Research Project to study village and panchayat officials, temple authorities the distribution and ecology of Latidens salimalii the and zoo directors. Endemic, Endangered bat species, which serves to - Form bat clubs in schools and colleges. support her continuing bat studies and conservation - Make documentary films on Indian bat’s ecology, initiatives in the southern Western Ghats. The author their environmental impact and conservation (at is grateful to The Geomatics division of Tamil Nadu least about the endemic species). Forest department, Chennai for helping us in drawing the distribution map of Latiens salimalii in Appeal for researchers Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. The author is Even bat biologists admit that they know very little indebted to the Harrison Institute, UK for their help about the Indian bat species. In India bats are of in the identification of specimens and also for their the least studied mammalian group. The scientific valuable advice. She is grateful to Tamil Nadu Forest studies only, can make good management Department, especially for granting permission to recommendations (Vanitharani 2004a). Surveys on conduct bat survey and bat conservation work in bats in all the Indian states are needed to Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve and in the understand the distribution and status. Ecological adjoined areas. studies are crucial for understanding the status of the species in a better way. Documents about the References: ecological value of bats are very much needed to Agoramoorthy, G. 2000. Population status of the Indian strengthen the bat conservation appeals to the Fruit bat, Latidens salimalii in Tamilnadu State, India. Final Indian Government. Researches on life history Report. Fauna & Flora Preservation Society. studies, taxonomic studies, genomic studies, Balakrishnan, M. 2002. Shola forest ecosystems in population and habitat viability are limited Kerala. A study on wildlife populations and their habitat (Vanitharani 2004b). preferences. Final report of the project sponsored by the 40 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 wildlife wing of the department of forests and wildlife Marshall, A.G. 1985. Old World phytophagous bats Government of Kerala. (Megachiroptera) and their food plants: a survey. Barbour, T. 1932. A peculiar roosting habit of bats. Zoological Journal of Linnean Society 83: 351 – 69. Quarterly Review of Biology, 7: 307 – 312. Mickleburgh, S.P., Hutson, A. M. and Racey, P. A. Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison. 1997. Bats of the 2002. A review of the global conservation status of bats. Indian Subcontinent. Harrison Zoological Museum, Oryx: 6 (1) 18 – 34. Sevenoaks, Kent. Pp. 258. Molur et al., 2003. Bat Camp Report. Cox, P.A., Elmqvist, T., Pierson, E.D. and Rainey, Pushparani, A.E.D. Vanitharani, J. Rajkumar, S. and W.E. 1991. Flying foxes as strong interactions in South Sundara Raj, T. 2004. Government Law and Pacific island ecosystems: a conservation hypothesis. Temple Bat Management. In: Biodiversity Resources Conservation Biological 5: 448 – 54. Management and Sustainable Use. Ed. K. Muthuchelian. Davison, G.N.H. and Zubaid, A. 1992. Food habits of Pub: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, the lesser false vampire, Megaderma spasma, from New Delhi.297-301 Kuala Lompat, Peninsular Zeitschrift fur Rainey, W.E. 1992. macdonaldii Species sangetier kunde., 57: 310 – 312. Account. In Mickleburgh, Hutson, and Racey (1992), 81- Eckrich, M. and Neuweiler, G. 1988. Food habits of 83. the sympatric insectivorous bat Rhinolophus rouxi and Rainey, W.E., Pierson, E.D., Elmqvist, T. and Cox, Hipposideros lankadiva from Srilanka. Journal of P.A. 1995. The role of Pteropodids in oceanic island Zoological London 215: 729 – 737. ecosystems of the Pacific. In Racey, P.A., ands. M.Swift, Fenton, M.B. 1997. Science and the conservation of eds., Ecology, behaviour and evolution of bats, bats. Journal of Mammalogy, 78: 1-14. Symposium Zoological Society London Oxford Univ. Fleming, T.H. 1988. The short – tailed fruit bat. Univ. of Press, Oxford, in press. Chicago Press, 365 pp. Ronald and Nowak, M. 1994. Walker’s Bats of the Ghosh, M.K., Bhattacharyya, T.P., and Saha, S.S. world. Pub: The Johns Hopkins University Press. 1999. Occurrence of Salim Ali’s Fruit bat Baltimore and London. 287 Pp. (Latidens salimalii Thonglongya, 1972) in the Kalakkad Singaravelan, N. and Marimuthu, G. 2003a. Mist net Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, Tiger Paper, captures of the rarest fruit bat Latidens salimalii. Current 26(2): 32. Science 84(1): 101-103. Gorchov, D.L., Cornejo, F., Ascorra, C. and Singaravelan, N. and Marimuthu, G. 2003b. Jaramillo, M. 1993. The role of seed dispersal in the Discovery of a cave as the day roost of a rarest fruit bat natural revegetation of rain forest after strip-cutting in Latidens salimalii. Current Science 84(9): 1253-1256. the Peruvian Amazon. In: Fleming, T.H., and A. Estrada, Thomas, O. 1916. Two new Indian bats. Journal eds., Frugivory and seed dispersal: ecological and Bombay natural History Society, 24: 415-417. evolutionary aspects. Kluwer Academic Publ., Dordrecht, Tuttle, M.D. and Stevenson, D.C. 1978. Variation in pp. 339 – 49. the cave environment and its biological implications. In: IUCN 2003. 2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Proceedings of the National cave management Jeyapraba, L. and Vanitharani, J. 2003. Roosting symposium CR. Zuber. J. Chester, S. Press. ecology and conservation status of bats in Tirunelveli Albuquerque., eds). Adobe Press. Albuquerque, Pp 108 – district. In: Proc. 28th Conference Ethological Society of 121. India. Annamalai. R, Narayanan. M, and Vanitharani. J Vanitharani, J. 2003. Tamil Nadu Bat Biodiversity (Eds): 63-65. Strategy and Action plan In: National Biodiversity Jeyapraba, L. and Vanitharani, J. 2004. Bat species Strategy and Action plan (Ed) Annamalai. R. Pub: Tamil diversity in India. In: Biodiversity Resources Nadu Forest Depart. Govt. of India to Ministry of Management and Sustainable Use. Ed. K. Muthuchelian. Environment and Forest, New Delhi. Pub: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, Vanitharani, J. 2004a. The emerging trends in the bio- New Delhi. 293-296 diversity of bats in Tamil Nadu. Mapana Journal of Jeyapraba, L. and Vanitharani, J. 2005. Environment Sceience. Vol.2, No.2, November 2003. impact assessment through bat Species. State level Vanitharani, J. 2004b. Conservation strategies and conference on the changing environment. T. Kallikulam, action plan for bats of Tamil Nadu. In: Tamilnadu Tirunelveli District biodiversity strategy and action plan. diversity. Jeyapraba, L. and Vanitharani, J. 2006. Bat species Edited by R. Annamalai. R Pub. by Tamil Nadu Forest diiversity and conservation management in Kalakad Dept. Govt. of Tamilnadu, Chennai.114-131. Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Proceedings of 30th Vanitharani, J. 2004c. Bat Diversity Management In Conference Ethological Society of India. India. In: Biodiversity Resources Management and Kunz, T.H. 1982. Roosting ecology of bats. In Kunz, T.H. Sustainable Use. Ed. K. Muthuchelian. Pub: Ministry of (ed) Ecology of Bats, pp 1-55, New york : Plenum press. Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, New Delhi. 288- Kunz and Pierson 1994. Bats of the world an 292 introduction In: Walker’s Bats of the world (ed) Vanitharani, J. 2005a. A General Review of Indian Ronald M. Nowak 1-46 pp. Kunz, T.H.and Fenton, M.B. Bats. In: Souvenir, Silver Jubilee, 25 years of Academic 2003: Bat Ecology. The Univ. of Chicago Press, Excellence. Pub: Post Graduate studies and research Chicago and London Pp 779. centre, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil. Lewis, 1995. Roost fidelity of bats. A review Journal of Ed. Dr. Prasannakumar, 125-130. Mammalogy 76 : 481 – 496.

41 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Table 1 : Bat species of forest area in Tamil Nadu Sl.NoName of the Bat Roosting Habit Distribution Range Family: Pteropodidae 1 Rousettus leschenaulti Temple, Cave Ele : 100 -1500 ft . 2 Cynopterus brachyotis Tree Ele : 900 - 4,500 ft . 3 Latidens salimalii * Cave Ele : 1000 - 4,500 ft . 4 Eonycteris spelaea * Cave Ele : 2000 - 3500 ft . Family: Rhinopomatidae 5 Rhinopoma hardwickii Cave Ele : 600 - 1,500 ft . Family: Emballonuridae 6 Taphozous melanopogon Crevices in temples,caves Ele : 100 - 1,500 ft . 7 Taphozous saccolainus * Among the rubber plantation, tree Ele : 200 - 1,000 ft . hollows Family: Megadermatidae 8 Megaderma spasma Tree holes, Abondened buildings, Ele : 900 - 4,000 ft . Caves Family: Rhinolophidae 9 Rhinolophus rouxii Cave Ele : 1000 - 4,500 ft . 10 Rhinolophus lepidus Cave Ele : 1000 - 3,500 ft . 11 Rhinolophus beddomei * Cave Ele : 1000 - 4,500 ft . 12 Rhinolophus affinis * Tunnels and Caves Ele : 1000 - 3,500 ft . Family: Hipposideridae 13 Hipposideros fulvus Cave Ele : 600 - 700 ft . 14 Hipposideros cineraces * Cave Ele : 100 - 1000 ft . 15 Hipposideros pomona * Cave Ele : 2000 - 3,000 ft . 16 Hipposideros speoris Cave Ele : 100 - 1,500 ft . Family: Vespertilionidae 17 Myotis montivagus * Cave Ele : 3000 - 4000 ft . 18 Myotis horsfieldii Tunnels, Caves Ele :2000 - 4,500 ft . 19 Scotophilus heathii Crevices holows of old buildings Ele : 500 - 2000 ft . Crowns of palmera and palm trees 20 Scotophillus kuhlii Crowns of palmera and palm trees Ele : 200 - 1600 ft .

21 Pipistrellus tenuis Crevices of deserted Building.Ele : 350 - 1,500 ft . 22 Pipistrellus coromandra * Craks, Crevices of rocks, tree Ele : 800 - 1,500 ft . barks and deserted Buildings 23 Pipistrellus pipistrellus * Crevices of old buildings, and rock Ele : 200 - 1000 ft . 24 Miniopterus schreibersii * Cave Ele : 2000 - 3,500 ft . 25 Miniopterus pusillus * Cave Ele : 2000 - 3,000 ft . 26 Murina cyclotis * Roost among the dead dried leaves Ele : 2000 - 3,000 ft . of Cardamom plants 27 Kerivoula tenuis * Tree hollows Ele : 1000 - 2,500 ft . 28 Kerivoula picta Among dried leaves of Plantain Ele : 300-700ft. 29 Harpiocephalus harpia* Cave Ele : Above 5000 ft . 30 Hesperotenus tickelli* Tree foliageEle : 500 - 1200 ft . * Red listed bat species

Vanitharani, J. 2005b. Can the Indian constitutional Vanitharani, J. 2005d. Special Report about Latidens provisions protect our environment? Are they all salimalii of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. BAT NET constructed with the basic knowledge of each Newsletter- CCINSA., 6(1): January 2005. environmental components? State level conference on Vanitharani, J. 2006a. Note worthy Representatives of the changing environment. T. Kallikulam, Tirunelveli Bat Species In Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Tamil District. Nadu. Journal of Theoretical and Experimental Biology. Vanitharani, J. 2005c. Impact of Anthropogenic 2(2):47-59. Perturbation through Science and Technology on a Vanitharani, J. 2006b. Case study on reality of bats and Group of Bio- Agents in the tropical ecosystem. suggestion for bat (chiropteran) conservation in Indian ‘HESTECH – 2005’ National Seminar on Human Values government legislation. Proceedings of 30th Conference and the Emerging Problems of Science and Technological Ethological Society of India. Developments. 42 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Table 2 : Bat species of foot hill and plains of Tamil Nadu Sl.NoName of the Bat Roost Distribution range Family: Pteropodidae 1 Rousettus leschenaulti Temple, Cave Ele : 100 -1500 ft. 2 Cynopterus sphinx Tree Ele : 100 - 1000 ft. 3 Pteropus giganteus Tree Ele : 500 - 1000 ft. Family: Rhinopomatidae 4 Rhinopoma hardwickii Cave Ele : 600 - 1,500 ft. 5 Rhinopoma microphyllum* Underground tunnels, old Ele : 600 - 1,500 ft. monuments and buildings Family: Emballonuridae 6 Taphozous melanopogon Crevices in temples,caves Ele : 100 - 1,500 ft. 7 Taphozous longimanus* Crevices in cave, trunk of Palmyra Ele : 200 - 1,500 ft. palm trees 8 Taphozous saccolainus* Among the rubber plantation, tree Ele : 200 - 1,000 ft. hollows 9 Taphozous nudiventris* Crevices in rock Ele : 200 - 800 ft. Family: Megadermatidae 10 Megaderma lyra Abondened buildings.Tree holes Ele : 200 - 600 ft. Family: Hipposideridae 11 Hipposideros fulvus Cave Ele : 600 - 700 ft. 12 Hipposideros speoris Abondened buildings. Cave Ele : 100 -1,500 ft. 13 Hipposideros ater Abondened buildings and temples Ele : 200 - 600 ft. Family: Molossidae 14 Tadarida aegyptiaca* Crevices of Temple towers Ele : 100 - 800 ft. buildings 15 Tadarida plicata* Cracks of the ceilings of old Ele : 100 - 800 ft. buildings, crevices of rock Family: Vespertilionidae 16 Scotophilus heathii Crevices holows of old buildings Ele : 500 - 2000 ft. Crowns of palmera 17 Scotophillus kuhlii Crowns of palmera Ele : 200 - 300 ft. 18 Pipistrellus tenuis Crevices of Buildings Temple Ele : 350 - 1,500 ft. towers. 19 Pipistrellus dormeri* Crevices of Buildings, Temple Ele : 100 - 1000 ft. towers. 20 Pipistrellus ceylonicus* Crevices, Temple towers Ele : 100 - 2,200 ft. 21 Pipistrellus coromandra* Craks of Buildings, Crevices of Ele : 600 - 1,500 ft. swich board 22 Pipistrellus pipistrellus* Crevices of old buildings, Temple Ele : 200 - 1000 ft. towers. 23 Kerivoula picta Among dried leaves of Plantain - Ele : 200 - 700 ft. small groove *Red listed bat species

Vanitharani, J. and A. Arulsundari. 2005. Effect of Proc. 28th Conference Ethological Society of India. (eds) Recent Developments in Sciences and Human Impact on Annamalai. R, Narayanan. M. and Vanitharani. J: 60 – 62. The Complex Networks of Seed Dispersers. ‘HESTECH – Vanitharani, J., Malathi, U.S.U. and Arulsundari, A. 2005’ National Seminar on Human Values and the 2005. New records of bats from Kalakad Mundanthurai Emerging Problems of Science and Technological Tiger Reserve, India. BAT NET Newsletter-CCINSA., Developments. (date & Place) 6(1):January 2005. Vaughan and O. Shea, 1976. Roosting ecology of the Vanitharani, J., Pearch, M. J., Jeya Praba, L. and , Antrozous pallidus. Journal of Mammology. Annamalai, R. 2004. A review of the distribution and 57: 19-42. status of Latidens salimalii (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) Vanitharani. J., Arul Sundari. A. and Vijaya, M. with new records from the Western Ghats, India. Lutra , 2005. Bat diversity a boon to the forests of Kalakad 47(1): 21-32. Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. State Level Conference on Vanitharani, J., Rajendran, A., Bates, P. J. J., the Changing Environment. T. Kallikulam, Tirunelveli Harrison, D. L. and M. J. Pearch, A. 2003b. A District. Taxonomic reassessment of Kerivoula lenis Thomas, Vanitharani, J., Jeyapraba, L. and Annamalai, R. 1916 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) including a first 2003a. New record of distribution and roosting in Salim record from peninsular India. Acta Chirop. 5(1): 49-60. Ali’s fruit bat Latidens salimalii Thonglongya 1972. In : 43 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Electrocuted Flying Foxes in Madikeri, Coorg SanjayMolur1, Payal Molur2 and B. Ravichandran3 *See web supplement at www.zoosprint.org for photos

About 10 pm on 9 May 2005, the lights flickered Table 1. Morphometrics of Pteropus giganteus several times at our cottage - at Shanthi Estate in electrocuted in Coorg (in mm). Coorg (12024'28.8N 75044'21.4E; 972m). Morning brought with it a gory sight of 17 bats dead on the 34/04/05 35/04/05 36/04/05 electricity line. The bats were Pteropus giganteus – Male Male Female the Indian flying fox– the largest pteropodid on the subcontinent. At least half of them looked as if Head 73 75.28 76 they had been dead for a while but the rest had Head & body 245 255 260 probably been electrocuted the previous night. Ear 36.42 39.06 37.9 The wires stretched across the plantation we Hind foot (w.out claw/ 51.08/ 47.92/ 46.12/ were working on and these animals were found on with claw) 59.26 54.2 46.52 the slope in a coffee plantation with fig and jamun Tibia 79.42 84 78.4 trees as shade. On enquiry we learnt from the Forearm 167 160 154 owners and the labourers that this was a common Thumb/claw 52.68/ 41.54/ 48.1/ occurrence during the fruiting seasons, especially 9.34 7.86 9.34 in the months of March to May, and again post 3rd metacarpal 112.06 113.1 109.7 monsoon. We could get only five of the dead bats 1st phalange 85.32 83.78 78.98 down from the wires, while the others were out of 2nd phalange 98.14 106.58 105.08 reach and the incline was prohibitive to get under 4th metacarpal 103.42 102.6 109.18 or near the lines where the bats were hanging. 1st phalange 67.46 68.72 64.32 Three of the five specimens were fresh, which we 2nd phalange 64.32 71.54 63 labeled and preserved, the other two had been 5th metacarpal 115.96 118.5 115 badly affected by the elements. They must have 1st phalange 51.74 54.28 47 been hanging on the lines for more than two 2nd phalange 52.04 52.5 51 weeks according to the labourers. Interestingly, Penis length 39.2 39.6 - none of the bats hanging on the live wires length 22.66 22.62 22.1 showed any sign of decay. They did not have Wing span 1110 1190 1010 maggots, were not affected by fungi and did not Right wing 480 540 500 emanate any rotting smell. It seemed like some of Weight 610g 595g 600g the bats just withered away in time, literally torn to bits from a combination of the elements and electricity passing through them. The owners of We have recorded many cases of the giant fruit bats the plantation noted that although they had electrocuted throughout Coorg district, often more observed many bats electrocuted close to their on the road side lines closer to the roosts. The home they had observed no stench. The dead impact of such loss on the population of these bats bats were numbered and wet preserved in 10% is not known. However, rough estimates by formalin. plantation labourers at the estate we observed this were between 15 to 30 bats electrocuted every The dorsal colouration of the two adult males from year. the shoulder blades below was predominantly black with scattered white hair extending all along the arm and up to 1/3rd of forearm. The elbows were bald. Ears were dark brown; shoulder blades to the base of the ear were golden yellow; base of ear to the brow dark brown; brow to nose chocolate brown. The wings were black. Ventrally they were sandy brown from collar bone to the penile region; chocolate brown from penis to tibial joint; collar bone to back of jaw golden brown; under chin chocolate brown to black. The nape of the second male (35/04/05) was dark brown 1 instead of golden brown; the throat and rest of Dy. Director, Zoo Outreach Organisation email: [email protected] ventral portion the same colour with a dark brown 2Founder, Go WILD Workshops stripe in the middle. The female resembled the email : [email protected] second male except for the ventral line. Mammae 3Zoo Outreach Organisation were not seen. Morphometrics of all three email: [email protected] individuals are presented in the Table below. 44 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Workshop on the Conservation and Management of Chiropterans (Bats) the ‘Keystone Species’ of Tropical Ecosystem Juliet Vanitharani1

A bat conservation workshop was conducted on Workshop Venue: February 20, 2007 jointly hosted by Ministry of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) Environment and Forests, New Delhi, Department eminently stands out as one of the important, wild of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Sarah life protected areas (WLPAs) in the Indian Tucker College and Tamil Nadu Forest Department Peninsula in that it attracts international at the Wildlife Sanctuary at Mundanthurai. It was a conservation communities. It is also an integral proud occasion for the tribal people of part of Agasthiyamalai or Ashambu Hills which are Mundanthurai and to the students and the faculty interanationally recognized for their natural of Science and Arts College located at the foothill of richness and for high levels of faunal and floral Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve. The endemism. It is also known to have a rich bat workshop identified the principal “Keystone fauna. Initial surveys in 2001/2002 by the Species-BATS” of the tropical ecosystem both in organiser and her team (the first every conducted the plain as well as the forest area of southern in the area) showed that the Agasthiyar Hill Range Western Ghats. Four major issues about the may be a particularly diverse and important region conservation of bats were discussed among the for bats within the Western Ghats. Provisional participants. Know about bats? We need friends results of 35 bat species included the discovery of like you, Role of fruit bats in the ecosystem, two populations of Salim Ali's fruit bat (Latidens Role of Insectivorous bats in the ecosystem and salimalii) a critically endangered endemic species to Bat conservation and management plans. India, at Nagapothigai and Udumbukal area of Mundanthurai. Provisional results amongst the The theme of the workshop was to promote bat microbats include only the second record for India conservation among students of foothill area and and the first from the peninsula of the Papillose bat the Kani tribes of Karaiyar, Servalar and Milodai of (Kerivoula lenis), The venue the hamlet Kariyar is Agasthiyarhill complex, KMTR. situated at the foot of the South Western Ghats about 65km from Tirunelveli. The low altitude of Bats are mammals instantly recognized yet poorly Mundanthurai plateau (300-500m) is fed by known. They remain creatures of mystery, subject Tambraparani River which is the lifeline of of more prejudice and with lots of misinformation Tirunelveli and Tuticorin Districts. This is the most than any other group of animals. They exhibit fitting and perhaps the finest place for a discourse diverse ecological adaptation and occupy a broad on nature in the raw. range of biomes and habitats. Despite their adaptiveness and abundance, bats are highly Dr. E. John Jothi Prakash Principal TDMNS College T. susceptible to environmental disruption and many Kallikulam gave the inaugural address. Mr. R. species have declined drastically in response to Pillaivinayagam, a Range officer Mundanthurai gave human activity. Bats are one of the beneficial a presentation entitled: Know about bats? members of the animal community. They are an We need friends like you. The role of fruit bats in extremely important component of global diversity. the ecosystem was explained by Mrs. D. Lily, It is to our advantage to work, to understand how Lecturer, P.G. Zoology Dept., Sarah Tucker College, best to increase their chance of survival in human Tirunelveli. Role of Insectivorous bats in the dominated landscapes. Bats in general have got a ecosystem was explained by Mrs. Addline Esther very poor reputation in India. It is high time to Pushparani, Lecturer at Sarah Tucker. Mrs. establish the status of bats in India and give Ezhilmathi Sophia, Lecturer, St. Johns College, recommendations to the government body to Tirunelveli discussed bat conservation and make viable legislationand policies to protect management plans. Dr. Juliet Vanitharani, bat Indian bats. research laboratory, Dept. of Zoology, Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli presented exposure to a Participants of the workshop included genuinely day roost of an insect eating bat colony to study interested 3 students and one faculty each from 12 the ecology and biology of the animal in its natural colleges located at the foot hill of Agasthiyamali habitat and roost protection is very important to Biosphere, Tribal School Children 65 of Agasthiya save bats. Kanikudieruppu School, Tribal community members, Mylar Kanikudieruppu 29 families, Agasthiyar Kanikudieruppu 42 families, Injukuli Kanikudieruppu 1 Bat Research Laboratory Department of 8 families and Tharuvattam Servalar Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Sarah Kanikudieruppu 26 familes. Tucker College, Tirunelveli - 627 007 45 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 The Sarah Tucker College, a premier institution of Forests, K.M.T.R to add a petal to their curriculum undergraduate and post-graduate teaching was vitae established in 1895 by the Christian Missionary - The kani families 105 were honoured with a Society with the objective of imparting liberal memento tagged with a request to protect bats. education to women. This is the first college - Participants had a trekking experience in the exclusively for women in Southern India. forest area and exposure to a day roost of an Department of zoology started in the year 1958. insect eating bat colony - Wide publicity about bat conservation was given The college has the advantage of a research center through television and daily news papers. within the campus which places the extensive research materials within the reach of student Valedictory community. The bat research laboratory started its During Valedictory the dignitaries made the work in the year 1990 under the Department of following comments. "Bats are hailed as the chief Zoology. The laboratory gave scope to expand and pollinators and they keep a prime check on insect embrace all the fresh discoveries and new insights pests in the wild as well as in the tropical plains of in various fields of bat behaviour. The bat research India. Survival and conservation is vital to the forest team is working with ambitious research ecosystem. The mission ventured by the Bat programmes funded by several grants from Research Laboratory of Sarah Tucker College will go renouned national and international institutions, of long way in the conservation of biodiversity in organizations and government bodies. this part of the world", said the Principal, Sarah Tucker College. Our crusade to save bats in the natural habitats is the main part of our emphasis. "Conservation of Bats the key stone species indeed is the conservation of forest and its dependent Outcome of the workshop biodiversity", said Range Officer, Mundenthurai. Student participants were enrolled as members under the South Asian bat conservation "Had new exposure. Heard unknown facts. network CCINSA. (Chiroptera Conservation and Alertness about the myths on bats. Taken oath to Information Network of South Asia). protect bats the key stone species", said a student participant from M.S. University, Alwarkurichi. - Students were provided with a certificate duly signed by the organizers of Sarah Tucker college Juliet Vanitharani gave vote of thanks. and the Chief Conservator and Field Director of

Pallas Long-tailed Nectar Bat soricear by Arnab Roy

46 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 Morphometry and distress calls of the Asiatic Greater Yellow House Bat Scotophilus heathii Horsfield, 1831 Sanjay Molur1, Payal Molur2 and Aravind Venkatesan3 *See web supplement at www.zoosprint.org for photos

While we were in the process of documenting rodent and him and his team in India and Sri Lanka was successful in bat diversity on the outskirts of Bengaluru in June 2006, collecting only one specimen using mist nets. we were called by a gentleman to visit his home. He had observed some bats and rodents residing behind the Table 1. External measurements (in mm) of Scotophilus bamboo slats against a wall in his bedroom. He wanted to heathii from outskirts of Bengaluru. remove the bamboo slats as he and his wife had lost sleep due to the constant scratching noises made by rats. Male Female Although he was averse to rats, he did not have the heart to evict the bats that had made his bedroom wall their Head & body 75.0 80.0 home. Tail 60.0 60.0 Free tail 3.31 4.0 We helped him remove the bamboo slats carefully and Ear 17.34 17.31 saw a pair of bats; there were no rats. The space had Hind foot (w.out claw/w.claw) 12.3/12.7 12.11/12.34 been used well by the bats, which judging by the amount Tibia 25.29 27.03 of droppings and the locations, indicated more individuals Forearm 61.07 61.00 than the two we were able to catch. The tapering roof Thumb & claw 5/1.65 5.09/1.44 had a small opening through which the bats had access to 3rd metacarpal 62.76 59.68 the bedroom and the roosting space. We caught the bats 1st phalange 20.39 20.38 in two small bags, examined them, took measurements, 2nd phalange 25.5 26.37 recorded their calls and released them at dusk. The bats 4th metacarpal 61.0 57.66 were collected from inside a residential colony on 1st phalange 16.73 16.93 Kangkapura Road (12050’01.55"N 77029’58.89"; 797m) 2nd phalange 12.65 13.54 5th metacarpal 56.8 56.21 The insectivorous bats were medium sized with bright 1st phalange 11.45 11.43 yellow belly and chest (Fig.1*). The dorsal colour was a 2nd phalange 10.11 10.08 duller yellow-brown (Fig 2*). Upon closer examination and Tragus height 10.55 11.38 matching the measurements with the matrix provided by Penis length 7.68 - Bates & Harrison (1997), we were able to identify them Calcar length 8.81 9.4 as Scotophilus heathii, commonly called the Asiatic Wing span 375 380 Greater Yellow House Bat belonging to the largest family Weight 36 g 36.5g of bats called Vespertilionidae. Members of this family are referred to as Evening Bats. These bats have long After taking measurements, we allowed the two bats to fly tails almost completely clothed by a sheet of skin called in a room and recorded their call. The call was frantic interfemoral membrane. The pair we had collected turned and continuous at about 40kh range. The calls were more out to be a male and female who looked the same size. to determine escape routes and/or anxiety. This call is The characters that helped us get an idea of the species presented as a wave file in the supplement to this note on identity were the brightly yellow-coloured ventral, the tail the web site at www.zoosprint.org (File 1*). Please note almost completely sheathed and the very obvious and that this call is not to be taken for species identification as long tragus in the ear. Measurements of the important it is not its natural prey-call or in flight hunting call. When morphological attributes (compiled in the Table 1) we released the bat outside at dusk, we recorded the call matched the characteristic matrix for the species. as the bat flew away and that showed a difference in the Measurements were taken with a digital vernier caliper intensity of calling, in the frequency and inter-call interval and the weight with a spring balance. (File 2*). This call also should not be taken as a reference for species identification. The two calls are provided just These measurements fall within the range of measures to indicate and document the difference in calls of this provided in Bates & Harrison (1997) for Scotophilus particular species. The in flight call while the bat hunts for heathii. This species was first described by Horsfield in its prey is the one that should be used for species 1831 from Madras (the exact locality is not known, identification. Since we did not have a standardized probably Madras presidency). Since then it has been recording set up for that, we were unable to do so. The recorded from almost all over India. This ‘common’ bat is distress calls were recorded using BatBoxTM recorded from all the South Asian countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – except Maldives. It has been observed in Bengaluru before. This note is with the intention of 1Dy. Director, Zoo Outreach Organisation adding to the data available along with morphometrics. email : [email protected] 2 Bates & Harrison (1997) note that although this species is Founder, Go WILD Workshops email : [email protected] widespread and occurs worldwide, the 1990s survey by 3 J.P. Nagar, Bangalore email: [email protected] 47 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007 BAT NET & CCINSA Change CCINSA logo ? Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South Asia (CCINSA)

CCINSA is a network of South Asian Chiroptera specialists, educators and enthusiasts. The network aims to enhance communication, cooperation and collaboration among chiroptera specialists of this region and thereby create a chiroptera conservation “community” for better biodiversity conservation.

Sripati Kandula: Chair Sally Walker: Convenor and Administrator Sanjay Molur: Red List and Technical Expert This stylised drawing, highly appropriate and attractive for a BAT NET is a bi-annual Newsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation logo, has a problem. It is the and Information Network of South Asia (CCINSA) and the CSG in head of Otomops wroughtonii the South Asia. BAT NET is published for private circulation only. cave bat that was thought to be endemic to a rather small locality Sally Walker: Editor BAT NET in Karnataka and categorised as Sanjay Molur, B.A. Daniel, R. Marimuthu, Latha Ravikumar, Pravin Kumar: highly threatened due to its Technical Advisors and Publication Assistants restricted distribution and multiple threats from mining, etc. CCINSA & BAT NET, c/o Zoo Outreach Organisation 29/1 First Cross, Bharathi Colony, Peelamedu, Now, other populations of Coimbatore 641004 Tamil Nadu INDIA Otomops have been found, cited Phone: 91 422 2561087; Fax 2563 269; and published and its probability Email: Websites: www.zooreach.org, of survival has undoubtedly www.zoosprint.org; wwwpterocount.org; www.southasiantaxa.org improved as a result.

International Partners of CCINSA We adopted it for the logo of CCINSA due to its highly Bat Conservation International BCI threatened status. Do we still has awarded CCINSA / ZOO a special three- want it to represent CCINSA now year contract to conduct public education, that its propects for survival as a field training and conservation workshops and network batters both species have been improved ? potential and actual for BCI in this region. BCI is one of the most Its a nice looking logo I think and active, innovative and respected bat conservation organisations in one hates to change something the world. See BCI’s wonderful website: www.batcon.org like a logo. Maybe we could just change the “story”. Chester Zoo Conservation Fund supports CCINSA office and BAT NET newsletter. Chester Now, instead of severe Zoo, which has an outstanding facility for exhibition & endangerment as the story breeding of bats and an active conservation interest in behind the symbol we could chiroptera is located in Upton on Chester in England and focus attention on poorly studied administered by the North of England Zoological Society. See their species. It is amazing that website: www.chesterzoo.org Otomops populations were located in such far away places IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group as Meghalaya and Vietnam! CSG CCINSA represents the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist IUCN SSC Group in the region of South Asia. CSG utilises the CCINSA Maybe the Otomops story can Network to locate specialists in different subject areas, to organise symbolise the importance of technical as well as conservation assessment workshops and other continued surveys and our activities to assist the CSG in their mission. Contact Chair Paul Racey: celebration of the recently found [email protected] populations. If you have an opinion on Otomops write to us. CCINSA is an activity of Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO) S.Walker and Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) in association with CBSG, South Asia and RSG, South Asia.

Note : ZOOS’ PRINT Magazine, Journal, Newsletters and a variety of reports can be found on our website: www.zoosprint.org. 48 BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 8, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2007