BAT NET NEWSLETTER - ZOO'S PRINT...Bat Data put up on new ZOO/WILD South Asian Taxa Website Š...

BAT NET - CCINSA NewsletterBAT NET - CCINSA NewsletterBAT NET - CCINSA NewsletterBAT NET - CCINSA NewsletterBAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter Volume 7, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2006Volume 7, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2006Volume 7, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2006Volume 7, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 2006Volume 7, Number 1-2, Jan-Dec 20061

Newsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South AsiaNewsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South AsiaNewsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South AsiaNewsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South AsiaNewsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South AsiaCCINSA and the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia (CSGSA)CCINSA and the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia (CSGSA)CCINSA and the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia (CSGSA)CCINSA and the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia (CSGSA)CCINSA and the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia (CSGSA)

BAT NET NEWSLETTERBAT NET NEWSLETTERBAT NET NEWSLETTERBAT NET NEWSLETTERBAT NET NEWSLETTER

Volume 7, Number 1-2Volume 7, Number 1-2Volume 7, Number 1-2Volume 7, Number 1-2Volume 7, Number 1-2 Jan-Dec 2006Jan-Dec 2006Jan-Dec 2006Jan-Dec 2006Jan-Dec 2006

ContentsContentsContentsContentsContentsZOO and CCINSA Bat Conservation International BCI Liaison forSouth Asia, P. 2

Report on the training in Field techniques for the study of Volantand Non-volant small mammals Randenigala, Sri Lanka by Wipula B.Yapa, Sampath Goonathilage, P.O. Nameer, R. Marimuthu and B.A.Daniel, Pp. 3-8

Project PteroCount - South Asian Bat Monitoring Programme,Pteropus giganteus Population Monitoring Project, Pp. 9-13

Bat Data put up on new ZOO/WILD South Asian Taxa Website �Threatened Taxa Monitoring System for South Asian Fauna, Floraand Fungi (www.southasiantaxa.org), P. 14

Bat Festival 2006, P. 15

Report of Bat Club of Megamix activities, P. 15-16

Nature Club Surat study bats, P. 16

Zoo Education Programme on Bats Conservation at Maitri Baug Zoo,P. 17

A Report on the Bats �N Rats Activity Session in the TCS ChildrensSummer Camp, May 16-20, 2005, P. 18

Distribution of Roosting and Survival Threats of Bat in PokharaValley with reference to Species and Population Survey at ChamereGupha by Pushpa Raj Acharya, P. 18

Current Members of Chiroptera Conservation and InformationNetwork of South Asia, Pp. 19-22

Profile of one of our own -- Sanjay Molur R.V., Pp. 23-24

CCINSA/NATURE Bat Clubs, Kathmandu, Nepal, Geeta Shrestha,P. 25-26

Opportunistic Survey of Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus(Brunnich, 1982) by K. R. Senacha, Pp. 27-29

Solitary or non-territorial adult males in bats: Are �Making the bestof a bad job�? by T. Karuppudurai, N. Gopukumar and K. Sripathi,Pp. 30-33

Practical Science to enable fruit bats to survive, P. 33

Status and Threats of Bats in Pokhara Valley, Nepal by Sujas PrasadPhuyal and Shree Prasad Dhoubhadel, Pp. 34-36

An Overview of the Bats in Sallaghari, Bhaktapur by Rajesh Rajchal,P. 37

Report on CCINSA Sarah Tucker Branch Activities 2005-2006,Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Pp. 38-40

Announcing the First International South East Asian Bat Conference,P. 39

Conservation status of bats of Andhra Pradesh: Their niche, habitatrequirements and threats by Bhargavi Srinivasulu, C. Srinivasulu* andV. Nagulu, Pp. 41-42

Editorial and text from a wall magazine �Mero Chamero� (My Bat)from one of CCINSA�s newest members from Nepal, P. 42

Foraging Rousettus leschenaulti (Fulvous Fruit Bat) Is A BioagentControlling Black Sooty Mold on Plants, J. Vanitharani, A.Arulsundari and M. Vijaya, P. 43

Greetings to Readers

This issue of BAT Net � CCINSA�s newsletter �islate but long, with many articles and reports, newsitems and announcements for making your battingbetter. A lot is going on in South Asia for batsthese days. Nepal is simmering with bactivity ...there are several new researchers conductingstudies, starting bat clubs, organising training, etc.and creating a community of bacademics. Thereare also reasons to think that Pakistan is on theverge of a wave of activity. Sri Lanka conducted afield techniques training which is reported in thisissue. Bangladesh had one last year. India hasproduced a range of new bat projects, such asPterocount, the first attempt to monitor the GiantFruit Bat throughout the region with a great dealof enthusiastic volunteer help, new educationactivities such as a colour poster featuring fruitbats, and a website with all our bat informationincluded. Now, all the countries of South Asiaseems to have its bat community with theexception of Nepal. We have to work harderthere.

One of the important events of the year forCCINSA has been that Bat ConservationInternational asked us to represent them in SouthAsia. BCI, along with Chester Zoo, has been verygenerous over the years to provide us with fundsfor education, field techniques training, andconservation assessment workshops. We are happyto be more closely allied with them.

Finally, we were pleased to learn that theChiroptera Specialist Group of IUCN SSC wascontinued when many of the specialist groups weredropped.

We look forward to an active and productive yearwith our old and new members of CCINSA.


Bat Conservation International, BCI, is theformost and most active Chiropteraconservation organisation in the world. Itsfounder and President, Merlin Tuttle is oneof the most active and respected batexperts and probably the most dynamicactivist for bat conservation today.

BCI has awarded Zoo Outreach Organisation and CCINSAa number of grants for conservation assessment workshops,public education and field techniques training over the lastfew years and, along with Chester Zoological Gardens haveenabled CCINSA to be constantly busy doing something orother for bats. BCI has acknowledged our efforts in itsexcellent BATS Newsletter and in personalcommunications. Now, Bat Conservation International hasgiven perhaps the ultimate honour to ZOO and CCINSA aswell as Chester Zoo, by requesting us to represent BCI inSouth Asia as �Bat Conservation International South AsiaLiaison�. This is a singular honour and one which we takevery seriously.

As our members and readers know ZOO and CCINSArepresent the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group inSouth Asia and like to think that Chester Zoo would alsopermit us to make the same claim with respect to them. Thisis a winning combination for all, we believe, ZOO CCINSAworking to help IUCN SSC CSG, BCI and Chester work moreeffectively in all countries of South Asia.

With this year�s grants from BCI and Chester, ZOO/CCINSA will do the following activities :

Chester will sponsor CCINSA NetworkChester will sponsor CCINSA NetworkChester will sponsor CCINSA NetworkChester will sponsor CCINSA NetworkChester will sponsor CCINSA Networkcoordination, data collection and Training� Communication, newsletter,� maintenence of directory and website, organisation oflobbying, communication,� Pterocount correspondence and some web work� Field Techniques training (shared with BCI and possiblyother sponsors)

BCI will sponsor Public Education and TrainingBCI will sponsor Public Education and TrainingBCI will sponsor Public Education and TrainingBCI will sponsor Public Education and TrainingBCI will sponsor Public Education and Training� a modified series of bat packets and �drama kits� formore meaningful education and also educating rural peopleand local communities,� provide colour scientfic illustrations for our bat CAMP /TTMS data base on our website www.southasiantaxa.organd for Project Pterocount www.pterocount.org.� produce a colour poster of S. Asian fruit bats forassisting with Pterocount, a regional volunteer count ofPteroptus giganteus

Training (shared with Chester Zoo) - continue fieldtechniques training for countries and areas not covered(shared with Chester Zoo).

Our responsibilities to BCI include also mid-term and finalprogress reports, provision of high quality photos ofsponsored activities for their use, provision of populararticle (on request) for BATS.

Needless to say, such support encourages us to think aheadand another Chiroptera CAMP or Red Listing exercise toincorporate work done since 2002 CAMP is very much inour thoughts. Thanks to our major collaborators : ChesterZoo, BCI, Chester, and IUCN SSC CSG

ZOO and CCINSA Bat Conservation International BCI Liaison for South Asia

Bat Photographs Urgently neededZoo Outreach Organisation and CCINSA have beenawarded a grant to represent Bat ConservationInternational in South Asia for a three year period. Partof the proposal is a project to illustrate the ThreatenedTaxa Monitoring Systems TTMS website, ChiropteraCAMP data section with drawings and/or photographsof all bats. This is a formidable task as bats are not easyto photograph and perhaps there are many bats whichhave never been photographed, or drawn from life.

We have a few black and white illustrations of batswhich we have contracted with Arnab Roy, our officialZOO artist, but now we have to systematically attemptto contract colour illustrations of all the bats of SouthAsia. These will be put up on our TTMS website as andwhen each drawing is completed so that bat biologistscan comment on its accuracy and watch the progress ofthis challenging project.

Those of you who have photographs of bats which showsufficient detail to use as a model for a colour scientificquality drawing, are urged to kindly donate thesephotographs for our use. Our budget covers the artists�fees but will not cover purchase of photos. You will, ofcourse, receive full credit for your photograph any timeit is used by us and on the website.

Read more about TTMS on page 14 of this newsletterand send us your photographs as soon as you can. Wewill start this project immediately.

CSGCSGCSGCSGCSGIUCN SSCIUCN SSCIUCN SSCIUCN SSCIUCN SSC


BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackgroundFrom 29th October to 3rd November, 2005 a trainingexercise was conducted in Sri Lanka by CCINSA incollaboration with RILSCINSA, networks for smallmammals based in India assisted ably by local organisations.In continuation of the capacity building exercises to ensurethat there will be sufficient scientifically trained manpowerin the South Asian region to carry out the uphill task ofdocumentation, monitoring and conservation of smallmammals of the region, the Chiroptera ConservationInformation Network of South Asia (CCINSA) and Rodent,Insectivore, Lagomorph and Scandent ConservationInformation Network of South Asia (RILSCINSA)organised a training workshop in the �Field techniques forthe study of Volant and Non-volant small mammals� atRandenigala, Sri Lanka. This one was the 8th in the series.Before this we have had three in India, three in Pakistan andone in Bangladesh.

The programme was held at Training, Research, Educationand Extension (TREE) Centre, Randenigala, Sri Lanka andwas jointly organised by the Zoo Outreach Organisation,India, CBSG, South Asia and the Department of Zoology,University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, in collaboration withCCINSA, RILSCINSA and WILD (Wildlife InformationLiaison Development Society). The venue of the workshopwas an excellent setting at the TREE Centre in Randenigala,which in turn is located in one of the protected areas of SriLanka, viz. �Victoria-Randenigala-Rantambe wildlifesanctuary, which incidentally is the largest protected area inSri Lanka. The habitat of the area is predominantly scrubjungle to dry deciduous forests. The programme wassponsored by Chester Zoo, U.K., Bat ConservationInternational, U.S.A., Knowsley Safari Park, U.K. Dr. MikeJordan, Curator of Higher Vertebrates, Chester Zoo andDr. Paul Racey, Regius Professor, University of Aberdeen,U.K. were the main resource persons of the workshop.

All the participants and resource persons arrived at thevenue on 29th October 2005 evening by 7 and straightaway we commenced the session with a brief inaugural. Dr.Wipula Yapa, Senior Lecturer of University of Colombo,welcomed the participants and the resource persons, Dr.B.A. Daniel, introduced the resource persons and then hadthe �icebreaker�, with a small activity called �sound off�.

Day 1: The technical session began with the lecture by MikeJordan, who introduced the biodiversity of the non-volantsmall mammals of the orders Rodentia, Insectivora,

Report on the training in Field techniques for the study of Volant and Non-volant small mammals Randenigala, Sri Lanka.Wipula B. Yapa, Sampath Goonathilage, P.O. Nameer, R. Marimuthu and B.A. DanielWipula B. Yapa, Sampath Goonathilage, P.O. Nameer, R. Marimuthu and B.A. DanielWipula B. Yapa, Sampath Goonathilage, P.O. Nameer, R. Marimuthu and B.A. DanielWipula B. Yapa, Sampath Goonathilage, P.O. Nameer, R. Marimuthu and B.A. DanielWipula B. Yapa, Sampath Goonathilage, P.O. Nameer, R. Marimuthu and B.A. Daniel

Lagomorpha and Scandentia. He stressed upon the disparityand the neglect that is being received by small mammals, inspite of the fact that they account for about 55% of themammals of the world. The rodents are generallyconsidered as pests, this is in spite of the fact that only 10to 15 species (<1%) are major pests. However, many ofthem are threatened with extinction. The diversity amongthe rodent group was well explained through slides by givingexamples from Muridae, Sciuridae, Acomidae,Heteromyidae, Dipodidae, Geomyidae, Castomyidae andHystricidae; the insectivore families such as Soricidae,Erinaceidae, Talpidae, Tenrecidae and Chrysocholidae.

This was followed by Mike�s second presentation ondifferent types of traps used for the study of the rodents.He explained about the live and single capture traps such asSherman traps of varying dimensions, big wire mesh traps(also known as FAWS Trap� Forest And Wildlife ServiceTrap) etc. He also explained about the multi-capture trapssuch as UGLAN trap. The small mammals, beingnocturnal, small and cryptic can only be studied bytrapping. While setting the traps "One has to think like asmall mammals", says Mike. He explained in detail withsuitable examples, the number of traps required for thestudy of small mammals, place to set up traps and alsominor details of successful trapping experiments such asspace requirements and time of setting up the traps. LaterMike explained about the handling and welfare issues whilestudying both volant and non-volant small mammals. Whilehandling the animals the primary aim should be �safety to

Dr. Mike Jordan gives an introduction in the field beforeDr. Mike Jordan gives an introduction in the field beforeDr. Mike Jordan gives an introduction in the field beforeDr. Mike Jordan gives an introduction in the field beforeDr. Mike Jordan gives an introduction in the field beforesetting trapssetting trapssetting trapssetting trapssetting traps


the animals as well as to the personwho is handling�. Mike told that theadvantages of handling volant andnon-volant small mammals includespecies identification, sexing, marking,weighing, determination of the age,breeding condition etc. He alsoexplained how these are done.Different types of marking the volantand non-volant small mammals weretold by Mike and Paul.

Field session: Mike demonstrated thepreparation of bait for setting thetraps. Afterwards all the participantswere taken to a nearby scrub junglepatch for the demonstration of settingtraps. 30 traps were set and another15 were set near the kitchen/canteenat the base camp.

Day 2: The day started with checking

the traps set the previous day. It wasa disappointment since most of thetraps set were disturbed by the wildMacaques. However, one specimen ofRattus rattus was caught in one of thetraps set on the tree. Mike explainedin detail on the problems that thegroup encountered for a successfultrapping. Alternative methods werediscussed. He also demonstrated thehandling techniques, identification andmarking of the species using thetrapped specimen before releasing itback in to the wild.

The technical session on the secondday started with the presentation ofPaul Racey, who gave a vividintroduction of bats, their generalfeatures, evolution, taxonomy,distribution, feeding ecology,echolocation and conservation.

He then discussed about the surveytechniques and study of bats. Hestressed the need for the survey of thebats of the tropics, particularly SouthAsia, as there is very little informationavailable on the bats of the region.Different types of nets to survey batssuch as mist nets, harp nets, canopynets, bat detectors, flick net etc wereexplained. To collect the bats at roostslarge butterfly nets can be used. Paulalso explained about the foragingstrategy of different species/families ofbats.

Paul explained about the use ofdichotomous key and character matrixfor the identification of bats in thefield. He explained about sexing,breeding condition of the bats such aslactating or not and pregnant or notetc, and estimating the age of the bats.

Field session: Three mist nets were setin and around the different buildingsof the TREE centre. However, no batswere caught. Bats were however, seenflying all over there. In many instancesthey came very close to the mist net,but managed to avoid the nets.

Day 3: Field session: The day startedwith checking the traps. One Rattusrattus was caught from the naturalforest patch and a Mus booduga wascaught near the auditorium of TREEcentre. The latter was caught inmultiple capture trap, which actually isquite good for small body sizedanimals. Mike demonstrated handling,weighing, sexing, measuring,photographing releasing the animals.In the afternoon session of trapchecking a Funambulus palmarum wascaught, processed and released.

Paul Racey started the technicalsession on the third day by explainingthe different methods of marking thebats, such as temporary marking(marker pen, nail varnish), permanentmarking (forearm bands/rings,necklace, tattooing, bleaching the furetc). Study of the foraging behaviour

Paul Racey loops the mist net to the side pole.Paul Racey loops the mist net to the side pole.Paul Racey loops the mist net to the side pole.Paul Racey loops the mist net to the side pole.Paul Racey loops the mist net to the side pole.


of the bats, radio tracking studies, useof bat detectors etc were explained byPaul.

Nameer Ommer demonstrated thedry skin preservation techniques(carding) and preparation of the skullfor storage in the museum. Voucherspecimens are of extreme importancein the study of small mammals. Ithelps us to sort out taxonomical issuessuch as the identity of the species.Some of the advantages of carding,when compared to that of wetpreservation are:a) it helps to retainthe original colour and the shape ofthe animal for a longer period of time,to a great extent; and b) it help us saveconsiderable space in the lab ormuseum. Moreover, it is also a verysimple technique that can be doneright in the middle of the forest/fieldstation. All that is required is a pair ofscissors and borax powder.

Participant�s presentations:Participant�s presentations:Participant�s presentations:Participant�s presentations:Participant�s presentations:Maththegama Ralalage ManoriPrasanthika Nandasena Goonathilakedetailed about the findings of herPh.D. dissertation on �Activity budgetin diurnal roost of the False Vampirebat, Megaderma lyra". She studied acolony of 120 bats, and recordedvarious behavioural aspects.

Pradana Mudiyanselage ChandrasekaraBandara Digana explained about theresults of his Ph.D. dissertation on�Survey of bats of Sri Lanka�. Hesurveyed 18 districts of Sri Lanka,located > 500 roosts, and identified20 species.

Field session: During the mist nettingsession in the evening two bats werecaught out of the three mist nets kept.Paul Racey explained the method ofprocessing the collected bats, includinghandling, removing the bats from themist nets, recording themeasurements, sexing, estimating theage, the reproductive condition of thebats etc. He also explained how toidentify the bats. The bats caught were

identified as Pipistrellus coromandraand Hipposideros speoris.

Day 4: Field session: The day startedwith checking the Sherman traps. OneRattus rattus and Mus booduga werecaught. The handling and processingof the animals were demonstrated byMike.

The technical session of the day wasstarted by the presentation by PaulRacey on the dietary studies of thebats, wherein he explained aboutdifferent techniques to study thedietary preferences of both fruit batsand insect bats.

This was followed by a paneldiscussion on survey protocols ofvolant and non-volant small mammals.The discussion was led by Paul Raceyand Mike Jordan, during the course ofwhich they answered different fieldrelated questions of the participants.

Mike Jordan illustrated about theimportance of small mammalconservation with several examples.He explained about the threats to thesmall mammals such as habitat loss,introduction of alien and invasivespecies, predation, disease, habitatdestruction, habitat degradation, all ofwhich lead to habitat fragmentation.Defragmenting the population usingrecolonisation and reintroduction is away out for the conservation of smallmammals under severe threat. Mikealso told that out of the 83 species ofmammals that were extinct over thepast 500 years, 75% are smallmammals.

Wipula Bandara Yapa madepresentation on an �Introduction toSri Lankan Mammals� with particularemphasis on small mammals. This wasfollowed by a presentation by NameerOmmer on the CAMP process andthe results of the CAMP on smallmammals conducted by ZOO/CBSG

Nameer demonstrates the dry skin preservation techniquesNameer demonstrates the dry skin preservation techniquesNameer demonstrates the dry skin preservation techniquesNameer demonstrates the dry skin preservation techniquesNameer demonstrates the dry skin preservation techniques


South Asia on small mammals during 2002 and 2004 onvolant and non-volant small mammals respectively.

Field session: The evening mist netting was done on thebank of the Mahaveli River, which incidentally is the largestriver in Sri Lanka. The river was dammed at Randenigala.Mist nets were set across the Minipe canal, just underneathone of the bridges across the Minipe canal. There was aroost below the bridge and within about 30 minutes ofsetting the net we caught six bats. These bats wereprocessed in the field itself by Paul Racey. He explained theuse of identification keys, and also the key prepared bySampath de Alwis Goonatilake was used. With the help ofthe different keys, we reached up to the genus of the speciescaught, as Myotis. It was identified either as Myotis hasseltiior Myotis horsfieldii. Sampath and Yapa are studying thecranial and dental characters of the bats to confirm the

identity. If it Myotis hasseltii then it is a rediscovery of thespecies after Phillips who located it in 1930s and if it isMyotus horsfieldii it will be a new record for the country.

One of the net was kept across a trail passing through theforest patch. One Cynopterus sphinx was caught in that net.

Day 5: B.A. Daniel explained about the various educationactivities of Zoo Outreach Organisation, particularly thoserelated to small mammals.

Mike, Paul and Nameer then led a discussion onconservation recommendation of small mammals drawingexamples from the IUCN Red list categories of smallmammals of Sri Lanka. They pointed out the lack of ourknowledge about the known species of small mammals ofSri Lanka and warrant more studies on them. One of the

Paul explains the technique of setting up mist nets to participantsPaul explains the technique of setting up mist nets to participantsPaul explains the technique of setting up mist nets to participantsPaul explains the technique of setting up mist nets to participantsPaul explains the technique of setting up mist nets to participants


main reasons for the conduct of this training workshop herein Sri Lanka is to equip young researchers to take up thischallenge.

This was followed by a discussion on sources of funding forstudies on small mammals, which was led by Paul and Mike.They have given the details including the web site address ofvarious funding agencies that would be interested in fundingstudies on small mammals.

During the valedictory function all the participants wereasked to give commitment to take up some activitiestowards conservation of bats and rodents. All participantsreceived a certificate of appreciation and a CD containing allpresentations of the resource persons and related literature.Dr. Wipula Yapa thanked all the participants for theirinterest shown in attending the workshop. He also thankedthe Zoo Outreach Organisation, particularly Sally Walkerfor the visionary zeal of organising this kind of trainingworkshop in different regions of South Asia, which would

definitely have a long standing impact on the conservationof small mammals of the region in the years to come. Yapaalso thanked the resource persons for their time and effortto go over to Sri Lanka to train the young biologists of thecountry.

Paul and Mike in the filed concluding remarks of the dayPaul and Mike in the filed concluding remarks of the dayPaul and Mike in the filed concluding remarks of the dayPaul and Mike in the filed concluding remarks of the dayPaul and Mike in the filed concluding remarks of the day

Workshop ParticipantsWorkshop ParticipantsWorkshop ParticipantsWorkshop ParticipantsWorkshop Participants

The ongoing small mammal training in South Asiaconducted collaboratively by CCINSA and RILSCINSA issponsored by

Chester Zoological Gardens, U.K. (Bats)

Bat Conservation International, U.S.A. (Bats)

Knowsley Safari Park, U. K. (Rodents)


Field Techniques Hands on Training workshop on Survey of Small MammalsField Techniques Hands on Training workshop on Survey of Small MammalsField Techniques Hands on Training workshop on Survey of Small MammalsField Techniques Hands on Training workshop on Survey of Small MammalsField Techniques Hands on Training workshop on Survey of Small MammalsList of Participants -- List of Participants -- List of Participants -- List of Participants -- List of Participants -- Network Contact Information: CCINSA and RILSCINSANetwork Contact Information: CCINSA and RILSCINSANetwork Contact Information: CCINSA and RILSCINSANetwork Contact Information: CCINSA and RILSCINSANetwork Contact Information: CCINSA and RILSCINSA

U. Tiran AbeyawardhanaU. Tiran AbeyawardhanaU. Tiran AbeyawardhanaU. Tiran AbeyawardhanaU. Tiran AbeyawardhanaDepartment of BotanyUniversity of PeradeniyaPeradeniya, Sri [email protected]

Muthumunige DulanMuthumunige DulanMuthumunige DulanMuthumunige DulanMuthumunige DulanChandana AselaChandana AselaChandana AselaChandana AselaChandana AselaIUCN-The WorldConservation UnionSri Lanka Office53. Horton Place, Colombo-07, Sri [email protected]

P.M.C. Bandara DiganaP.M.C. Bandara DiganaP.M.C. Bandara DiganaP.M.C. Bandara DiganaP.M.C. Bandara DiganaDepartment of ZoologyUniversity of ColomboColombo-03, Sri [email protected]

M.A.A. Buddhika DilhanM.A.A. Buddhika DilhanM.A.A. Buddhika DilhanM.A.A. Buddhika DilhanM.A.A. Buddhika DilhanIFS-Sam Popham Arboretum2nd Mile Post, KandalamaRoad, Dambulla, Sri [email protected]

Saminda PrasadSaminda PrasadSaminda PrasadSaminda PrasadSaminda PrasadFernandoFernandoFernandoFernandoFernandoDepartment of ZoologyUniversity of ColomboColombo-3, Sri [email protected]

Maththegama RalalageMaththegama RalalageMaththegama RalalageMaththegama RalalageMaththegama RalalageManori PrasanthikaManori PrasanthikaManori PrasanthikaManori PrasanthikaManori PrasanthikaNandasena Goonathi lakeNandasena Goonathi lakeNandasena Goonathi lakeNandasena Goonathi lakeNandasena Goonathi lakeNational MuseumDepartmentColombo 07, Sri [email protected]

Sujan MadurangaSujan MadurangaSujan MadurangaSujan MadurangaSujan MadurangaHenkanaththegedaraHenkanaththegedaraHenkanaththegedaraHenkanaththegedaraHenkanaththegedaraDepartment of ZoologyUniversity of KelaniyaDelugama, Kelaniya, [email protected]

A.L JayasuriyaA.L JayasuriyaA.L JayasuriyaA.L JayasuriyaA.L JayasuriyaWildlife Office9th Mile PostRantembe, Sri LankaTel: +94 55 2245744

Koggala M. SenarathKoggala M. SenarathKoggala M. SenarathKoggala M. SenarathKoggala M. SenarathAsitha Saman KumaraAsitha Saman KumaraAsitha Saman KumaraAsitha Saman KumaraAsitha Saman KumaraEnasal Wattha, YalpathwelaWelimada, Sri [email protected]

Menaka Nelum KumaraMenaka Nelum KumaraMenaka Nelum KumaraMenaka Nelum KumaraMenaka Nelum KumaraPath i ragePath i ragePath i ragePath i ragePath i rageNational Zoological GardenAnagarika DharmapalaMawathaDehiwala, Sri [email protected]

Thelge DhanushkaThelge DhanushkaThelge DhanushkaThelge DhanushkaThelge DhanushkaPriyadarshana PeirisPriyadarshana PeirisPriyadarshana PeirisPriyadarshana PeirisPriyadarshana PeirisDepartment of ZoologyUniversity of ColomboColombo-03, Sri Lanka [email protected]

Merennage SandunMerennage SandunMerennage SandunMerennage SandunMerennage SandunJayalal PereraJayalal PereraJayalal PereraJayalal PereraJayalal PereraIUCN Sri Lanka Office53. Horton Place, Colombo-07, Sri [email protected]/[email protected]

Pal lawela GamagePal lawela GamagePal lawela GamagePal lawela GamagePal lawela GamageDayani RatnanayakeDayani RatnanayakeDayani RatnanayakeDayani RatnanayakeDayani RatnanayakePereraPereraPereraPereraPerera74/8 Suhada Mawatha,Mahalwarawa,Pannipitiya, Sri [email protected]

Vidana Arachchi lageVidana Arachchi lageVidana Arachchi lageVidana Arachchi lageVidana Arachchi lageMadura Pradeep KumaraMadura Pradeep KumaraMadura Pradeep KumaraMadura Pradeep KumaraMadura Pradeep KumaraSamarawickramaSamarawickramaSamarawickramaSamarawickramaSamarawickramaDepartment of ZoologyUniversity of PeradeniyaPeradeniya, Sri [email protected]

Sudusinghe HakmanaSudusinghe HakmanaSudusinghe HakmanaSudusinghe HakmanaSudusinghe HakmanaDurage SanjeewaDurage SanjeewaDurage SanjeewaDurage SanjeewaDurage SanjeewaSenawirathneSenawirathneSenawirathneSenawirathneSenawirathneDepartment of ZoologyUniversity of RuhunaMatara, Sri Lanka

D. Geethal RamyanathD. Geethal RamyanathD. Geethal RamyanathD. Geethal RamyanathD. Geethal RamyanathSir imannaSir imannaSir imannaSir imannaSir imannaDepartment of BotanyUniversity of Peradeniya

Peradeniya, Sri [email protected]

Aravind VenkatesanAravind VenkatesanAravind VenkatesanAravind VenkatesanAravind Venkatesan746, 17th A Cross, 37th MainJ.P. Nagar, 6th PhaseBangalore-560078Karnataka, [email protected]

V.K. Manoj VidyaratneV.K. Manoj VidyaratneV.K. Manoj VidyaratneV.K. Manoj VidyaratneV.K. Manoj VidyaratneWildlife Office9th Mile PostRantambe, Sri Lanka

Weerarathna ArachiWeerarathna ArachiWeerarathna ArachiWeerarathna ArachiWeerarathna ArachiPatabediga PubuduPatabediga PubuduPatabediga PubuduPatabediga PubuduPatabediga PubuduDarshanaDarshanaDarshanaDarshanaDarshanaWeerarathnaWeerarathnaWeerarathnaWeerarathnaWeerarathnaYoung Zoologists AssociationNational Zoological GardensDehiwala-Colombo, Sri [email protected]

Thiththala Pit ige RekhanThiththala Pit ige RekhanThiththala Pit ige RekhanThiththala Pit ige RekhanThiththala Pit ige RekhanShamika WijesingheShamika WijesingheShamika WijesingheShamika WijesingheShamika WijesingheDepartment of ZoologyUniversity of RuhunaMatara, Sri Lanka [email protected]

AmuhengodageAmuhengodageAmuhengodageAmuhengodageAmuhengodageChaminda JagathpriyaChaminda JagathpriyaChaminda JagathpriyaChaminda JagathpriyaChaminda JagathpriyaWimalarathnaWimalarathnaWimalarathnaWimalarathnaWimalarathna293/A MakevitaJa-Ela, Sri [email protected]

HostsHostsHostsHostsHostsWipula Bandara YapaWipula Bandara YapaWipula Bandara YapaWipula Bandara YapaWipula Bandara YapaSenior LecturerDepartment of Zoology,University of ColomboColombo 3, Sri [email protected]

Sampath de AlwisSampath de AlwisSampath de AlwisSampath de AlwisSampath de AlwisGoonat i l akeGoonat i l akeGoonat i l akeGoonat i l akeGoonat i l akeRedlist Compiler (Fauna)IUCN-The WorldConservation UnionSri Lanka Office53. Horton Place, Colombo-07, Sri [email protected]

Resource persons:Resource persons:Resource persons:Resource persons:Resource persons:Paul A. RaceyPaul A. RaceyPaul A. RaceyPaul A. RaceyPaul A. RaceyRigius Professor of NaturalHistorySchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenTillydrone AvenueAberdeen AB242TZ, [email protected],[email protected]

Mike JordonMike JordonMike JordonMike JordonMike JordonCurator of Higher StudiesNorth of England ZoologicalSocietyChester Zoo, Upton, ChesterCH2 1LH, [email protected]

Nameer, P. OmmerNameer, P. OmmerNameer, P. OmmerNameer, P. OmmerNameer, P. OmmerAssistant ProfessorDepartment of WildlifeSciencesCollege of ForestryKerala AgriculturalUniversityThrissur. Kerala 680 656,[email protected]

Zoo OutreachZoo OutreachZoo OutreachZoo OutreachZoo OutreachOrganisat ion, IndiaOrganisat ion, IndiaOrganisat ion, IndiaOrganisat ion, IndiaOrganisat ion, IndiaB.A. DanielB.A. DanielB.A. DanielB.A. DanielB.A. DanielScientist29/1 Bharathi ColonyPeelademu Coimbatore TN641004, [email protected]

R. MarimuthuR. MarimuthuR. MarimuthuR. MarimuthuR. MarimuthuEducation Officer29/1 Bharathi ColonyPeelademu Coimbatore TN641004, [email protected]


South Asian Bat Monitoring ProgrammeSouth Asian Bat Monitoring ProgrammeSouth Asian Bat Monitoring ProgrammeSouth Asian Bat Monitoring ProgrammeSouth Asian Bat Monitoring ProgrammePteropus giganteusPteropus giganteusPteropus giganteusPteropus giganteusPteropus giganteus Population Monitoring Project Population Monitoring Project Population Monitoring Project Population Monitoring Project Population Monitoring Project

OverviewOverviewOverviewOverviewOverviewThe South Asian Bat Monitoring Programme aims to createawareness about bat conservation issues, involve andeducate biologists and nature-lovers in studies about thebiology of bats, and establish a conservation action plan.The Programme will initially focus on one species, theIndian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) as it is the mostknown and recognizable bat species in South Asia.

The programme is based on a collection of volunteers froma broad range of backgrounds who have identified Pteropusroosts in their area and have committed to studying theroost and obtaining population information on a regularbasis. It consists entirely of volunteers and is the first suchnetwork to monitor the population of a species in SouthAsia. The information from all these sites will be compiledand analyzed for trends in the population of Pteropusgiganteus, identify key threats to roosts and providerecommendations for their conservation.

BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackgroundLittle is known about the population status of Pteropus orany other bat species in any country of South Asia. Whilewe have a good idea of the number of species, and limitedinformation about their distribution, the actual numbers ofindividuals of each species remain an unknown.

It is difficult to assess whether a species requires anyconservation measures without reliable populationestimates. That is, unless one cannot show that apopulation is declining or under threat of decline, onecannot create a plan to conserve it.

Although there are anecdotal accounts which indicate thatpopulations and roosts of many bat species are decreasing,there is no hard evidence. There is thus an urgent need toassess the populations of bats and to monitor them on aregular basis to determine population trends.

Bat populations face some of the same threats that otherspecies do, including direct disturbance by humans, habitatloss, and limited roosting sites.

Pteropus giganteus, the Indian flying fox, is an ideal firstcandidate to study population trends because it:� is the only large pteropodid on the subcontinent and iseasily identified� is visible during day

� is large and easy to count� often roots near humans� is often easy to acquire historical information aboutroost from locals (like age of roost, behaviour of theanimals and population trends)

ObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectives� To establish an organised group of individuals thatmonitors Pteropus roosts and provides information onpopulation size as well as threats.� To have a significant number of participants throughoutSouth Asia� To establish long term data on roost size, fidelity, etc.� To collate this information and analyze the data fortrends in populations� To make this information readily available fordissemination to all interested parties� To create a conservation plan for Pteropus based uponthe information collected

MethodologyMethodologyMethodologyMethodologyMethodologyThe methodology requires three simple steps� Locate and describe the roost site� Count the number of bats at this roost� Provide the information via the printed or online form

Information RequiredInformation RequiredInformation RequiredInformation RequiredInformation Required(Minimum)(Minimum)(Minimum)(Minimum)(Minimum) - The following items are essential andnecessary.� Species� Date� Location (State, District, Taluk, Village)� Roost Size� Protocol used to count bats: Exact or Estimate (below)� Observer�s Name� Observer�s Address

(Additional)(Additional)(Additional)(Additional)(Additional) - The following are very useful, but notabsolutely necessary. Participants are encouraged toprovide as much as possible, without making the task ofmonitoring too difficult.� GPS Location of roost site (Degrees-Minutes-Seconds orUTM)� Number of roost trees� Roost tree species (common or scientific name)� Height of roost (range)

Project PteroCountProject PteroCountProject PteroCountProject PteroCountProject PteroCount


� Photographs of the roost (showing details as well assurrounding area)� If roost is remote, directions from nearest village� Distance to nearest forest and directions� Threat information (e.g., disturbance, killings, habitatloss)� Protection information (e.g., temple, sacred groves,sanctuary)� Notes and comments (include any anecdotal informationabout history of roost)� Observer�s Email and Phone number

ProtocolProtocolProtocolProtocolProtocolMeasuring the populationMeasuring the populationMeasuring the populationMeasuring the populationMeasuring the populationEach roost should be measured by means of one of twomethods, an exact count or an estimated count. The choiceof methodology should be noted on the data sheet.

Bats tend to be more active during dusk and dawn hours,often flying around the roost and changing their location. Itis therefore best to conduct the count during the day (notdusk or dawn) as this minimizes the chance of missing abat in the count or multiple counts of the same individual.

1. Exact Method:Exact Method:Exact Method:Exact Method:Exact Method: This method should be used for smallroosts (300 or less) where individuals can be easilydistinguished and counted. Counts should be conducted byenumerating the number of bats on individual branches tocreate a tree total and then summing bats across all trees.

2. Estimation Method:Estimation Method:Estimation Method:Estimation Method:Estimation Method: If there are too many bats tocount each and every bat, one can use an estimationmethod. It is important to note that no one method issuitable for all situations. Here we present a few methodsthat are commonly used to estimate populations. If you useyour own estimation method, or a variation of one ofthese, please describe in detail on the form.

a. Branch Estimates:a. Branch Estimates:a. Branch Estimates:a. Branch Estimates:a. Branch Estimates: Identify all the major branches onthe tree that have bats on them. Pick a branch that has anaverage number of bats on it (i.e., don�t pick one that hasjust a few, or the branch that has the most). Count thenumber of bats on this branch and multiply that numberby the total number of branches that are occupied by bats.You can make this estimate more precise by counting a fewbranches and taking the average, and also by ensuring thatthe branches are of roughly equal length. Additionally youcould count the actual number of bats on branches wherethey are sparse, and then use the estimation methods forthe heavily populated branches.

b.Tree Estimates:Tree Estimates:Tree Estimates:Tree Estimates:Tree Estimates: In situations where the roost is spreadout across many trees, one can count the number of bats

on a tree and then multiply by the number of trees. Youcan increase the accuracy by following the samesuggestions above.

c. Flight Estimates:Flight Estimates:Flight Estimates:Flight Estimates:Flight Estimates: If it is not possible to count the batswhile they are on the trees, one can count the numberflying from the roost. This is suitable for small roosts wherevisibility is not a problem. This methods is notrecommended as many factors can affect this count (batsflying in different directions, darkness affecting visibility,inaccuracy of counting many flying bats concurrently, etc.)

Other ConsiderationsOther ConsiderationsOther ConsiderationsOther ConsiderationsOther ConsiderationsSampling PeriodsSampling PeriodsSampling PeriodsSampling PeriodsSampling PeriodsIdeally, censuses should be done once a month. At aminimum a census should be done annually. However,annual censuses will not provide useful information onseasonal patterns of movement, changes in roost size orreproductive cycles.

Roost ID numbersRoost ID numbersRoost ID numbersRoost ID numbersRoost ID numbersEach roost will be assigned a unique roost ID - preferablybased on a GPS location but if not possible then by usingthe detail directions to and description of the roost. Onceyour roost site has been given a number, you may use thisreference number in subsequent surveys and not have tofill in the location information every time.

Disturbance at RoostsDisturbance at RoostsDisturbance at RoostsDisturbance at RoostsDisturbance at RoostsIt is important that the monitoring activity of the researchernot disturb the bats at their roost. One should avoid anyactivity, such as getting too close to the trees or talking tooloud, which may disturb the bats.

Additional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional InformationThere are many other studies that can be done at the roostsite, and much depends on the time and inclination of theparticipant. Some of the possible topics worth studyinginclude monitoring roosts for sex ratios, age structure,reproductive status, threats, social behaviour, sleepingactivity, social structure, foraging activity, movementbetween trees/roosts, direction that bats fly at sunset, etc.Those interested in studying such aspects of the roost maywish to contact the group organizers for details.

ProductsProductsProductsProductsProductsThe data collected will be analyzed for patterns andchanges in populations. Annual reports will be sent to eachparticipant in the network as well as published online. Thesummary information, but not the details of each site, willalso be available at any time via the internet. The networkwill periodically publish summaries of the informationcollected so as to distribute the information to the scientificcommunity and also inform policy.


Ownership of Data/Copyright IssuesOwnership of Data/Copyright IssuesOwnership of Data/Copyright IssuesOwnership of Data/Copyright IssuesOwnership of Data/Copyright IssuesOwnership of DataOwnership of DataOwnership of DataOwnership of DataOwnership of DataThe data collected belong to the researcher and the group.Thus, the individual volunteer may use their site data topublish in any way they wish and the programme may usethe data from multiple sites for �Programme scale�publications.

Thus, by participating in this group, the volunteer agrees tohelp the Programme to-- Add their data to the Programme database-- Present summaries of the data on the website as well asin annual printed summaries(Note: at no point will theProgramme release actual location information or details ofa study to others without the participant�s permission)-- Publish papers based on the information collected by theProgramme. These papers would be at the scale of theentire Programme and not the individual sites. Thus thereshould be no overlap between these publications of thoseof individual researchers. If anything, they will complimenteach other. Since we anticipate that there will be manyindividuals taking part in this collaborative project, it wouldbe difficult to list all as authors.

Contact: Ptero CountContact: Ptero CountContact: Ptero CountContact: Ptero CountContact: Ptero Count Sanjay Molur and ShahroukhMistry, Coordinators Sally Walker, Convenor/AdministrativeChair, CCINSA Sripathi Kandula, Scientific Chair, CCINSAZoo Outreach Organisation, 29-1 Bharathi Colony,Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, IndiaEmail: [email protected],[email protected], [email protected]

Volunteers neededVolunteers neededVolunteers neededVolunteers neededVolunteers neededThe Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network ofSouth Asia (CCINSA) along with Dr. Shahroukh Mistry,USA, have embarked on a project that involvesidentification and monitoring of fruit bat (Pteropusgiganteus) colonies/roosts all over South Asia. The projectwill be an ongoing one with regular monitoring of coloniesto understand the dynamics, population trends and variousother aspects of the region�s largest bats.

If you or any one of your colleagues or friends areinterested in joining this exciting project, please write withyour name, address, occupation, interest in this subject,and the geographical area you would like to participate inmonitoring fruit bats.

We already have a few volunteers who have started work indifferent parts of South Asia. South Asia is a large regionand we need many more people.

Write to us at the earliest to be part of this long-term, firstof its kind project.

EnrolEnrolEnrolEnrolEnrolIf you wish to join Project PteroCount as a Volunteer,please fill in your details below and also write about yourinterest, experience and why you wish to volunteer. Youcan find this form on the website <www.pterocount.org>under Volunteers Needed or you can type or write it upusing the format below and send it by e or snail mail or faxto our office. Email : [email protected]; Fax :+91 422 2563269 or POB 1683, Peelamedu,Coimbatore 4.

NameOrganisationAddressCityStatePincodeCountry

PhoneFaxE-mailComments (if any)


South Asian Bat Monitoring Programme

Project PteroCount


13

Dr. Pushpa Raj AcharyaDr. Pushpa Raj AcharyaDr. Pushpa Raj AcharyaDr. Pushpa Raj AcharyaDr. Pushpa Raj AcharyaStudent, Central Department ofZoologyTribhuban UniversityKirtipurKathmandu, Nepal

Dr. Bahar S BaviskarDr. Bahar S BaviskarDr. Bahar S BaviskarDr. Bahar S BaviskarDr. Bahar S BaviskarNagpur Veterinary CollegeDept. of Veterinary ParasitologySeminary HillsNagpur 440 006 Maharashtra

Dr. Akshay KumarDr. Akshay KumarDr. Akshay KumarDr. Akshay KumarDr. Akshay KumarChakrava r thyChakrava r thyChakrava r thyChakrava r thyChakrava r thyProfessor of EntomologyGKVK CollegeBangalore 560 065 Karnataka

Ms. Ansa DavisMs. Ansa DavisMs. Ansa DavisMs. Ansa DavisMs. Ansa DavisD/o Davis AnthappaiValiyaveetil(H), VynthalaP.O. Palayamparambu,Annamanada(Via)Thrissur 680 741 Kerala

Mr. Kulendra DekaMr. Kulendra DekaMr. Kulendra DekaMr. Kulendra DekaMr. Kulendra DekaBiomix Nature ClubSamohia aatiMajuliJorhat Assam

Mr. D. DevarshiMr. D. DevarshiMr. D. DevarshiMr. D. DevarshiMr. D. Devarshi490, Krishna NagarBharatpur 321 001 Rajasthan

Mr. Hiren DuttaMr. Hiren DuttaMr. Hiren DuttaMr. Hiren DuttaMr. Hiren DuttaC/o Sri Mohan DuttaDikhowmukh, Post- BharaluaTini AliDist- Sivasagar 785 664 Assam

Dr. Prashant GargDr. Prashant GargDr. Prashant GargDr. Prashant GargDr. Prashant GargOrodental Surgeon andEthologist282-B, TalwandiKota 324 001 Rajasthan

Mr. Md. HasanuzzamanMr. Md. HasanuzzamanMr. Md. HasanuzzamanMr. Md. HasanuzzamanMr. Md. HasanuzzamanAssistant ProfessorChittagong GovernmentVeterinary CollegPahartaliChittagong 4202 Bangladesh

Mr. V. RajshekharMr. V. RajshekharMr. V. RajshekharMr. V. RajshekharMr. V. RajshekharH ippa rg iH ippa rg iH ippa rg iH ippa rg iH ippa rg iDepartment of ZoologyInstitute of ScienceNagpur 440 001 Maharashtra

Mr. Venkatesh HospetMr. Venkatesh HospetMr. Venkatesh HospetMr. Venkatesh HospetMr. Venkatesh HospetH No. 1-12-49, Dady ColonyLingasugar RoadRaichur 584 101 Karnataka

Ms. Benny JosephMs. Benny JosephMs. Benny JosephMs. Benny JosephMs. Benny JosephWildlife Asst.Periyar Tiger Reserve

ThekkadyDist. Iddukky 685 536 Kerala

Dr. Sreepada S. KanaleDr. Sreepada S. KanaleDr. Sreepada S. KanaleDr. Sreepada S. KanaleDr. Sreepada S. KanaleLecturer, Dept of AppliedScienceMangalore UniversityMangalagangotriMangalore 574 199 Karnataka

Mr. Man Bahadur KhadkaMr. Man Bahadur KhadkaMr. Man Bahadur KhadkaMr. Man Bahadur KhadkaMr. Man Bahadur KhadkaInstitute of ForestryPokhara campusPokhara Nepal

Dr. Riki Krishnan Dr. Riki Krishnan Dr. Riki Krishnan Dr. Riki Krishnan Dr. Riki Krishnan Indian Academy of SciencesC.V. Raman Avenue, P.B. No.8005Sadashivanagar, Bangalore 560080 Karnataka

Sri. B Vijaya KumarSri. B Vijaya KumarSri. B Vijaya KumarSri. B Vijaya KumarSri. B Vijaya KumarCuratorIndira Gandhi Zoological ParkVishakapatanam 530 040Andhra Pradesh

Prof. Shanu KumarProf. Shanu KumarProf. Shanu KumarProf. Shanu KumarProf. Shanu KumarDepartment of ZoologyLaxmi Venkatesh Desai CollegeRaichur 584 103 Karnataka

Yasantha MapatunaYasantha MapatunaYasantha MapatunaYasantha MapatunaYasantha MapatunaSamurdhi Authority of SriLanka4th Floor, SethsiripayaBattaramulla, Sri Lanka

Mr. Satya Prakash MehraMr. Satya Prakash MehraMr. Satya Prakash MehraMr. Satya Prakash MehraMr. Satya Prakash MehraWWF IndiaKesar Bhawan90, B/D Saraswathi Hosp.,Ganeshnagar, PahadaUdaipur 313 001 Rajasthan

Mr. Sanjay MolurMr. Sanjay MolurMr. Sanjay MolurMr. Sanjay MolurMr. Sanjay MolurDeputy DirectorZoo Outreach Organisation29/1, Bharathi ColonyPeelameduCoimbatore 641 004 TamilNadu

Ms. Payal B. MolurMs. Payal B. MolurMs. Payal B. MolurMs. Payal B. MolurMs. Payal B. Molur29/1, Bharathi ColonyPeelameduCoimbatore 641 004 TamilNadu

Mr Anil Kumar NairMr Anil Kumar NairMr Anil Kumar NairMr Anil Kumar NairMr Anil Kumar NairBusiness, 154-A, Vallab BariKota 324 007 Rajasthan

Mr. P.O. NameerMr. P.O. NameerMr. P.O. NameerMr. P.O. NameerMr. P.O. NameerCollege of ForestryKerala Agricultural UniversityThrissur 680 656 Kerala

Mr. Snehal PatelMr. Snehal PatelMr. Snehal PatelMr. Snehal PatelMr. Snehal PatelPresidentNature Club Surat81, Sarjan SocietySurat 395 007 Gujarat

Dr. Vinod Pat i lDr. Vinod Pat i lDr. Vinod Pat i lDr. Vinod Pat i lDr. Vinod Pat i lBombay Natural History SocietyHornbill House, Dr. Salim AliChowk, S.B.S. RoadMumbai 400 023 Maharashtra

Mr. Deboj i t PhukanMr. Deboj i t PhukanMr. Deboj i t PhukanMr. Deboj i t PhukanMr. Deboj i t PhukanMegamix Nature ClubDhakuakhanaLakhimpur 787 005 Assam

Mr. Rajesh RajchalMr. Rajesh RajchalMr. Rajesh RajchalMr. Rajesh RajchalMr. Rajesh RajchalM.Sc. in ForestryInstitute of ForestryOffice of Dean, PokharaP.O. Box 203Nepal

Mr. B. RavichandranMr. B. RavichandranMr. B. RavichandranMr. B. RavichandranMr. B. RavichandranZoo Outreach Organisation29/1, Bharathi ColonyPeelameduCoimbatore 641 004 TamilNadu

Mr. L. Joseph ReginaldMr. L. Joseph ReginaldMr. L. Joseph ReginaldMr. L. Joseph ReginaldMr. L. Joseph Reginald16, K.R.G Nagar4th, Street, Ganapathy PO.Coimbatore 641 006 TamilNadu

Mr. Tapoty RoyMr. Tapoty RoyMr. Tapoty RoyMr. Tapoty RoyMr. Tapoty RoyC/o HasanuzzamanChittagong GovernmentVeterinary CollegPahartali, ChittagongDhaka 1341 Bangladesh

Sri. Uttam Kumar SaikiaSri . Uttam Kumar SaikiaSri . Uttam Kumar SaikiaSri . Uttam Kumar SaikiaSri . Uttam Kumar SaikiaC/o Mr. Purna SaikiaUsha nagar, By-Lane-3Tezpur 784 001 Assam

Dr. Sat ish Kumar SharmaDr. Sat ish Kumar SharmaDr. Sat ish Kumar SharmaDr. Sat ish Kumar SharmaDr. Sat ish Kumar SharmaRange Forest OfficerFoundation for EcologicalSecurity18, New AhinsapuriFatehpuraUdaipur 313 001 Rajasthan

Mrs. Sarita SharmaMrs. Sarita SharmaMrs. Sarita SharmaMrs. Sarita SharmaMrs. Sarita SharmaAranyaVillage Golvia JawalSirohi 307 801 Rajasthan

Dr. Chander ShekharDr. Chander ShekharDr. Chander ShekharDr. Chander ShekharDr. Chander ShekharLecturer in ZoologyDyal Singh College132001, Karnal 132001

Mr. Pratab SinghMr. Pratab SinghMr. Pratab SinghMr. Pratab SinghMr. Pratab Singh6-C-32, JNV ColonyBikaner 334 003 Rajasthan

Dr. Y.P. SinhaDr. Y.P. SinhaDr. Y.P. SinhaDr. Y.P. SinhaDr. Y.P. SinhaRetired ScientistC/o. A.P. Singh, Baghel BhawanAnand Path, Mahatma GandhiNagar, KankanbagPatna 800 020 Bihar

Dr. Y. D. SrideshmukhDr. Y. D. SrideshmukhDr. Y. D. SrideshmukhDr. Y. D. SrideshmukhDr. Y. D. SrideshmukhGovt. Vidardha Institute ofScience and HumanitiesC/o A.A. GadhikarRukmini NagarAmaravathi 444 606Maharashtra

Mr. Satyendra Kay TiwariMr. Satyendra Kay TiwariMr. Satyendra Kay TiwariMr. Satyendra Kay TiwariMr. Satyendra Kay TiwariNaturalist, WildlifePhotographer & Wildlife ArtistH.N. 129 P.O. Tala.Umaria 484 661 MadhyaPradesh

Mr. Ramprasad UpadhyayMr. Ramprasad UpadhyayMr. Ramprasad UpadhyayMr. Ramprasad UpadhyayMr. Ramprasad UpadhyayStation RoadJonaiDhemaji 787 060 Assam

Dr. Jul iet VanitharaniDr. Jul iet VanitharaniDr. Jul iet VanitharaniDr. Jul iet VanitharaniDr. Jul iet VanitharaniReader in ZoologySarah Tucker CollegeThirnuelveli 627 007 TamilNadu

Mr. Shanti la l N. VaruMr. Shanti la l N. VaruMr. Shanti la l N. VaruMr. Shanti la l N. VaruMr. Shanti la l N. VaruJunavas, Temple StreetMadhaparBhuj-Kutch 370 020 Gujarat

Mr. Aravind VenkatesanMr. Aravind VenkatesanMr. Aravind VenkatesanMr. Aravind VenkatesanMr. Aravind VenkatesanStudent746, 17th A Cross, 37th MainJ.P. Nagar, 6th PhaseBangalore 560 078 Karnataka

Dr. Ashok VermaDr. Ashok VermaDr. Ashok VermaDr. Ashok VermaDr. Ashok VermaResearch AssociateWildlife Institute of IndiaPO Box 18, Chandrabani,Dehradun 248001 UttarPradesh

Mr. DimuthuMr. DimuthuMr. DimuthuMr. DimuthuMr. DimuthuWickramas ingheWickramas ingheWickramas ingheWickramas ingheWickramas ingheYoung Zoologist Association06, Bellantara RoadNadimale 10350 DehiwalaSri Lanka

Dr. Varsha S. ZadeDr. Varsha S. ZadeDr. Varsha S. ZadeDr. Varsha S. ZadeDr. Varsha S. ZadeGovt. Vidardha Institute ofScience and HumanitiesC/o N.S. Zade (Adv.)Buty Plot, Amaravathi 444 601Maharashtra

volunteers (so far) for PteroCountvolunteers (so far) for PteroCountvolunteers (so far) for PteroCountvolunteers (so far) for PteroCountvolunteers (so far) for PteroCount


In order to provide an easily accessible and retrievable dataset, ZOO and WILD have developed a website with thefollowing characters :1. standard, taxonomically correct, current, systematicregional checklists of all taxa of fauna, flora and fungi ofSouth Asia2. national checklists for the eight South Asian countries,including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka3. global assessment of taxa (species and subspecies) for allendemics of South Asia4. regional assessment of taxa for all non-endemics in SouthAsia5. national assessment of taxa for all non-endemics in everycountry of occurrence in South Asia6. compilation of information from experts in the region andapply IUCN Red List Criteria for in-house assessment status oftaxa7. development of distribution maps8. analysis of information for the region and for every country9. compilation of drawings and photographs for every taxon10. compilation of information for global assessments forIUCN Red List11. creation of a mechanism for local and regional experts toupdate distribution information and maps12. concise and accurate assessments of South Asian taxamade available on the web13. provision of most up-to-date distribution information andmaps for all taxa14. a system for monitoring the status of selected taxongroups in the coming years15. a web site dedicated to achieving all of the above16. a single database for effective summaries and analyses17. a system to compliment global assessment efforts byIUCN18. a source of reliable taxonomic and conservationinformation for faunal, floral and fungal taxa of South Asia inone place

The system will be available for all experts to contribute andupdate regularly under specific guidelines. An in-house teamof database managers and outside experts will be involved incompiling the information to constantly review informationand update. Information will be provided in the requiredformat to the central IUCN SSC Red List office for inclusionin the global red list. The system is intended to be aid inmonitoring the status of taxa in the wild in South Asia. It hasbeen initiated after successfully assessing status of South Asiantaxa over the last 10 years. The TTMS will be evaluated asoften as possible by various outside experts and agencies. Theusefulness of the system will be measured by the commentsreceived and by the number of hits on the website over thelong term.

Bat Data put up on new ZOO/WILD South Asian Taxa Website -- Threatened Taxa MonitoringSystem for South Asian Fauna, Flora and Fungi (www.southasiantaxa.org)


15

Bat Festival 2006

This is the 6th festival celebrated by aformal committee in organized way.The place of the traditional �BatFestival� is Kondoli Hills of Nagaondist.in Assam. The 3 days eventbegan on 28th Feb by hoisting the flagof the committee at 8 a.m. Theentrance towards the bat caves wasopened at 9am. Then there wasreligious events among the crowd. Onnext day, 1st March at 9am it was likea zoo visit. Tourists and the devoteeswere there inside the bat caves towatch the bats roosting inside. Thelast day on 2nd March there was aopen meeting of the festival whereMr. Prafulla Kr. Mahanta , ex CM ofAssam was a guest speaker.

The bat festival, actually a batworshipping, has been taking placefrom a long time in the place. Amongthe local people, a belief prevails thatthe bats are female creature havingsome heavenly powers to bless andfavour people.

The event is not a scientific orenvironmental thing. But somehow theevent is helping in protecting the batsthere. However, the activities duringthe event, like-large crowd, noises,lighting inside caves and smoking aremuch harmful and disturbing for thecave bats. The bats several hundredsin number comprise of approx.

8(eight) species. I feel a detailed andscientific study is essential indeed.

Submitted by: Debojit Phukan,Secretary, Bat Club of Megamix,Dhakuakhana, 787 055Lakhimpur,Assam

It was a daylong event of WorldEnvironment Day 2005. During thedeliberation Session, Mr. DebojitPhukan of Bat Club of Megamix wasthe first resource person to talk aboutthe various rules of wildlife in keepingthe environment okay. He describedhow the flowers are pollinated by theinsects and other animals, how thepests are naturally controlled by theinsectivorous bats, how the seeds aredispersed by the birds and mammalsto widen forest and how the plantsattracts creatures and creatures inresponds protects and regenerateplants

Date: 19.06.05, Place:Date: 19.06.05, Place:Date: 19.06.05, Place:Date: 19.06.05, Place:Date: 19.06.05, Place:Ghilamar Public High SchoolGhilamar Public High SchoolGhilamar Public High SchoolGhilamar Public High SchoolGhilamar Public High SchoolIn this day long programme, DebojitPhukan of Bat club of Megamix for

Report of Bat Club of Megamix activities


�Capacity Building of Eco-Club in school�. For batintroduction, students and teachers are taught what isenvironment, what are the objectives of a eco-club andwhat to do as an eco-club member.

The rest of the day was a programme related to bats andother wildlife. Students, teachers and some local peoplewere the participants. Habits of wildlife including bats asthe prime element of eco-systems were demonstrated bydisplaying the packets of �ZOO� and �WILD�.

A game identifying an animal (marked stone) with the eyesblind folded and what am I (Species name card) was playedamong the eco-club members

In another programme, Date: 24-07-05, at Bhalukaguri(Assam), Mr. Narin Chutia and Mr. Debojit Phukan of�Bat club of Megamix� were the two resource persons totrain the students and youths of this wildlife-prominentlocality. The Programme was started by using black-board,ZOO-packets, wildlife posters and wildlife cards and endedwith field activities. The objectives of these programs wasto demonstrate about the rules of species in biodiversityand how foods, medicines, shelters and cultural resourcescome from biodiversity. Bats were highlighted as prominentwildlife in protecting biodiversity

Submitted by Debojit Phukan, Date: 05-06-05, Place:Ghilmara (Assam) Megamix Nature Club Dhakuakhana,Lakhimpur, Asssam- 787 005. Email:[email protected]

Nature Club Surat studies batsNature Club Surat studies batsNature Club Surat studies batsNature Club Surat studies batsNature Club Surat studies bats

An exciting activity was undertaken on bats. All participants who had come to our farm for a day campwere provided with the kit on bats and were also given other information on bats. They were informed oftheir habitat, food, their look and habits. Many of us feel that bats are only destructive and they are of nouse to us. But after going through the information given in the kit the children really enjoyed and learnt alot. Regarding the blind belief that bats suck blood and spread rabies it was made clear that this was just arumor and without basis. The participants were taken on a visit around the farm and showed them howbats live during the day hanging on the trees and only become active at night, as they are nocturnal. Theyare more active during the night and they come out at dusk looking for food. They mainly rely on fruits sonormally we find them residing on or near fruit trees. Children had a great fun seeing all this and gatheredmore information and learnt more new things of which they were unaware.

Submitted by Snehal Patel, President, Nature Club Surat, Environment Education & Research Centre


17

The Maitri Baag Zoo, Bhilai SteelPlant conducted an educationalprogramme on Bat Conservationto the students of KendiriyaVidyalaya (Central School) Raipurin Chhatisgarh.

Over 300 students of KendiriyaVidyalaya along with staff of theschool visited the zoo for zooeducation. The students andteachers have taken round alongwith zoo education unit Dr. G. K.Dubey, Dr. T. Kalaichelvan andC. Balkottaiya. The students weredivided into 3 groups led by thestaff of the Maitri Baag Zooeducation unit.

The students were giveninformation about the role of batin the environment by controllingrodents and mosquitoes. The batsare also having role in seeddispersal. They were giveninformation about the decreasingnumber of bats in the field due tohabitat destruction, pesticides,and human activities in a differentways. They were also givenmessages on myths about bats. InMaitri Baag Zoo, the bats used toroost in the natural habitat andenjoy themselves. Themanagement of Maitri Baag Zoohas given protection to the bats.

The students were taken to the natural site and giveninformation and they enjoyed themselves.

During educational visit the members of Maitri Baag Zooexplained the purpose of the zoo, i.e. conservation, zooeducation, research and recreation.

To fulfill one of the aims of the zoo, zoo educations thestudents were given much information about habit, habitatsof wild animals, feeding habits, status of wildlife etc. Thestudents also interacted with staff of the Maitri Baag Zoo.

During this educational visit, the students were giveneducational packets containing masks, placards, stickers,information booklet etc on bat conservation provided byZoo Outreach Organisation. At the end of the pro-gramme, the participants took an oath on the conservationof bat and also wildlife in their lifetime by tying thetraditional rakhi (wrist bracelet with bat theme) on one oftheir partners' wrist.

During the visit they were also given certificates providedby Z.O.O. Coimbatore. School teachers also took activepart in this programme and the school principalappreciated the programme material provided to them.

Sumitted by Dr. G.K. Dubey, Chief Veterinary Officer &Dr. T. Kalaichelvan, Zoo Supervisor, Maitri Baag Zoo,Bhilai Steel Plant, Bhilai-490 006, Chhatisgarh.

Zoo Education Programme on Bats Conservation at Maitri Baag ZooZoo Education Programme on Bats Conservation at Maitri Baag ZooZoo Education Programme on Bats Conservation at Maitri Baag ZooZoo Education Programme on Bats Conservation at Maitri Baag ZooZoo Education Programme on Bats Conservation at Maitri Baag Zoo


As part of the TCS Maitree Sanctuary Conservation Initiative,a children�s camp was organised at the TCS office at BanyanPark, Andheri. Sanctuary conducted nature related activitiesfor the children every day of the camp, held from 16th May2005 to 20th May 2005. Fifty-four children ranging fromthe age group four to thirteen years attended. Registrationbegan at 9:30 a.m. with nature diaries, nametags and wildlifestickers were distributed to the children. After introductions,the children played �The Moo Game� - an icebreaker to helpthem get familiar with everyone.

There were varied activities organized ranging from naturetrails to arts and crafts. The camp commenced everyday witha yoga session where the children concentrated on breathingexercises and also learnt some basic yoga exercises. Thechildren were asked to pot saplings of various plants providedlike hibiscus and byrophyllum. Each child was responsible forwatering their plant everyday. They also learnt to make pug-marks using plaster of Paris. The children were taught tomake these casts by the same method used by forest guardswhile doing wildlife census in the jungle. The children weretaken to CEC (Conservation Education Centre) at Goregaonand taken into the forest for a nature trail. The trail lastedfor half an hour, during which the children not only learntabout the flora and fauna inside the park, but also learntabout the importance of Sanjay Gandhi NP to a city likeMumbai.

The children were shown a short documentary film by DavidAttenborough, which was not only interesting, but alsoeducative. There was a wildlife quiz based on all they hadlearnt at the camp and also a fancy dress competition; thethemes being animals, fruits and vegetables. The camp alsoincluded a one-day theatre workshop at the end of which thechildren performed short skits with a wildlife theme.

Bats �N Rats Activity Session May 17, 2005Bats �N Rats Activity Session May 17, 2005Bats �N Rats Activity Session May 17, 2005Bats �N Rats Activity Session May 17, 2005Bats �N Rats Activity Session May 17, 2005A bat workshop was also conducted at the camp. The sessioncommenced with a 30 minute interactive power-pointpresentation on bats where the children learnt about theirphysical characteristics, habitat, food and importance.

A Report on the Bats �N Rats Activity Session in the TCS Childrens Summer Camp,A Report on the Bats �N Rats Activity Session in the TCS Childrens Summer Camp,A Report on the Bats �N Rats Activity Session in the TCS Childrens Summer Camp,A Report on the Bats �N Rats Activity Session in the TCS Childrens Summer Camp,A Report on the Bats �N Rats Activity Session in the TCS Childrens Summer Camp,May 16-20, 2005May 16-20, 2005May 16-20, 2005May 16-20, 2005May 16-20, 2005

Interesting facts were told to the children about bats for e.g.,the little Brown can eat up to 1,200 insects in one hour andhow bats live on all continents except Antarctica!Myths and tales about bats were discussed and many mis-conceptions that the children had about bats were cleared.The presentation ended with a short question-answer session.

Distribution of Bat KitsDistribution of Bat KitsDistribution of Bat KitsDistribution of Bat KitsDistribution of Bat KitsThe presentation was followed by distribution of the Bats nRats kits. The children read through the information withwildlife biologist Ms. Supriya Jhunjhunwala which led to adetailed interactive discussion about the informationcontained within. They wore the bat and rat masks. There wasan activity session during which the game at the back of theA3 poster of a cave bat was used and the children eagerlywore the bat and rat masks provided in the kit. The childrenwere instructed to tie the rachis provided in the kits to theirparents at home.

Visit to Bat ColonyVisit to Bat ColonyVisit to Bat ColonyVisit to Bat ColonyVisit to Bat ColonyThis was followed by a short visit to the bat colony at theBanyan Park where they viewed the habitat and mannerisms ofthe bats from close proximity.

T-shirt Painting Competit ionT-shirt Painting Competit ionT-shirt Painting Competit ionT-shirt Painting Competit ionT-shirt Painting Competit ionThe session concluded with a poster painting competitionwhere the children were given T-shirts with a bat outline topaint. This was a competition where there were six winners-three in the junior category (ages 4 to 7) and three in thesenior category (ages 7 to 13). The winners were felicitatedon the last day of the camp during the prize distributionceremony.

Later there were other activities ending with prize distriution.The camp went very well with the children enjoying all theactivities their favourite being the T-shirt paintingcompetition.

Sumitted by Karen Menezes Sanctuary Asia, Email:<[email protected]>

Distribution of Roosting and Survival Threats of Bat in Pokhara Valley with referenceDistribution of Roosting and Survival Threats of Bat in Pokhara Valley with referenceDistribution of Roosting and Survival Threats of Bat in Pokhara Valley with referenceDistribution of Roosting and Survival Threats of Bat in Pokhara Valley with referenceDistribution of Roosting and Survival Threats of Bat in Pokhara Valley with referenceto Species and Population Survey at Chamere Guphato Species and Population Survey at Chamere Guphato Species and Population Survey at Chamere Guphato Species and Population Survey at Chamere Guphato Species and Population Survey at Chamere Gupha

A Dissertation Submitted by Pushpa Raj Acharya to the Central Department of Zoology Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu

AbstractAbstractAbstractAbstractAbstractThe study of roost distribution, threat analysis of bat at Pokhara Valley with reference to population and species survey atChamere Gupha was carried out from September 2004 to October 2005. Roost findings and threats study was primarily donethrough questionnaire survey and direct observation. Population counted by thorough counting with many trials and speciessurvey by capturing the specimen and identification at lab.

Altogether 11 permanent roosts (9 cave roosts and 2 tree roosts) were explored during study period. Habitat loss, habitatdestruction, excessive tourist flow, changing cave environment and some natural threats were found major survival threats tobats. Chamere Gupha is the renowned cave for tourist visiting Nepal, which was found providing restplace to more than 3,000bats


19

AFGHANISTANMr. Gulam Md. MalikyarTechnical AdvisorSave the Environment-Afghanistan (SEA)172/2, H #2, Technigu StreetKarte 4, P. Box 5302Kabul, Afghanistan

Mr. Kushal HabibiWildlife and BiodiversityConservation Consultant12113, Shining Star LaneClarksville MD 21029 USA(Afghan but lives in USA)

BANGLADESHMr. Shayer Mahmood IbneyAlam, StudentC/o. Dr. Md. Anwarul Islam,Professor, Dept. of Zoology,University of Dhaka, Dhaka1000, Bangladesh

Ms. Azmiri Begum,Room. No. 411, A-Block, PritilataHall, Jahangirnagar University,Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mr. Suprio Chakma, FieldbiologistC/o. Dr. Anwarul Islam,Department of Zoology,University of Dhaka,Bangladesh

Mr. Md. Abdul WahedChowdhury, StudentC/o Md. Jafar Ullah TalukderAsst. Professor, Dept. of lawUniversity of Chittagong-4331,Bangladesh

Mr. Subir Dutta, StudentRoom. No. 445/B, ShahedSalam � Barkat Hall,Jahangirnagar University,Savar, Dhaka-1342,Bangladesh

Mr. Kazi Ahmed Kabir,StudentRoom No 806, Shahidullah HallDhaka UniversityDhaka, Bangladesh

Mr. Kazi Hasanuzzaman,StudentDepartment of Zoology,University of Dhaka, DhakaZoo, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. Feroz Md. Shafiqul IslamPresidentCrown Prince Pvt. ManagementEndangered Wildlife Breeding &Conservation Centre, P.B. No:

47087, Abu Dhabi UAE(Bangladeshi but lives in UAE)

Mr. Mohammad MonirulHasan Khan,IUCN-The World ConservationUnion, Bangladesh, HouseNo.3A, Road No.5, (New)Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209,Bangladesh

Mr. S.M. Khaled Mahfuz,Researcher15/10, ModhubagMogbazar 3rd FloorDhaka-1217, Bangladesh

Mr. Shahriar Mahmood,StudentC/o. Dr. Md. Anwarul IslamProfessor, Dept. of ZoologyUniversity of DhakaDhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Ms. Makayching, StudentRoom. No. 713, JahangirnagarUniversity, Savar, Dhaka-1342,Bangladesh

Mr. Khondoker ZulfikerRahman, Student419, Moulana Bhasani HallJhangirnagar UniversitySavar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mr. Hasibur Rahman, StudentC/o. Dr. M.M. Feeroz, AssociateProf., Dept. of Zoology,Jahangirnagar UniversitySavar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mr. A.H.M. Ali Reza, LecturerDepartment of ZoologyJahangirnagar UniversitySavar, Dhaka - 1342,Bangladesh

Mr. Gautam Chandra Sarker,StudentC/o. Dr. M.M. Feeroz, AssociateProfessor, Dept. of Zoology,Jahangirnagar University,Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. Dr. Sohrabuddin Sarker,Professor, Dept. of ZoologyUniversity of DhakaDhaka 1000, Bangladesh

INDIAMr. Azad Ali, LecturerC/o Md. Keramat Ali,Srimantapur, P.O. Indrapur,Guwahati � 781 032, Assam,India

Mr. Sukumaran Anil Kumar,Researcher ScholarConservation Biology, Divisionof TBGRI, Tropical BotanicalGardens Research Institute,Palode, Trivandrum � 695 562,Kerala, India

Mr. K.R. Anoop,Kallingapuram (H),Kaduppassery P.O., Thrissur �680 698, Kerala, India

Ms. Bandana Aul, Ph. D.Research ScholarAndaman and Nicobar IslandsEnvironmental Team (ANET)P.B. 1, Junglight, Port Blair,Andaman & Nicobar Islands,India

Dr. Johnson Balasingh,PrincipalSt. John�s College,Palayamkottai � 627 002, TamilNadu, India

Dr. Ahron GovindraoBansode, PrincipalAhmednagar College,Ahmednagar � 414 001,Maharashtra, India

Mr. Sudip Kanta Basistha,Researcher. M.Sc (Zoology)Arunodoy Path, Christianbasti,Guwahati � 781 005, Assam,India

Ms. Meenakshi Bhagat,Research ScholarReproductive PhysiologySection, Dept. of Zoology,J.N.V. University, Jodhpur � 342005, Rajasthan, India

Dr. Hari Raghuram Bhat,Retired Scientist and Teacher107, Awanti ApratmentsOpp. Kamala Nehru ParkErandawana, Pune - 411 044,Maharashtra, India

Mr. Tarapada Bhattacharyya,Zoological Survey of, India, M-Block, New AliporeKolkata 700 053, West Bengal,India

Mr. Rakesh ChandraBhiwania, Consultant (PestControl)47, Pandariba, Charbagh,Lucknow � 226 004, UttarPradesh, India

Dr. Sujit Chakraborty,IA-28, Sector III, Bidhan NagarKolkata � 700 097, WestBengal, India

Dr. Akshay KumarChakravarthy, Teaching -ResearchRegional Research Station,Mandya �571 405, Karnataka,India

Dr. Maroli K.Chandrashekaran, Professor& ChairmanJawahalal Nehru Centre forAdvanced Scientific Research,P. Box No.6436, Jakkur,Bangalore � 560 064,Karnataka, India

Mr. Naresh Chaturvedi,CuratorBombay Natural HistorySociety, Hornbill HouseOpp: Lion Gate, Salim AliChowk, S. Bhagat Singh Road,Mumbai � 400 023, aharashtra,India

Current Members of Chiroptera Conservation andInformation Network of South Asia

Members directory is up on the website at www.zooreach.org. Many members never got back with updatedinformation, so if your entry has mistakes please write to us and correct them. Also, since it has been a year,update your work -- your field surveys, projects, research, lectures given, awards received, education eventsorganised, etc. Everybody is responsible for their own entry. If you don't correct us then it will remain wrongand incomplete.


Ms. SubbulakshmiChidambaram, StudentDepartment of AnimalBehaviour and Physiology,School of Biological Sciences,M.K.U. Madurai � 625 021, TamilNadu, India

Dr. B. Ayyachamy Daniel,ScientistZoo Outreach Organisation,29/1, Bharathi Colony,P.Box 1683, Peelamedu,Coimbatore � 641 004, TamilNadu, India

Mr. P.S. Dhandapany,Research ScholarC/o Professor RajamanickamDepartment of BiochemistryMadurai Kamaraj UniversityMadurai - 625 021, Tamil Nadu,India

Mr. Sumit Dookia, ResearchFellow, Desert ResearchStation, Zoological Survey of,India, Jhalamand CirclePali Road, Jodhpur � 342 005,Rajasthan, India

Mr. Hiren Dutta,Dikhowmukh Bharalua, C/O SriMohan Dutta, Bharalua Tiniali.Dist-sivasagar, Assam, India

Dr. Vadamalai Elangovan,Research ScholarDept. of Animal Behaviour &Physiology, School of Biol.Sciences, M.K. UniversityMadurai - 625 021, Tamil Nadu,India

Mr. Chandrakant MaheshGaikwad, Research FellowA/P Nimblak, Tan-Phaltan,Satara district � 415 523,Maharashtra, India

Dr. T. Ganesh, ResearcherATREE659, 5th A Main, HebbalBangalore � 560 024,Karnataka, India

Mr. Raju Maruti Ganjure, JRFC/O. Dr. D.S. Joshi, ZoologyDept., Ahmednagar College,Station Road, Ahmednagar �414 001, Maharashtra, India

Mr. Mrinal Kanti Ghosh,ResearcherZoological Survey of, IndiaNew Alipore Road, M-BlockKolkata � 700 053, WestBengal, India

Dr. Nagappan GopukumarNair, Senior ResearchAssociate, School of BiologicalSciences, Madurai KamarajUniversity, Madurai � 625 021,Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. Jayaraj King Immanuel,Research ScholarDepartment of Zoology, St.John�s College, Palayamkottai -627 002, Tamil Nadu, India

Dr. Sundararaj SuthakarIsaac, Lecturer in ZoologyResearch Department ofZoology, St. John�s College,Palayamkottai - 627 002, TamilNadu, India

Ms. Anika ShantharamJadhav, ResearcherM.S. University quarters A-24,Jivraj Mehta Hall, Boys hostelcampus, Baroda - 390 002,Gujarat, India

Mrs. L. Selwyn Jeyaprabha,LecturerDepartment of Zoology, Sarahtucker College, Tirunelveli - 627007, Tamil Nadu, India, India

Dr. Dilip Savlaram Joshi,Reader in ZoologyDepartment of Zoology,Ahmednagar College,Ahmednagar - 414 001,Maharashtra, India

Dr. Sripathi Kandula, ReaderSchool of Biological Sciences,Madurai Kamaraj University,Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625021,India

Dr. SreepadaSreenivasappa Kanale,LecturerDepartment of Applied Zoology,Mangalore University,Mangalagangotri - 574 199,Karnataka, India

Mr. ThangavelKaruppudurai, Ph.D. studentSchool of Biological Sciences,Madurai Kamaraj University,Madurai � 625 021, Tamil Nadu,India

Mr. Ghanshyam Hari Koli,JRFC/O. Dr. D.S. Joshi, ZoologyDept., Ahmednagar College,Station Road, Ahmednagar �414 001, Maharashtra, India

Dr. (Mrs.) VishakhaShashikumar Korad, ReaderDepartment of Zoology,Fergussan College, Pune � 411004, Maharashtra, India

Mr. Narayanan KrishnaKumar, Conservator ofForests - Research CircleTamil Nadu Forest Department3rd Floor, Forest Block, D.M.S.Compound, 259, Anna Salai,Chennai - 600 006, Tamil Nadu,India, India

Mr. Riki Krishnan, ProjectAssistantCurrent Science, P.Box 8001,Sadashiva nagar P.O., C.V.Raman Avenue, Bangalore �560 080, Karnataka, India

Ms. Varsha Kumar, Student48, Jeevarathnam NagarAdayar, Chennai - 600 020,Tamil Nadu, India

Dr. Vijay Apparao Kupwade,ProfessorDept. of Zoology, G.S.S.College, Belgaum, Karnatak-590 006, India

Dr. Durairaj Lily, LecturerSarah Tucker College,Tirunelveli 627 007, Tamil Nadu,India

Dr. Arakkal Madhavan,Retired Professor of ZoologyKailath Tharavadu, Paralam,Thrissur � 680 575, Kerala,India

Mr. Debanga Mahalia,W/2, Tangla-784 521, Assam,India

Dr. A. Manimozhi, ZooBiologistArignar Anna Zoological Park,Vandalur, Chennai � 600 048,Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. Rengasamy Marimuthu,Educational OfficerZoo Outreach Organisation, 29/1 Bharathi Colony, Peelamedu,Coimbatore-641004, TamilNadu, India

Dr. Ganapathy Marimuthu,Convenor and Scientific Chair,CCINSADept. of Animal Behaviour &Physiology, School of BiologicalSciences,Madurai Kamaraj

University, Madurai � 625 021,Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. Joseph Mathai, Lecturerin Zoology�Samkarathil�, Anchal, Kollam �691 306, Kerala, India

Mr. Sanjay R.V. Molur, RedList Advisor, Coordinator-CCINSAZoo Outreach Organisation,29/1, Bharathi Colony,Peelamedu, Coimbatore � 641004, Tamil Nadu, India

Dr. Manoj Muni,B-3/501, Lok MilanChandivali Farm RoadChandivali, Mumbai � 400 072,Maharashtra, India

Dr. Vangala Nagulu, AssociateProfessorDepartment of Zoology, WildlifeBiology Section, OsmaniaUniversity, Hyderabad � 500007, Andhra Pradesh, India

Mr. Ommer PaingamadathilNameer, Assistant ProfessorDepartment of WildlifeSciences, College of ForestryKerala Agricultural UniversityKAU (PO), Thrissur � 680 656,Kerala, India

Mr. Pauldurai Rama Nathan,M.Phil. ScholarDepartment of Zoology, St.John�s CollegePalayamkottai - 627 002, TamilNadu, India

Dr. ParthasarathyThiruchenthil Nathan,Research ScholarDept. of Animal Behaviour &Physiology, School of BiologicalSciences, Madurai KamarajUniversity, Madurai - 625 021,Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. Kulam Nathar, Lecturer(SG) in ZoologyDepartment of Biology, H.K.R.H.College, Uthamapalayam, Theni� 625 533, Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. Augustine Noble,Lecturer SG in ZoologyP.M.T. College,Melaneelithanallur, Tirunelveli �627 953, Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. Patiath Padmanabhan ,ScientistDivision of Wildlife Biology,


21

Kerala Forest ResearchInstitute, Peechi, Trichur � 680653, Kerala, India

Dr. KumarasamyParamasivam, LecturerDepartment of Zoology, TheAmerican CollegeMadurai � 625 002, Tamil Nadu,India

Dr. Bhavbhuti MukundrayParasharya, OrnithologistAINP on Agricultural OrnithologyGujarat Agricultural UniversityAnand � 388 001, Gujarat, India

Mr. Anand Pendharkar,68/4, Tarun Bharat Society,Chakala, Sahar Road, Andheri(East), Mumbai � 400 099,Maharashtra, India

Mr. Debojit Phukan,Conservation Biologist, TrainerDhakuakhana, Lakhimpur � 787055, Assam, India

Mr. Paresh C. Porob, RangeForest OfficerH.No. 223/10, �Shristi�B.B. Borkar Road, P.O. Betim,Penha-De-France, Bardez,Goa, India

Mrs. Jeya Praba, LecturerSarah Tucker College,Tirunelveli - 627 007, TamilNadu, India

Dr. Malhar ShyamsunderraoPradhan, ScientistZoological Survey of, India,WRS, Vidyanagar, Sector 29,Rawet Road, PCNTDA PostPune � 411 044, Maharashtra,India

Mr. Arulappan AntonyPrakash, Research ScholarDepartment of Zoology, St.John�s College, Palayamkottai �627 002, Tamil Nadu, India

Ms. Yuvana Satya Priya,Research ScholarDepartment of AnimalBehaviour and Physiology,School of Biological SciencesMadurai Kamaraj University,Madurai � 625 021, Tamil Nadu,India

Dr. Ashok Kumar Purohit,LecturerDepartment of Zoology,J.N.V. University, Jodhpur � 342001, Rajasthan, India

Mrs. Devaraj Addline EstherPushparani, LecturerLecturer, Sarah Tucker College,Tirunelveli - 627 007, TamilNadu, India

Mr. H. Raghuram,Research ScholarDept. of Animal Behaviour &Physiology, School of BiologicalSciences, Madurai KamarajUniversity, Madurai � 625 021,Tamil Nadu, India

Dr. Koilmani EmmanuvelRajan, Post Doctorate FellowDepartment of AnimalBehaviour, School of BiologicalSciences, Madurai KamarajUniversity, Madurai � 625 021,Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. Raman Rajasekar,Research ScholarC/o Dr. Sripathi KandulaSchool of Biological SciencesMadurai Kamaraj UniversityMadurai � 625 021, Tamil Nadu,India

Mr. Kumaran Sathasivam,Business29, Jadamuni Koil Street,Madurai � 625 001, Tamil Nadu,India

Mr. Subhendu Sekhar Saha,ResearcherC/o. Zoological Survey of,India, M-Block, New Alipore,Kolkata � 700 053, WestBengal, India

Mr. Kalu Ram Senacha,Junior Research FellowC/o Dr. Ashok PurohitDepartment of Zoology,J.N.V. University, Jodhpur � 342001, Rajasthan, India

Ms. Manju VasudevaSharma, Student69, Kaveri Hostel, PondicherryUniversity, Pondicherry �605014, India.�GAYATRI�, T.C.- 13/396,Kunnukuzhi P.O.,Trivandrum �695 037, Kerala, India

Dr. Manju Siliwal,Research Associate29, Bharathi Colony, PeelameduCoimbatore � 641 004, TamilNadu, India

Dr. Natarajan Singaravelan,Junior Research FellowDept. of Animal Behaviour &

Physiology, School of BiologicalSciences, Madurai KamarajUniversity, Madurai � 625 021,Tamil Nadu, India

Dr. Yadhunath Prasad Sinha,ScientistC/o.Sri. A.P. Singh, BaghelBhawan, Anand path, MahatmaGandhi nagar, Patna 800020,Bihar, India

Mrs. Ezhilmathi Sophia,LecturerDepartment of Zoology, SarahTucker College, Tirunelveli -627 007, Tamil Nadu, India

Dr. Chelmala Srinivasulu,Senior Research Fellow (WL)Wildlife Biology Section,Department of Zoology,University college of Science(Autonomous), OsmaniaUniversity, Hyderabad-500 007,India

Mrs. Bhargavi Srinivasulu,Senior Research FellowWildlife Biology SectionDepartment of ZoologyUniversity College of ScienceOsmania UniversityHyberabad - 500 007, AndhraPradesh, India

Mr. Ronny Sunny, StudentPeriyar hostel, College ofForestry, Vellanikkara, Thrissur� 680 654, Kerala, India

Ms. Aparna Suvrathan,StudentNational Centre for BiologicalSciences-TATA Intitute ofFundamental Research, UAS-GKVK Campus, Bangalore-560065, Karnataka, India

Mr. Devaraj ParamananthaSwamidoss, Res. ScholarDepartment of Zoology, St.John�s College, Palayamkottai �627 002, Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. ShyamkantSukhadeorao Talmale,Government ServiceZoological Survey of, IndiaWestern Regional StationSector 29, Vidyanagar, RawetRoad, PCNTDA Post, Pune �411 044, Maharashtra, India

Mrs. Adora Thabah, Ph.D.studentSolar View Cottage, UpperMawprem, Shillong � 793 002,

Meghalaya, India

Dr. KrishnamoorthyThiyagesan, Reader inZoologyAVC College, MannampandalMayiladuthurai � 609 305, TamilNadu, India

Dr. Juliet Vanitharani, Readerin ZoologyDept. of Zoology, Sarah TuckerCollege, Tirunelveli � 627 007,Tamil Nadu, India

Mr. Mr. ChhakchhuakVanlalnghaka, StudentC/o. Dr. D.S. Joshi, ZoologyDepartment, AhmednagarCollege, Ahmednagar - 414001, Maharashtra, India

Mr. Vijayakrishna Vantipalli,East Yadavalli, (via)Dwarakatirumala, W.G. Dt.Andra Pradesh, India

Mr. Joseph Vattakaven,Research Associate,ATREE, No.659, 5th �A� MainHebbalBangalore 560 024, India

Mr. Jayant S. Wadatkar, Lab.AssistantP.G. Dept. of Zoology, AmravatiUniversity, Amravati - 444 602,Maharashtra, India

Ms. Sally R. Walker,Convenor & AdministrativeChair, CCINSAZoo Outreach Organisation29, Bharathi Colony, PeelameduCoimbatore � 641 004, TamilNadu, India

Dr. (Mrs.) Kranti DhananjayYardi, Lecturer & ProjectInchargePlot 6, Shailesh Society, NavSahyadri Post, Pune � 411 052,Maharashtra, India

NEPALMr. Pushpa Raj Acharya,StudentCentral Department Of Zoology,T.U. kirtipur, Kathmandu Nepal

Mr. Nabin Baral, StudentPokhara-17, Pardi, Biruta Nepal

Mr. Ananda Khadka, StudentInstitute of Forestry, PokharaNepal


Mr. Yajnamurti Khanal,StudentInstitute of Forestry, Post Box-43, Pokhara Nepal

Mr. Shiva Khanal, StudentInstitute of Forestry, Post Box-43, Pokhara Nepal

Mr. Ambika PrasadKhatiwada, StudentInstitute of forestry, Post Box-43, Pokhara Nepal

Mr. Manandhar, GovernmentService17, Janekta Marga,Buddhanagar, NewBaneshwor, Kathmandu-10Nepal

Mr. Sujas Prasad Phuyal,StudentP.Box No.13688, KathmanduNepal

Mr. Rajesh Rajchal, StudentInstitute of Forestry, office ofthe Dean, Pokhra, Nepal. OrBhaktapur-9, Byasi BagmatiZone Nepal

Mrs. Geeta ShresthaExecutive ChairpersonNATURE138, Banijya Marga, Bijuli BazarNew Baneshwor, P.Box: 20543Kathmandu, Nepal

Dr. Tej Kumar Shrestha,ProfessorG.P.O. Box 6133Kathmandu Nepal

PAKISTANDr. Muhammad Mahmood-ulHassan, Teaching & ResearchHouse No: 1848-D, GhulamMuhammad Abad, Faisalabad,Punjab, Pakistan

Mr. Ahmad Khan,Conservation BiologistC/o Pak-China General Store,Mingora (Nishat Chowk), NWFP,Pakistan

Mr. Muhammad Israr Khan,ForesterHouse # 192, Street #4, SectorC-1, FDC ColonyPhase #5, HazatabadPeshawar, NWFP, Pakistan

Mr. Mohammad Ayaz Khan,Conservation BiologistIrrigation Colony, Shamsi Road,

Mardan 23200, NWFP, Pakistan

Mr. Jaffer Masood,Researcher55/S, block # ll, P.E.C.H.S.Karachi # 29, off KashmirRoad, Karachi, Pakistan

Mr. Muhammad Miaz Khan,Baz Mohammad, AdvocateOffice No. 5, Pak buildingRegal Chowk circular Road,Quetta, Pakistan

Mr. Naeem Ashraf Raja,Forester99/2 Kamalabad, Rawalpindi -46000, Pakistan

Ms. Nuzhat Sial, ResearchOfficerCholistan Institute of DesertStudies, P.Box 146Islamia University, Bahawal Pur,Pakistan

SRI LANKAMr. Koggala M. SenarathAsisthasaman KumaraEnasal Wathta, Yalpathwela,Welimada, Sri Lanka

Mr. Muthurounige PulanChandanaasela, StudentM/5/3, N.H.S, Colombo 10, SriLanka

Mr. Pradana MudiyanselageChandrasekara BandaraDigana, StudentNo. 12/1 Bellanwilla Road,Devulpitira, Boralesgamuwa,Sri Lanka

Mr. Nuwan Dileepa PereraGunawardane, ResearchAssistantDept. of Zoology, University ofKelaniya, Dalugama, Sri Lanka

Mrs. Manori PrasanthikaGoonatilake, Research Asst.Res: No. 17, Sri SangaboMawatha, Kawdana, DehiwalaSri Lanka

Mr. Angoda LiyanageJayasuriya, Wildlife RangerDhammahara,Maharachchimulla, Sri Lanka

Mr. Noyel ThilakarathnaWanniarachchi Kankanange,C/o Mrs. Y.D.S. SenevirathneMalsingheAssistant Diretor (General)National Zoological Garden

Dehiwala, Sri Lanka

Dr. (Mrs). MaththegamaRalalage ManoriPrasanthika Nandasena,Research AssistantDept. of Zoology, University ofColombo, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka

Ms. Pallawela GamegeDayane Ratnayake Perera,StudentOpen University of SrilankaPO Box 21, Nawala, Nugegoda,Sri Lanka

Mr. Merennage SadunJayalal Perera, LecturerSabaragamuwa University of,Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Mr. Mapitiyage WarunaViswanath Pieris,C/o Mrs. Y.D.S. SenevirathneMalsinghe, Asst. Diretor(General), Dept. of NationalZoological GardenDehiwala, Sri Lanka

Dr. Preethi Vidya Randeniya,Lecturer, Dept. of ZoologyUniversity of ColomboColombo, Sri Lanka

Mr. Vidana ArachchilageMadura Pradeep KumarSamarawickrama, FieldEcologistNo. 103/A, Bulawaththa,Gannoruwa, Peradeniya, SriLanka

Mr. BuddhakoralalageSampath SumedhaSeneviratne,Assistant Lecturer�Serengeti�, Anangoda, Galle,Sri Lanka

Mr. SudusingheHakmanadurage SanjeewaSenewirathneUniversity StudentKoraluwa, Waththegama South,Dichwella, Mataia, Sri Lanka

Mr. Viyannalage KapilaManoj Vidyaratne,Wildlife RangerNo 2B 59 / L, RaddolugamaHousing Scheme,Raddolugama, Sri Lanka

Mr. Thiththala Pitige RekhanShamika Wijesinghe,University StudentDepartment of Zoology,

Univeristy of Ruhana, Matara,Home: 38, Kandy Road,Thalatnoya, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Mr. AmuhengodageChaminda JagathpriyaWimalarathna,293/A, Makevita, JA- ELA,Sri Lanka

Dr. Wipula Bandara Yapa,Senior lecturerDepartment of ZoologyUniversty of ColomboColombo 3, Sri Lanka

U.K.Dr. Paul J. J. Bates, DirectorHarrison Institute, OwerwoodHouse, St. Botolph�s RoadSevenoaks, Kent, TN 13 3 AQ,UK

Dr. A.M. Hutson,Winkfield, Station RoadPlumpton GreenEast Sussex, BN7 3BU, UK

Dr. Paul Racey, Chair,Chiroptera Specialist Group,SSC IUCN; ProfessorRegius Professor of NaturalHistory, Dept. of Zoology,University of AberdeenTillydrone AvenueAberdeen AB24 2TL, UK

U.S.A.Dr. Devra G. Kleiman,7216, Delfield StreetChevy Chase MDUSA 20815, USA

Dr. Shahroukh Mistry,Biology Department,Westminster College, NewWilmington PA 16172, USA

Ms. Patricia Ann Ruback,BIS Specialist/Bat Biologist1011 Banburyct., st. Charles,IL, USA, 60174-4455, USA


23

Sanjay Molur, Deputy Director of ZOO and Founder/Secretary of WILD and Red List Technical Expert for IUCNSSC CBSG as well as all our ZOO and WILD networks is inthe process of obtaining a long-overdue Ph.D. He has anexciting topic, e.g. "Habitat and status assessment ofmammals in southern Karnataka, with special reference tobats and rodents." The reason this is an exciting topic willbe explained in the profile, taken from Sanjay's synopsis.

Sanjay has worked for ZOO for 13 years and about 4years ago founded an organisation to help ZOO maintainits ex situ mandate by taking on much of the in situ workwhich ZOO had fallen into. Dr. Mewa Singh, Chairman,Dept. of Psychology, Manasagangotri, Mysore is his guideand he has registered with Mysore University.

One of the reasons Sanjay's Ph.D. is exciting for us isbecause it deals with two groups of our major networktaxa, bats and rodents. Sanjay took up the ZOO andWILD ran about the neglect of non-charismatic mini-vertebrates by focusing on these two most speciose andleast studied groups, bats and rodents.

Although large mammals in India are relatively welldocumented, smaller or lesser/known mammals such asrodents, insectivores, scandents, lagomorphs and bats areprimarily known from old taxonomic work in the faunavolumes. Very little information on their distribution isavailable from various local and regional publications. Formany smaller mammal species, the information is just fromtype descriptions. An impressive compilation of theknowledge on bats of South Asia has been brought outrecently (Bates and Harrison, 1997). A compilation ofmammals of Western Ghats is listed in Nameer and Molur(2001).

The Bombay Natural History Society conducted a series ofmammal surveys all over India, the earliest work insouthern India published by Wroughton and others. BNHSfollowed up the surveys periodically in selected areas of thecountry, including southern India by Katherine Ryley,Shortridge and J.C. Daniel. The mammal surveys includedall mammals and information on rodents and bats areavailable in certain areas of southern India for more over50 years (1910 to 1960). This information forms anexcellent basis for comparative work in species assessmentsif similar surveys are conducted presently.

Since the mid 1800, human impact on wildlife and wildhabitats has had repercussions on their status. A number

of studies on larger forms such as primates, tigers,elephants and other �visible� mammals have shown thenegative effects of such human interference on habitats.Much of the conservation measures in the recent past hasalso focused on these studies, which have led to the presentday management plan in developing protected areas,sustainable use initiatives and joint forest managementinvolving local communities.

However, such conservation efforts rarely include thestatus and needs of lower forms such as amphibians,reptiles, invertebrates, fishes, bryophytes, pteridophytes,gymnosperms, fungi, lower angiosperms and lowermammals. These groups being important componentshave not been assigned an important status in conservationplans. Of these, the group of smaller mammals is chosenin this proposal as focus groups in assessing the impact ofhabitat change to their status, presence and abundance.

It is not well established whether loss of habitat or changesin habitat quality can have a negative effect on smallmammal densities and composition, although several recentsmall mammal workers abroad are of this opinion (MikeJordan, pers. comm.). A comparative account ofpresence/absence data on smaller mammals presently vis-vis older data (BNHS mammal survey) can help understandthe effects of changing habitat on these forms.

Only some areas in southern India have been inventoriedfor smaller mammals recently (Shankar, 1999; ongoingwork by P.O. Nameer, C. Srinivasulu and Kranti & Yardi,Molur et al., 2002), but most have been within protectedareas, e.g. Nagarahole by Ullas Karanth and UpperBhavani by Karthik Shankar. These studies, however, havenot looked at trends in small populations or the effects ofhabitat change.

In recent efforts to understand the status of manytaxonomic groups in India, the process of ConservationAssessment and Management Plan (C.A.M.P.) workshopmethodology has been employed. In the statusassessments of mammals of India done using the C.A.M.P.method in 1997, it was found that more than 30% of thebats and rodents in India are threatened with extinction(Molur et al., 1998) as tested against the IUCN Red ListCriteria, version 2.3 (IUCN, 1994). Fifty-nine species ofrodents, bats, insectivores and scandents were categorized

Profile of one of our own -- Sanjay Molur R.V.Sally Walker*

* Founder/Hon. Director, Zoo Outreach Organisation


Asia by the same methodindicated very littleinformation for manyspecies in the region (Moluret al., 2002), a big lacunain wildlife studies.

This study is with theintention of understandingthe role of habitat change inspecies and populationcomposition of smallermammals in southern Indiaby comparing old data withthat to be conducted in thecourse of the project.While the BNHS teamssurveyed many localities inthe 1900s, a few locationsin Coorg in Karnataka havebeen selected for thepresent study. The reasonfor selecting Coorg are forthe reasons that thelocalities fall within both theWestern Ghats andadjoining plateau which arehome to unique fauna andflora, the areas have had atremendous impact ofhuman populations in thelast 150 years, and the areashave been worked by the forestdepartments for timber in thepast.

This is a unique situation in which data is available so farback and Sanjay is fortunate to have been well advisedabout this by Mr. J.C. Daniels of BNHS. Despite nothaving an a dvanced degree, Sanjay has been imminentlyuseful to the Chiroptera and Rodentia students in assistingwith the network sponsored training courses and otheractivities. The network trainings have been useful to Sanjayas well and we are happy to have had such a mutuallybeneficial association within our organisations.

References:References:References:References:References:Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997).Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997).Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997).Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997).Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997). Bats of theIndian Subcontinent. Harrison Zoological Museum, Kent,xiv+268pp.

Molur, S., P.O. Nameer, and S. Walker (eds.)Molur, S., P.O. Nameer, and S. Walker (eds.)Molur, S., P.O. Nameer, and S. Walker (eds.)Molur, S., P.O. Nameer, and S. Walker (eds.)Molur, S., P.O. Nameer, and S. Walker (eds.)(1998). (1998). (1998). (1998). (1998). Report of the Workshop �Conservation Assess-ment and Management Plan for Mammals of India� (BCCP

Sanjay Molur helps put up mist net in the forested areas near the PakistanSanjay Molur helps put up mist net in the forested areas near the PakistanSanjay Molur helps put up mist net in the forested areas near the PakistanSanjay Molur helps put up mist net in the forested areas near the PakistanSanjay Molur helps put up mist net in the forested areas near the PakistanMuseum of Natural History in Islamabad, the site of one of our three smallMuseum of Natural History in Islamabad, the site of one of our three smallMuseum of Natural History in Islamabad, the site of one of our three smallMuseum of Natural History in Islamabad, the site of one of our three smallMuseum of Natural History in Islamabad, the site of one of our three smallmammal training workshops in Pakistan with resource persons Paul Racey formammal training workshops in Pakistan with resource persons Paul Racey formammal training workshops in Pakistan with resource persons Paul Racey formammal training workshops in Pakistan with resource persons Paul Racey formammal training workshops in Pakistan with resource persons Paul Racey forbat and Mike Jordan for rodents. Photo by Sally Walker.bat and Mike Jordan for rodents. Photo by Sally Walker.bat and Mike Jordan for rodents. Photo by Sally Walker.bat and Mike Jordan for rodents. Photo by Sally Walker.bat and Mike Jordan for rodents. Photo by Sally Walker.

- Endangered Species Project), Zoo Outreach Organisation,Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, India, Coimbatore,India, 176pp.

Molur, S., P.O. Nameer and S. Walker (eds.)Molur, S., P.O. Nameer and S. Walker (eds.)Molur, S., P.O. Nameer and S. Walker (eds.)Molur, S., P.O. Nameer and S. Walker (eds.)Molur, S., P.O. Nameer and S. Walker (eds.)(1998).(1998).(1998).(1998).(1998). Report of the Workshop �ConservationAssessment and Management Plan for Mammals of India�(BCCP - Endangered Species Project), Zoo OutreachOrganisation, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group,India, Coimbatore, India. 176pp.

Shankar, K. (1996).Shankar, K. (1996).Shankar, K. (1996).Shankar, K. (1996).Shankar, K. (1996). Islands in the Western Ghats.Science Reporter 33(6): 9-33.


Nature and its resources arewonderful -- living beings,environment, ecosystem are so closelyrelated, similar to a spider web. If onesmall part of the web is destroyed thewhole weave of the structure or entireecosystems and the lives thereof areaffected. After various global decreesand conventions and the attendantpublicity, gradually people arebecoming more aware of the value ofnature and its ecosystems for theirsurvival. Since last two decades somany conservation works includingeducation and research have been andare being done to save nature and itsresources. However, because of thetendency of educators, public relationpersons and even scientists themselvesto focus on charismaticmegavertebrates, the common manthinks about nature conservation andbalance of ecosystem in terms oflarge, powerful and attractive animals.

Even people who really care and workfor environment protection don�t givemuch attention to some animals, suchas bats, despite its essential role inbalancing ecosystems and the longterm effect on the stability of ourenvironment. Even I worked in thefield of conservation education for last10 years and never thought ofeducating children about bats. I alwaysfocused my lesson in attractive, largeand endangered species. But one dayMs. Sally Walker, Founder/Director ofZoo Outreach Organization of Indiaadvised me to start bat education inschools and provided the educationalmaterials. The materials were veryinteresting, informative and, best ofall, interactive -- you could help youraudience learn by doing activities withthem. I came to know lots ofinteresting thing about bats and theirsignificant role in balancingecosystem. I was inspired to learnmore about bats. With the support ofZoo Outreach Organization and

CCINSA and their sponsor ChesterZoological Gardens, my organisationNATURE started Bat clubs in schoolsand began conducting bat educationactivities in those schools. The firstclub was so rewarding, we thought ofstarting other.

Now, NATURE runs a total of threeCCINSA bat clubs. I should mentionthat CCINSA stands for ChiropteraConservation and InformationNetwork of South Asia and NATUREstands for Nature, Awareness TrustUtility Resource for Environment.

First club -- Boudha SchoolFirst club -- Boudha SchoolFirst club -- Boudha SchoolFirst club -- Boudha SchoolFirst club -- Boudha SchoolThe first club was called �NATUREBoudha School Nepal CCINSA BatClub� This school is situated inBauddha, Kathmandu. Here we have22 club members from class 6 and 7.In this bat club all the meetings, fieldtrips and bat educational activitiesrequested by CCINSA have beencompleted but we are still in touchwith the club members andencouraging them to learn more aboutbats and share it with their friends.The club members are engaged in

CCINSA/NATURE Bat Clubs, Kathmandu, NepalGeeta Shrestha*

* Founder, NATURE; Nepal CountryRepresentative for CCINSA,email : [email protected];[email protected].

activities on their own and collectinginformation about bats and sharingwith us as well. The coordinator ofthis club is very active and comes toNATURE office to get advice andinformation which he shares it withother club members.

I had requested teachers of this schoolto spread bat education throughdifferent ways and they took theinitiative to put a two-page lessonabout bats in a primary school book.Now this book has been published inNepali language and there are twopages about bats with a photograph.The pictures were taken from thematerial provided by Zoo Outreachand CCINSA. Thousand of childrenwill be reading at least some generalinformation about bats which will helpto develop a positive attitude towardsbat from their early age.

Group photo of Nepal's first Bat Club


Briefing about bat club in NATUREBauddha School Bat club

Wildlife Conservat ion Society at Bronx Zoo New Yorkpresented me a Book all about American Bats in recognitionof our work with bat education In Nepal.

Second ClubSecond ClubSecond ClubSecond ClubSecond ClubThe second Club; �NATURE NMSA CCINSA Bat Club�;(National Model Science Academy). This school is situatedat Gongabu, Kathmandu. Here we have 32 members allfrom class 7. In this club we have finished two meetings,named the club, registered club members formally and dida pre-evaluation of their knowledge about bats. We havescheduled three more meetings and a field trip with thisclub members.

was a book which was all about bats. This was really morevaluable for me than any other gift. So I am really thankfulto ZOO, CCINSA and WCS for providing such valuableeducational materials and guidance about bat clubs,through which I am being able to raise awareness amongthe students about bats which is the key for itsconservation.

Third ClubThird ClubThird ClubThird ClubThird ClubThe third club; �NATURE SDBS CCINSA Bat Club�(SDBS is Shahid Dharma Bhakta School) and is situated atNakkhu, Lalitpur. Here we have already met the principaland got approval to start bat club and selected the namefor club. We will be starting club meeting and its activitiesby the first week of May.

There is no special course or programs in Nepal toacquire detailed knowledge about bats. The NATURE BatClub activities are going well and helping to createawareness about bats among school children. We havefound tremendous changes in students' attitudes towardsbats when we matched pre- and post- evaluation forms.Thus we are satisfied with the outcome of this programme.I had presented NATURE Bat club program as a successfulprogram while I was attending an Environmental EducationFellowship program in Bronx Zoo New York in 2005organized by Wildlife Conservation Society WCS. Duringthe training the staff of WCS helped me to get moreinformation about bats and at the last day of training WCSprovided all the participants with a personal gift and my gift

Two more CCINSA Bat Clubs in NepalTwo more CCINSA Bat Clubs in NepalTwo more CCINSA Bat Clubs in NepalTwo more CCINSA Bat Clubs in NepalTwo more CCINSA Bat Clubs in Nepal

Sujas Phuyal and Rajesh Rajchal, students of Instituteof Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Nepal are forming batclubs in Pokhara for a range of age groups. Rajeshcame to us via Geetha Shreshta who has given batsquite a bit of coverage with her bat clubs for kids andher search for experts to speak to the kids. Rajeshformed his club some time ago and Suhas is startingnow.

Although our grant for Bat Clubs from Chester Zoo isexhausted we have materials left which we areproviding to Suhas and Rajesh. These consist of avariety of bat education material to use as guidelinesand also camera ready copy of the printed materialso we can all put our money directly into printinginstead of in postage or customs duty.

These bat clubs will create a population of youngsterswho might be interested in become bat scientists oneday and who, at the very least, will know the value ofbats and how to honour their tremendous role inmaking our lives better.

Zoo Outreach Organisation and CCINSA provided aset of bat club educational materials and a CD whichconsists of more bat education stuff and the cameraready copy of all the printed materials to print morecopies by themselves.


27

Indian flying fox, Pteropus giganteus is a megachiropteranspecies of bats distributed widely from Pakistan, Nepal, India,China and Maldives through to Myanmar. It is well distributedacross India (Bates and Harrison, 1997).

During the period of May 2004 to July 2005 we travelledacross various destinations in Northern, Western, Central andEastern India by car for the field work aimed to investigatethe prevalence of diclofenac in livestock carcasses. It hasavailed me an opportunity to explore various roosts of Indianflying fox, Pteropus giganteus (Fig.1). I could locate twelveroosts of this species varying with population range of 13 to2500 individuals (Map.1) Table 1 posses the brief accountof all these roosts.

The most thrilling experience for me was to saw a hugecolony, comprising of 2000 - 2500 individuals, of thisspecies roosted on twelve trees of five species. It was the lateafternoon of rainy days when we were traveling from Udaipurto Sirohi in Rajasthan by road on 27 June, 2004. Being ahilly route we were making fun in the start of the Journey withslow classical music running in our car, but our driver Mr.Anant got stunned upon hearing a sentence �Aarre rooko�which I uttered curiously in response of sound heard thereonof Indian flying foxes. He stopped the vehicle and we gotdown to look for the flying fox colony. I turned thrilled to

Opportunistic Survey of Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus (Brunnich, 1982)K. R. Senacha*

*Bombay Natural History Society, Shaheed Bhagat SinghRoad, (Opp.Lion Gate), Mumbai- 400 023, India, E-mail:[email protected]

Fig.1: An individual of Indian flying fox: Pteropusgiganteus. Photo: K. R. Senacha

Fig. 2: A colony of Indian flying fox: Pteropus giganteus roosting on atree of Albezia sp., located at roadside of village Jaswantgarh (Tehsil-

Gogunda, Distt. � Udaipur), Rajasthan. Photo: K. R. Senacha

Fig. 3: A close-up view of Indian flying fox colony roosting ona tree of Albezia sp., located at roadside of village Jaswantgarh

saw a tree full with flying foxes, which was looking entirelyblack on the top due to presence of bats (Fig.2 & 3)

It was located just aside with the right side of the road runningout from the village Jaswantgarh (Tehsil- Gogunda, Distt. �Udaipur) towards Sirohi (Rajasthan), but then dazed uponanother glance at some more trees fully occupied with thisspecies of bats (Fig.4). We spent almost two hours toexamine the entire roost in detail. There were total twelvetrees belonging to five different species of plants, of which


Table 1: detailed account of different roosting sites of Indian flying fox, Pteropus giganteus observed through May 2004 to July 2005

Sl. No.

Location of the roosting site with GPS reading

Date of observation

State Roosting trees Estimated population

1 Kankariya Lake, about 2 km from Main Railway station, Ahemadabad (23.04561 N & 72.57598 E)

26.06.04 Gujarat Ficus sp. 100 - 110

2 Tree on the four lane divider, Ahemadabad � Udaipur national highway, near village- Padhuna, Tehsil- Girava, Distt.- Udaipur ( 24.35550 N & 73.65237 E)

26.06.04 Rajasthan Ficus sp. 140 - 160

3 Roadside trees, road running out from village- Jaswantgarh, Tehsil- Gogunda, Distt.- Udaipur, Udaipur- Sirohi Road (24.74871 N & 73.51075 E)

27.06.04 Rajasthan Ficus sp. Albezia sp. Three unidentified

2000 - 2500

4 Roadside trees, near Bus stand of village- Dewala, Tehsil- Bekariya, Distt.- Udaipur ( 24.74727 N & 73.45822 E)

27.06.04 Rajasthan Albezia sp. 13 -15

5 Pinjore garden, Pinjore, Hariyana (30.79193 N & 76.91528 E)

21.07.04 Hariyana Mangifera indica Eucalyptus sp.

300 - 325

6 Roadside trees near a river bridge on Pawata Shahib � Dehradun highway, near village- New Chorkhala, Tehsil- Vikas Nagar, about 25 km prior to Dehradun (30.35217 N & 77.85743 E)

23.07.04 Uttaranchal Eucalyptus sp.

250 - 300

7 Trees in a private campus, near Sabaji Mandi, left side of new Roadways bus stand - Railway station road, Dehradun (30.31825 N & 78.04809 E)

27.07.04 Uttaranchal Mangifera indica Some unidentified

900-1000

8 Roadside trees, about 6 km prior to village Nanota on Saharanpur - Nanota � Muzzafarnagar highway, About 15 -20 km from Saharanpur ( 29.75263 N & 77.65376 E)

27.07.04 Uttar Pradesh

Eucalyptus sp.

450 - 500

9 Trees at right side of the Nasik � Indore national highway, near bus stand, village- Ojhar Mig, Tehsil- Niphad, Distt.- Nasik (20.09464 N & 73.92567 E)

04.12.04 Maharashtra Ficus sp. 70 - 80

10 Trees in a private farmhouse, left side of the Nasik - Indore national highway, near Bus stand, village � Peepaldhar, Tehsil- Sendhawa, Distt.- Barwani (21.66314 N & 75.08103 E)

04.12.04 Madhya Pradesh

Ficus sp. Mangifera indica

100 - 120

11 Trees near Hemilton Road Bridge, Kishanpura, Indore (22.72857 N & 75.85996 E)

18.02.05 Madhya Pradesh

Ficus sp.

90-100

12 Trees in the Campus of Govt. Bus Stand, Sinnar, Distt.- Nasik

08.03.05 Maharashtra Gulmohar (Local name)

50 - 55


29

three were of Albezia sp., four were ofFicus sp., but remaining five couldn�t beidentified properly.

Although sex ratio could not beenassessed properly but males were founddominated in that vary population. Afew of them were making noiseinteracting with each other whereasmany of them were roosted calmly withkeeping their wings folded one over theother on their ventral body parts andkeeping their eyes open, whereas someof them were looking very lethargic withhiding head inside their wing cover.There may be more but I could countat least 50 sub adults in that varycolony of bats. Notably, parturition inthis species have been reported in themonths of March and April in WesternIndia (Senacha, 2003), but varies overdifferent months as in January andFebruary in Central India (Moghe,1951) whereas May and June in SriLanka (Phillips, 1980).

Generally, they give birth to a singleinfant but twin have also been observedrarely (Senacha and Purohit, 2004).Electrocution in this species has alreadybeen reported in western parts of India(Purohit and Senacha, 2003). Besidethese roosts we also came acrossroughly hundred electrocuted specimensof P. giganteus at different places during

Fig.- 4: A view of Indian flying fox colony roosting on a tree of Ficus sp., located at roadsideof village Jaswantgarh (Tehsil- Gogunda, Distt. � Udaipur), Rajasthan. Photo: K. R. Senacha

this time span. Although we could notsight any roosts of this species in North� Eastern parts of India but I recollectthe comments of local people in Bihar,Assam and Meghalaya saying �Indianflying fox is frequently been hunted forthe sake of its medicinal value�. Theystrongly believe its meat has gotpotential to cure disease like Asthmaand Paralysis.

References:

Bates, P. J. J. and D. L. Harrison (1997).Bates of the Indian Subcontinent. HarrisonZoological Museum 1-258.

Moghe, M. A. (1956). On the developmentand placentation of the Indian fruit bat,Pteropus giganteus giganteus (Brunnich).Proceedings National Institute of Science,India (B) 22: 48-55.

Phillips, W. W. A. (1980). Manual of themammals of Sri Lanka Part 1. Wildlife andNature Protection Society of Sri Lanka 1-116.

Purohit, A. and K. R. Senacha (2003).Electrocution of Indian Flying Foxes,Pteropus giganteus giganteus, in Jodhpur,India. Bat Research News 44 (2): 63-64.

Senacha, K. R. (2003). Eco-status anddemographic changes among thechiropterans of the Thar desert with specialreference to Jodhpur. Ph.D. thesis, J.N.V.University, Jodhpur, India 1-175.

Senacha, K. R. and A. Purohit (2004).Possible twin birth in the Indian flying fox,Pteropus giganteus. Bat Research News 45(4): 199.

Acknowledgement: I am grateful to AsadRahmani, Director, Bombay Natural HistorySociety for permission to carryout this workand Royal Society for Protection of Birds,U.K. for the financial support. I also thankmy colleague Bindu Raghavan, KamalKumar Kashyap and Anant Khot, our driverfor extending their support in the field.

Map 1: Roosting sites of Indian flying fox, Pteropus giganteus explored throughMay 2004 to July 2005


Solitary or non-territorial adult males in bats: Are �Making the best of aSolitary or non-territorial adult males in bats: Are �Making the best of aSolitary or non-territorial adult males in bats: Are �Making the best of aSolitary or non-territorial adult males in bats: Are �Making the best of aSolitary or non-territorial adult males in bats: Are �Making the best of abad job�?bad job�?bad job�?bad job�?bad job�?T. Karuppudurai*, N. Gopukumar# and K. Sripathi*

As our understanding of mating systems increases, it becomesobvious that apparently species specific mating behavioursoften vary both between and within population (Emlen &Oring,1977). Since individuals should respond to theirenvironment in ways which maximize their inclusive fitness, theformer variations may result from ecological differencesbetween populations. Within population variance, the co-occurrence of territorial and solitary or non-territorial malemating tactics in many populations is less transparent. Itindicates that two or more segments of the population mayrespond to essentially the same environment with differenttactics. One aspect of behaviour that shows such extensivevariation is mating behaviour. Broad intraspecific variation inmating behaviour is seen in diverse animal taxa includingarthropods, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals(Brockmann, 2001). Reproductive strategies are shaped bynatural selection favouring individual with the greatest lifetimereproductive success. However, not all mature individualsadopt the same reproductive strategies (Gross, 1996). Whencompetition for access to mates is severe, young reproductiveindividuals sometimes opt for alternative mating behaviours(Caro & Bateson, 1986). Environmental or demographicfactors may constrain the number of males able to employ themost successful strategy, and force other mature males into�Making the best of a bad job� (Dawkins, 1980). Variationin individual characteristics that lead to competitiveasymmetries also may affect the age at which males switchfrom a less successful reproductive strategy to a moresuccessful or optimal one (Clutton-Brock et al., 1979).Alternative tactics in reproductive behavior enable individualsto maximize their fitness in relation to competitors in the samepopulation. Among polygynous mammals, territorialbehaviour is almost exclusively a male trait believed tofunction primarily as a reproductive strategy to secure mates.Because mammals are committed to their progeny throughgestation and lactation, female reproductive success usually ismore readily quantified than male reproductive success. Malereproductive success in polygynous mammals is largelyattributed to the spatial and temporal patterns of femaleaggregation (Bradbury & Vehrencamp, 1977; Emlen &Oring, 1977; Clutton-Brock, 1989). Aggregations ofreceptive females are dependent on variation in resourcedistribution, predation pressure, costs of social living andactivities of males (Clutton-Brock 1989). Hence, resourcedistribution is one of the major factors affecting matingsuccess of resource-based polygynous mating animals whenmales control access to resources that females require forreproduction (resource defense mating systems, Bradbury &Vehrencamp, 1977; Emlen & Oring, 1977). Underelevated levels of intrasexual competition, cost of territorymaintenance may be so great that alternative mating strategiesare favoured, even among mature males. However, most batspecies are polygynous with a highly varied male matingsuccess. Different mating strategies adopted by males withinthe same species are often considered as a plausible reason for

this variation in male mating success. Why should males fromthe same species adopt different strategies? Changingenvironment, genetic polymorphism and selecting the lesscommon strategy within a population are thought to be someof the factors influencing an individual to follow a particularmating strategy. The most common pattern in a variety oftaxa is for the tactics to reflect opportunistic, facultativeresponses to the local social and ecological environmentexperienced by individual males. The plasticity of mammalianbehaviour is well known; however, the alternative reproductivetactics of males have received little attention, and moststudies are limited to large mammalian species (LeBoeuf,1974). Although we hardly know the history of alternativetactics in any population, the prevalence of alternative typesin so many species makes it unlikely that they are all transientphenomena. In this story, we attempt to explain theapparently stable co-existence of alternative mating tacticsand attempt to determine the mating success of the strategies.

Bats are quintessential refuging animals, belonging to theOrder Chiroptera, with 1,001 species divided into twosuborders, the Megachiroptera (often known as Old Worldfruit bats) with 167 species and the Microchiroptera with834 species. Bats are recorded from all areas of the worldexcept Arctic and Antarctic and a few isolated oceanicislands. More than 20% of all mammalian species are bats(Mickleburgh et al., 2002). Bats exhibit various forms ofmating behaviour ranging from simple monogamy to resourceand female defence polygyny, as well as leks (Bradbury &Vehrencamp, 1977; McCracken & Wilkinson, 2000).Among these, resource defence polygyny is the mostcommonly observed mating pattern. Bats establish a harem bydefending critical resources such as food, shelter, or mates(McCracken & Wilkinson, 2000). Modification of foliageinto the form of a tent is but one form of resource. Tentmaking behaviour has been observed in at least 15 species ofbats including Uroderma bilobatum (Timm & Clauson,1990), Ectophylla alba (Brooke, 1990), Vampyressanymphaea (Brooke, 1987), Artibeus jamaicensis (Kunz &McCracken, 1996), and Cynopterus sphinx (Balasingh et al.,1995). In most species of bats, the adult males arecategorized into two groups, harem or territorial males andsolitary or non-territorial males. The harem males constructdefend tents against other males and thereby enablingcopulation with a large number of females. The evolution ofresource defence polygyny requires critical resource be inlimited supply and economically defendable (Emlen & Oring,1977). Under such conditions, all eligible males are not

#Present address: University Grants Commission, CentralRegional Office, Bhopal 462 016, India.*Dept. of Animal Behaviour and Physiology, Centre ofPotential in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences,Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 625 021, India.


expected to form a harem of their own, instead some adultmales roost alone (Heckel et al., 1999; Ortega & Arita,1999; Storz et al ., 2000b; Gopukumar et al., 2005).These observations suggest an interesting question, why dosome males roost alone? Are solitary or non-territorial malesless competitive and so remain isolated from breedingactivities? Can a solitary male, which roosts unobtrusively neara harem, succeed in mating with harem females? If so, thequestion that arises is how and when a solitary male wouldgain access to females. Are solitary males �making the best ofa bad job�? This was a major question we sought to answerfrom our study species Cynopterus sphinx and other batspecies.

The Indian short-nosed fruit bat, Cynopterus sphinx, is oneamong the Old World fruit bats (Megachiroptera:Pteropodidae). It is a common plant-visiting bat that occursthroughout the Indo-Malayan region (Storz & Kunz, 1999).Roosts solitarily or in small groups in the foliage. It weighsabout 45-70g. It lives in clusters of small colonies of about2-30 individuals (Balasingh et al., 1995). C. sphinx is apolygynous mating bat and also has a polyestrousreproductive cycle with two well-defined and highlysynchronous parturition periods per year (Krishna & Dominic,1983; Sandhu, 1984). These bats occupy a wide diversity ofdiurnal roosts and are known to alter different types offoliages to create tents in trees like Borassus flabellifer,Washingtonia filifera, Caryota urens, Areca catechu, Polyalthialongifolia, and Vernonia scandens (Balasingh et al.,1993;1995; Bhat & Kunz, 1995; Storz et al., 2000b;Gopukumar et al. 2005). In C. sphinx, adult males arecategorized into two groups, harem male and non-haremmale. The harem males construct and defend tents (resource).Only those males who are in possession of a tent recruitfemales and gain mating access with them. This organizationof bats is called harem. During breeding seasons these haremmales defend critical resources to attract females, therebyfacilitating a harem-polygynous mating system. However,recent studies have shown that breeding population alsoconsists of non-harem males and most of the time theyoccupied roosts adjacent to the harems (Storz et al.,2000a). Moreover, Gopukumar et al., (2005) reported thatthe frequency of non-harem males was high between Augustand October and further suggested that this is due to thesexually mature first time breeding young males and therebyhigh competition amongst them to establish a day roost torecruit females before securing mating in October-November.What should they do? This was a major question we attemptto elucidate the impetus behind solitary roosting by usingradio-telemetry, mark-recapture and direct observation in andaround Madurai (lat 9° 58� N, long 78° 10� E) andPalayamkottai (lat 8° 44� N, long 77° 42� E), Tamil Nadu,South India. Our results suggest that the males roosting near toa harem started recruiting females by occupying a tentabandoned by the harem. Morphological variables did notdiffer between harem and non-harem males, suggesting thatsome trait other than size may be instrumental in deciding thereproductive status (harem or non-harem) of adult males.Interestingly enough, when we analysed the roosting pattern ofnon-harem males, we found that more than 90% of the non-

harem males preferred to stay nearer to a harem.Furthermore, mark-recapture and radio-telemetry studiesshowed that in some cases transition of males from non-haremto harem male status was so fast it indicates that solitary malesare reproductively active, gain access to females andpresumably obtain some reproductive success (Karuppuduraiet al., in prep.). It may not be possible for a male to succeedin mating in such a short time, if it follows the primarystrategy involving construction, maintenance and defence oftent leading to female recruitment. Moreover Balasingh et al.,(1995) observed a male C. sphinx in the act of tent makingin curtain creeper, Vernonia scandens and suggested that theprocess took nearly 50 days for a male to construct a tent bychewing and severing more than 300 stems and leaf petioles.Since tent construction by a male represents such a heavyinvestment of time and energy, it seems highly unwarranted toabandon it for other males. We believe that in C. sphinx thesolitary adult males are �making the best of a bad job�.Further investigations are needed to fully understand themating system of C. sphinx and to ascertain whether theroosting pattern of non-harem males is to avoid the cost oftent construction and defense? However, whether it is astrategy to usurp mating opportunities from harem malesdeserves further investigation.

In several species of polygynous mating bats, the territory andresource holders typically have a higher reproductive successthan those males without territories. Many females aremonopolized and probably fertilized by territory holders(McCracken & Bradbury, 1977; Wilkinson, 1985; Heckel etal., 1999; Ortega et al., 2003). However, both genetic andbehavioural studies so far from various taxa have shown thatnon-territorial males are not totally isolated from mating.They were found to be employing a �low cost, low benefit�alternative mating strategy either as satellites (Emlen, 1976)or as sneakers (Clutton-Brock et al., 1979). Solitary or non-territorial males execute the alternative strategies in a varietyof ways. The mode of attaining harem male status differsfrom species to species. A size-based hierarchy for males inthe social system was observed in A. jamaicensis (Ortega &Arita, 1999), with some larger harems being occupied by asmall sized subordinate male apart from a dominant male. InSaccopteryx bilineata, some individuals are associated withharems over several years and the non-territorial males buildup site-specific dominant hierarchies (Voigt, 2002), andyoung males of Phyllostomus hastatus are known to gain accesswith harem females if the harem male dies or is displaced(Kunz et al., 1998). In some cases, males try to mate withfemales while wandering through different territories. Thesemales are wanderers (Alcock et al., 1977). Some males staynear a dominant male and obtain mating by sneaking, whilethe dominant male is away (Clutton-Brock et al., 1979). Insome cases, male maintain a long term association with aterritory and obtain mating by intercepting females when theyapproach a dominant male, importantly presence of thissatellite male is tolerated by the dominant male (Howard,1978).

The most commonly described mating system in bat species ispolygyny, in which males defend a resource to recruit and


have exclusive mating access with a large number of females.The resource may be a foraging area or a roosting site or thefemales themselves. However, several genetic analyses haveshown that paternity is biased in polygynous mating systems.For e.g. a paternity study in Saccopteryx bilineatademonstrated that 71% of offspring born into a harem arenot sired by the resident harem male, but are instead fatheredby non-territorial males (Heckel et al., 1999; Heckel & vonHelversen, 2002). Similarly, in Phyllostomus hastatus, haremmale fathered 60-90% offspring (McCracken & Bradbury,1977), while the harem male in Desmodus rotundus fathersapproximately 45% of young (Wilkinson, 1985) and theestimated paternity for dominant males of Artibeusjamaicensis ranged from 33-83% (Ortega et al., 2003). Themonopolization of paternity by the dominant males isincomplete due to alternative strategies used by satellite malesto gain access and copulate. These alternative strategiesinclude coalitions, forced copulations or sperm competition(Clutton-Brock et al., 1989). It is common for alternatives toexist in the way males gain access to mates or resources. Inmany species, large males defend territories, while other malesadopt non-territorial behaviours. Variation exists even withinthis basic pattern. In the bluegill sunfish, individual males donot appear to switch between alternative behaviours (Gross,1996). In the bluehead wrasse, each male is non-territorialwhen small and switches to territorial defence when large. Insome frog species, males even switch on a daily basis betweenalternative behaviours (Howard, 1978). However, the modusoperendi of nonharem or satellite males gaining access withharem females was inadequately investigated to equate with�alternative strategy�.

Apart from the mating success of nonharem males, lowpaternity for harem males can also occur as a result of femalechoice. Heckel et al. (1999) reported the importance offemale choice especially in highly mobile animals with haremsystem. It appears that female of S. bilineata actively selecttheir roosting location and are highly mobile; some femalesshift roosting territories during the course of a day and somedisperse to other colonies. Thus the roosting preferences offemales seem likely to increases the chances for non-territorialmales to sire offspring. We observed three postpartum estrusfemales (C. sphinx) belonging to a harem visit a nonharemmale exclusively during the night hours and engaged inmating. A similar observation was also made by Balasingh etal. (1995) who reported fluctuations in the harem size on aday-to-day basis, indicating that females periodically shiftedtheir tents. Incomplete monopolization of females by haremmales has been observed. The incomplete control of haremmales over harem females increases the chances for non-harem males to fertilize some of the females. In addition arecent study by Storz et al. (2001) indicated that in southernIndia, during the dry season the spatial dispersion of femaleC. sphinx is highly clumped due to limited roosting sites andthe harem male sires 96% of offspring conceived during thisperiod. In total contrast in the wet season more roost sites areavailable and females are dispersed more widely and in thiscase, the harem male sires only 40% of offspring, while theother 60% offsprings were sired by other (solitary) males.The possible movement of females between harems was

suggested as one of the reasons for this observation. Similarly,among the polygynous bats A. jamaicensis (Ortega & Arita,1999; Ortega et al., 2003), Phyllostomus hastatus(McCracken & Bradbury, 1977), Desmodus rotundus(Wilkinson, 1985) and S. bilineata (Heckel et al., 1999;Heckel & von Helversen 2002), incomplete monopolizationof females by harem males has been observed. Finally, mostwork on mating behaviour in bats has been focused on malebehaviour. Much less is known about female behaviour andhow it affects male mating tactics; and that there is still muchto learn about how females choose males and why differentfemales make different choices. Behavioural variation in batpopulations is an exciting area of research, which is likely toprovide insights not only into the evolution of bat behaviourbut also, more generally, into the evolution of individualdecision-making. There are exciting research opportunitiesahead for those so inclined.

The evidence discussed here provides support for the solitaryor non-territorial adult male employing a �low cost, lowbenefit� alternative mating strategy or individuals are �Makingthe best of a bad job�. The growing interest in alternativetactics should encourage future investigators to discuss thelack of solitary roosting (other species) behaviour making theirfinding easier to interpret and we suggest a number of possiblelines for future research.

ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferencesReferencesAlcock, J., C. E. Jones and S.L. Buchmann, 1977. Male matingstrategies in the bee Centris pallida Fox (Hymenoptera:Anthophoridae). Am. Nat., 111: 145-155.Balasingh, J., S. S. Isaac and R. Subbaraj, 1993. Tent-roosting by thefrugivorous bat, Cynopterus sphinx (Vahl 1797) in southern India.Curr. Sci., 65: 418.Balasingh, J., J. Koilraj and T. H. Kunz, 1995. Tent construction bythe short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus sphinx (Chiroptera:Pteropodidae) in southern India. Ethology, 100: 210-229.Bhat, H. R. and T. H. Kunz, 1995. Altered flower/fruit clusters ofthe kitul palm used as roosts by the short-nosed fruit bat, Cynopterussphinx (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). J. Zool, Lond., 235: 597-604.Bradbury, J. W. and S. L. Vehrencamp, 1977. Social organizationand foraging in emballonurid bats. III Mating systems. Behav. Ecol.Sociobiol., 2: 1-17.Brockmann, H. J., 2001. The evolution of alternative strategies andtactics. Adv. Stud. Behav., 30: 1�51.Brooke, A. P., 1987. Tent construction and social organization inVampyressa nymphaea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Costa Rica. J.Trop. Ecol., 3: 171-175.Brooke, A. P., 1990. Tent selection, roosting ecology and socialorganization of the tent-making bat, Ectophylla alba, in Costa Rica. J.Zool, Lond., 221: 11-19.Caro, T. M. and P. Bateson, 1986. Organization and ontogeny ofalternative tactics. Anim. Behav., 34: 1483-1499.Clutton-Brock, T. H., S. Albon, R. Gibson and F. E. Guiness, 1979.The logical stag: adaptive aspects of fighting in Red Deer (Cervuselaphus L.). Anim. Behav., 27: 211:225.Clutton-Brock, T. H., 1989. Mammalian mating systems. Proc. R.Soc. Lond., 236 B: 339-372.Dawkins, R., 1980. Good strategy or evolutionarily stable strategy,pp. 331-367, in Sociobiology: beyond nature/nurture? (G. W.Barlow and J. Silverberg, (eds.). Westview Press, Inc., Boulder,Colorado, 627 pp.


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Emlen, S. T. and L. W. Oring, 1977. Ecology, sexual selection andthe evolution of mating systems. Science, 197: 215-223.Gopukumar, N., T. Karuppudurai and D. P. Swami Doss, 2005.Dispersal patterns of the short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus sphinx(Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). Mamm. Biol., 70: 122-125.Gopukumar, N., T. Karuppudurai, P. T. Nathan, K. Sripathi, G.Arivarignan and J. Balasingh, 2005. Solitary adult males in apolygynous mating bat (Cynopterus sphinx): a forced option or astrategy? J. Mammal., 86: 281-286.Gross, M. R., 1996. Alternative reproductive strategies and tactics:diversity within the sexes. Trends Ecol Evol., 11: 92-98.Heckel, G., G. G. Voigt, F. Mayer and O. von Helversen, 1999.Extra harem paternity in the white-lined bat Saccopteryx bilineata(Emballonuridae). Behaviour, 136: 1173-1185.Heckel, G. and O. von Helversen, 2002. Male tactics andreproductive success in the harem polygynous bat Saccopteryxbilineata. Behav. Ecol., 13: 750-756.Howard, R. D., 1978. The evolution of mating strategies in bullfrogs,Rana catesbiana. Evolution, 32: 850-871.Karuppudurai, T., N. Gopukumar and K. Sripathi in prep. Maletactics and reproductive success in the polygynous mating batCynopterus sphinx assessed by RAPD and Microsatellite DNAmarkers.Krishna, A. and C. J. Dominic, 1983. Reproduction in the femaleshort-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus sphinx (Vahl). Period. Biol., 85:23-30.Kunz, T. H. and G. F. McCracken, 1996. Tents and harems:apparent defence of foliage roosts by tent-making bats. J. Trop. Ecol.,12: 121-137.Kunz, T. H., S. K. Robson and K. A. Nagy, 1998. Economics ofharem maintenance in the greater spear-nosed bat, Phyllostomushastatus. J. Mammal., 79: 23-30.LeBoeuf, B. J., 1974. Male-male competition and reproductivesuccess in elephant seals. Am. Zool., 14: 163-176.McCracken, G. F. and J. W. Bradbury, 1977. Paternity and geneticheterogeneity in the polygynous bat, Phyllostomus hastatus. Science,198: 303-306.

McCracken, G. F. and G. S. Wilkinson, 2000. Bat mating systems.In: E. G. Crichton and P. H. Krutzsch (eds), Reproductive Biology ofbats. Academic Press, New York, 321-362.Mickleburgh, S. P., A. M. Hutson and P. A. Racey, 2002. A reviewof the global conservation status of bats. Oryx, 36: 18-34.Ortega, J. and H. T. Arita, 1999. Structure and social dynamics ofharem groups in Artibeus jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae).J. Mammal., 80: 1173-1185.Ortega, J., J. E. Maldonado, G. S. Wilkinson, H. T. Arita and R. C.Fleischer, 2003. Male dominance, paternity, and relatedness in theJamaican fruit-eating bat (Artibeus jamaicensis). Mol. Ecol., 12:2409-2415.Sandhu, S., 1984. Breeding biology of the Indian fruit bat,Cynopterus sphinx (Vahl) in Central India. J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc.,81: 600-611.Storz, J. F. and T. H. Kunz, 1999. � Cynopterus sphinx. Mammal.Species, 613: 1-8.Storz, J. F., J. Balasingh, P. T. Nathan, K. Emmanuel and T. H. Kunz,2000a. Dispersion and site fidelity in a tent-roosting population ofthe short-nosed fruit bat (Cynopterus sphinx) in southern India. J.Trop. Ecol., 16: 117-131.Storz, J. F., H. R. Bhat and T. H. Kunz, 2000b. Social structure of apolygynous tent-making bat, Cynopterus sphinx (Megachiroptera). J.Zool. Lond., 251: 151-165.Storz, J. F., H. R. Bhat and T. H. Kunz, 2001. Genetic consequencesof polygyny and social structure in an Indian fruit bat, Cynopterussphinx. II. Variance in male mating success and effective populationsize. Evolution, 55: 1224-1232.Timm, R. M. and B. L. Clauson, 1990. A roof over their feet. Nat.Hist., 3/90: 55-58.Voigt, C.C., 2002. Individual variation in perfume blending in malegreater sac-winged bats. Anim. Behav., 63: 907-913.Wilkinson, G. S., 1985. The social organization of the commonvampire bat. II. Mating system, genetic structure and relatedness.Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol., 17: 123-134.

Practical Science to enable fruit bats to survivePractical Science to enable fruit bats to survivePractical Science to enable fruit bats to survivePractical Science to enable fruit bats to survivePractical Science to enable fruit bats to survive

Editors note :The School of Biological Sciences of Madurai Kamraj University has always been a leader in bat studies and its Chair, G.Marimuthu right at the forefront. Recently Dr. Marimuthu began giving much more focus to scientific studies which have apractical application, particularly in regard to the vexed problem of orchard-growers and fruit bats. Below is a brief of a paperof that type. Congratulations to the authors and to MKU. Eds.

A paper entitled �Muntingia calabura � an attractive food plant of Cynopterus sphinx deserves planting as an alternative foodplant to lessen orchard damage� has beem published in the recent issue (Volume 8 (1), 2006, page 239-245) of �Acta�Acta�Acta�Acta�ActaChiropterologica� Chiropterologica� Chiropterologica� Chiropterologica� Chiropterologica� (a journal that contains research papers exclusively on bats, being published by the Museum and Institute ofZoology and Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland). N. Singaravelan and G. Marimuthu (Madurai Kamaraj University,Madurai) author the paper. For the benefit of the readers of the �Bat Net� the abstract of the paper is reproduced here.

Among the fourteen species of pteropodids that are found in India, Cynopterus sphinx (body mass ~ 45 g) receives most of theblame for causing damage to commercial fruit crops. We observed the number of visits made by C. sphinx to four species ofcommercial fruits in orchards (Mangifera indica, Achras sapota, Psidium guajava and Vitis vinifera), and four species of wild/non-commercial fruits (Muntingia calabura, Ficus bengalensis, F. religiosa and Bassia latifolia) in trees located in suburban areas. The totalnumber of bat visits to M. calabura was significantly greater than to all other fruit species. The total nightly bat visits ranged from aslow as 5.0 % (V. vinifera) to 47.0 % (F. religiosa), in comparison to the total nightly visits made to M. calabura. In addition, thenumber of mist-netted individuals of C. sphinx per hour near M. calabura was also significantly higher than near other fruit species. Wesuggest that if M. calabura is grown in and around orchards, damage caused by C. sphinx to commercial fruit crops may be decreasedand therefore would serve as a non-destructive method for managing removal of commercial fruits by bats.


Introduct ionIntroduct ionIntroduct ionIntroduct ionIntroduct ionBats have been reported from almost allgeographical areas of the world, exceptfor the arctic, Antarctic, extreme desertareas, and a few isolated oceanic islands(Mickelburgh, et. al. 1992; Hutson, et.al. 2001). They are systematicallyclassified into two suborders:Megachiropterans are the Old-Worldfruit bats and Microchiropterans arepredominately insectivorous bats(Koopman, 1993). Bats may roost inhollow trees, under the bark of maturetrees, in tents made from tree leaves,among dense foliage, on tree branches,in caves and mines and in rock crevices.They are the natural insect predatorsand plant pollinators and have beenvery beneficial to the human economyand natural environment on which wedepend.

Very little scientific work has beenconducted on bat faunas in the countryNepal. B. H. Hodgson was the firstcollector who described fauna in thiscountry. He collected 373 mammalspecies, belonging to 70 genera and114 species and hence contributedsome to the understanding of Nepalesebats. Abe (1982) has recorded about570 small mammals, he has alsoreported on several bat species. A firstever bat survey in Nepal was carried outin Pokhara Valley to gather baselineinformation on the status of bat fauna in

Figure 1: Location of the Pokhara Valley in Nepal

Status and Threats of Bats in Pokhara Valley, NepalStatus and Threats of Bats in Pokhara Valley, NepalStatus and Threats of Bats in Pokhara Valley, NepalStatus and Threats of Bats in Pokhara Valley, NepalStatus and Threats of Bats in Pokhara Valley, NepalSujas Prasad Phuyal1 and Prasad Dhoubhadel2

the valley, bat colonies weredocumented and their distribution mapwas prepared, checklist of bats wasprepared and existing threats on batswere assessed.

Study areaStudy areaStudy areaStudy areaStudy areaThe Pokhara Valley, sprawling over610.97 Sq. Km. covering whole orpart of 2 Municipalities and 30 VillageDevelopment Committees (VDCs), wastaken as study area. The valley extendsinto the �Oriental Realm� between27º50' to 28º23' N latitude and83º48' to 84 º 13� E longitudes. Thealtitude of entire landscape varies from1600 feet to 9800 feet above meansea level. The climate here is humid andsub-tropical with a monsoonal rainfall

patterning. The Valley is characterizedby moderate temperatures (meantemperatures peak at 25ºC in July-August and falls to a minimum of 13ºCin January), heavy monsoon rainfall(mean annual rainfall is 3710 mm withdistinct seasonal variations), heavyrainfall during the summer months(82% of precipitation occurs fromJune-September), local convectionhailstorms in autumn, and strong windsduring the dry spring.

Results and DiscussionResults and DiscussionResults and DiscussionResults and DiscussionResults and DiscussionBat ColoniesBat ColoniesBat ColoniesBat ColoniesBat ColoniesA total of 12 bat colonies were foundin Pokhara valley. They are distributedin the Pokhara sub-metropolitan city,Lekhnath municipality, Bhalam VDC,Armala VDC and Hemja VDC. Amongthe twelve colonies, two are tree roostsand the remaining ten are caves. Twoof the caves (Buddha cave and RadheRadhe cave) located in Pokhara sub-metropolitan city enjoy the safety ofinaccessibility. All of the roostsidentified in the study are situated inand around urban areas. Three of thecaves, Gupteshwor cave, Bat cave andMahendra cave, are already knownroosts. The remaining caves and tree

Figure 2: Distr ibution of Bat roostsFigure 2: Distr ibution of Bat roostsFigure 2: Distr ibution of Bat roostsFigure 2: Distr ibution of Bat roostsFigure 2: Distr ibution of Bat roostsin Pokhara Val ley, Nepalin Pokhara Val ley, Nepalin Pokhara Val ley, Nepalin Pokhara Val ley, Nepalin Pokhara Val ley, Nepal

1 B. Sc. Student, Institute of forestry,Pokhara Campus, Pokhara, Email:[email protected] / [email protected] Associate Professor (Wildlife Biology),Institute of Forestry, Office of theDean, Pokhara, Email:[email protected]


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T a b l e 1 : B a t r o o s t s i n P o k h a r a v a l l e y a n d t h e i r c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s S n C o l o n y � s N a m e

a n d a d d r e s s C h a r a c t e r i s t i c f e a t u r e

1 S i t a C a v e ( L e k h n a t h � 1 4 )

A c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t . S i t u a t e d b y f a r m l a n d n e a r a m o t o r r o a d . B e l o n g s t o i n d i v i d u a l f a r m e r . P r e v i o u s l y u n e x p l o r e d . S i m p l e a n d e a s y f o r c a v i n g .

2 P a n d i t C h o w k ( P o k h a r a � 1 8 )

A c c e s s i b l e t r e e r o o s t . S i t u a t e d b y t h e b l a c k t o p p e d r o a d . T r e e s b e l o n g t o d i f f e r e n t f a r m e r s . P r e v i o u s l y u n e x p l o r e d .

3 R a d h a k r i s h n a t o l e ( P o k h a r a � 1 8 )

A c c e s s i b l e t r e e r o o s t . S i t u a t e d b y t h e b l a c k t o p p e d r o a d . T r e e s b e l o n g t o d i f f e r e n t f a r m e r s . O n l y 2 3 b a t s a r e f o u n d i n t h i s r o o s t . P r e v i o u s l y u n e x p l o r e d .

4 R a d h e r a d h e C a v e ( P o k h a r a � 1 5 )

I n a c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t s i t u a t e d b y t h e S e t i R i v e r a b o u t 1 0 0 m v e r t i c a l l y b e l o w a g r a v e l r o a d . O n l y r e l i g i o u s p e o p l e , b e l i e v e d t o h a v e o b t a i n e d e x t r a p o w e r f r o m G o d , h a v e e n t e r e d t h i s c a v e . N o t a w e l l k n o w n c a v e , b u t l i e s o n p u b l i c l a n d .

5 B u d d h a C a v e ( P o k h a r a � 9 )

G e n e r a l l y i n a c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t s i t u a t e d b y t h e S e t i R i v e r i n S h a n t i B a n a r e a . S m a l l e s t c a v e r e c o r d e d i n t h i s s t u d y . C a n b e v i s i t e d i n w i n t e r s e a s o n w i t h s o m e d i f f i c u l t y . P r e v i o u s l y u n e x p l o r e d . B e l o n g s t o I n s t i t u t e o f F o r e s t r y .

6 G u p t e s h w o r C a v e ( P o k h a r a � 1 7 )

A c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t s i t u a t e d b y t h e m o t o r r o a d , f a m o u s f o r c a v i n g . P r e s e n c e o f b a t s w a s e v e r r e c o r d e d i n t h i s s t u d y . V e r y i n t e r e s t i n g c a v e f o r c a v i n g p u r p o s e . T h e b i g g e s t c a v e r e c o r d e d d u r i n g t h e s t u d y .

7 P e a c e C a v e ( H e m j a - 2 )

A c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t s i t u a t e d b y t h e Y a m d i R i v e r . 1 5 m i n u t e w a l k f r o m m o t o r r o a d . P r e v i o u s l y u n e x p l o r e d . I n t e r e s t i n g c a v e f o r b o t h c a v e a n d b a t s t u d y .

8 B a t C a v e ( P o k h a r a � 1 6 )

A c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t , s i t u a t e d b y t h e m o t o r r o a d , W e l l k n o w n c a v e f o r c a v e a d v e n t u r e a n d b a t s t u d y . C a v e s u p p o r t i n g l a r g e s t n u m b e r o f b a t s i n c o m p a r i s o n w i t h o t h e r c a v e s r e c o r d e d i n t h i s s t u d y . I n t e r e s t i n g a n d i m p o r t a n t f o r b a t s t u d y .

9 M a h e n d r a C a v e ( P o k h a r a � 1 6 )

A c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t , s i t u a t e d b y t h e m o t o r r o a d , w o r l d - f a m o u s f o r c a v e a d v e n t u r e . T h e o l d e s t r e c o r d e d a n d t h e m o s t v i s i t e d c a v e b y t o u r i s t s i n c o m p a r i s o n w i t h t h e o t h e r c a v e s r e c o r d e d i n t h i s s t u d y . S i m p l e a n d e a s y f o r c a v i n g .

1 0 C r a z y C a v e ( A r m a l a - 6 )

A c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t , s i t u a t e d i n 3 0 m i n u t e d i s t a n c e f r o m m o t o r r o a d . P r e v i o u s l y u n e x p l o r e d . I n t e r e s t i n g f o r b o t h , c a v i n g a n d b a t s t u d y . B e l o n g s t o i n d i v i d u a l f a r m e r .

1 1 P u t l i C a v e ( B h a l a m � 2 )

A c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t . 1 0 m i n u t e w a l k f r o m m o t o r r o a d . L i e s i n p u b l i c l a n d . P r e v i o u s l y u n e x p l o r e d . I n t e r e s t i n g f o r c a v e , b a t a n d s t u d y i n g s n a k e s a s w e l l .

1 2 B i r e n d r a C a v e ( B h a l a m � 2 )

A c c e s s i b l e c a v e r o o s t s i t u a t e d i n f r o n t o f P u t l i C a v e . L i e s i n p u b l i c l a n d . E a s y a n d i n t e r e s t i n g f o r c a v e a n d b a t s t u d y .

roosts are documented for the firsttime in this survey. The confirmed batcolonies in this study are layered uponthe Pokhara Valley map using aGeographical Information System(GIS). This map showing distributionof bat roosts in the valley is presentedin the figure 2 (above).

Species richness of BatsSpecies richness of BatsSpecies richness of BatsSpecies richness of BatsSpecies richness of BatsTotal of eleven species of bats wererecorded from the Pokhara Valleyduring the course of study. These batsbelong to four families, four sub-families, and nine genera. Of the batsidentified, three species are fruit batsfrom the family Pteropodidae. The

remaining eight species are insectivorousbats, belonging to the following families:Megadermatidae (1), Rhinolophidae(2), and Vespertilionidae (5). Thesefinding suggest that Pokhara valleyrepresents 22% of the total bat speciesfound in Nepal.

Threats to batsThreats to batsThreats to batsThreats to batsThreats to batsWith the increased interest in exploringcaves within Pokhara Valley, managersare modifying cave environments withartificial lighting at a detrimentalexpense to the cave fauna. Bat cave,Mahendra cave and Gupteshwor cavehave been used as a tourism resource.Two years ago, one tourist guide

noticed two dead bats inside Bat cave,which may have been killed as a resultof stone throwing by tourists. Inaddition, the increased traffic within thecave systems inevitably brings theincrease in foreign objects into the cave.The current state of cave managementin Pokhara Valley focuses on touristattraction, not preservation of sensitivecave life. Mahendra cave is found to beilluminated with 12-hour run electricbulbs, Gupteshwor cave partially lit withelectric bulbs, and Bat cave only beobserved with torches.

During the course of this study differenttypes of natural tragedies wereobserved. High rainfall in PokharaValley has been directly disturbing treeroosting bats. Heavy storm andhailstorms has sometimes causedbranches to break on large trees, injurebats and kill them. Local people haveobserved the killing of 47 Pteropusgiganteus in Dhital Phant area during asingle night, eight years ago. Localpeople have also reported seeingstarving bats during heavy and longduration rainfall. In Gupteshwor cave,the water level sometimes rises up tothe cave entrance trapping anddrowning unaware bat colonies. Asimilar situation is assumed to occur inthe inaccessible Radhe-radhe cave,when the water level rises in Seti River.

Heavy declines in banana productionwithin Hemja VDC have occurred duringthe last ten years. Now, only a fewclusters of banana groves remain. Localpeople once observed numerous flyingfoxes roosting and foraging aroundHemja area, but now their numbers arelow and their visits are infrequent. Inaddition, guava and papaya plantationshave decreased as well. Logging in theforest deprives the bat of both feedingand roosting options, as does thecutting and trimming of trees in urbanareas. Local people, who live near Batcave, once observed bats using Ficusreligiosa trees as maternity roosts duringthe summer months. Now, these treeshave been removed and the bats havenot been observed near Bat cave.

Local residents also report that youngadults occasionally use caves for socialgatherings. Bundles of billets are often


Old World Fruit Bats. An Action Planfor their Conservatiobn. IUCN/SSCChiroptera Specialist Group. IUCN,Gland, Switzerland.Abe, H. 1982.Abe, H. 1982.Abe, H. 1982.Abe, H. 1982.Abe, H. 1982. EcologicalDistribution of Small mammals inCentral Nepal. Mammalia 46.Koopman, K.F., 1993.Koopman, K.F., 1993.Koopman, K.F., 1993.Koopman, K.F., 1993.Koopman, K.F., 1993. Chiroptera.In mammal species of the world: ataxonomic and geographic reference.(eds.) Wilson, D.E. & Reeder, D.M. 2nd

edition. Smithsonian institution press,Washington. (Cited in T. Ritto et. al.2005)Walker, S. & S. MolurWalker, S. & S. MolurWalker, S. & S. MolurWalker, S. & S. MolurWalker, S. & S. Molur(Compilers) 2003.(Compilers) 2003.(Compilers) 2003.(Compilers) 2003.(Compilers) 2003. Summary of thestatus of South Asian Chiroptera.Extracted from the CAMP 2002Report. Zoo Outreach Organisation,CBSG, South Asia and WILD,Coimbatore, IndiaHutson, A.M., S.P. Mickelburgh,Hutson, A.M., S.P. Mickelburgh,Hutson, A.M., S.P. Mickelburgh,Hutson, A.M., S.P. Mickelburgh,Hutson, A.M., S.P. Mickelburgh,and P.A. Racey. (Compilers).and P.A. Racey. (Compilers).and P.A. Racey. (Compilers).and P.A. Racey. (Compilers).and P.A. Racey. (Compilers).2001.2001.2001.2001.2001. Microchiropteran Bats: GlobalStatus Survey and Conservation ActionPlan. IUCN/SSC Chiroptera SpecialistGroup. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, andCambridge, UK.

Acknowledgement:Acknowledgement:Acknowledgement:Acknowledgement:Acknowledgement:The authors specially thank the BatConservation International, USA for theaward of Global Grassroots BatConservation Fund grant to carry outthe study �Survey of Bats of PokharaValley, Nepal�. This paper is based onthe final report of the same studyconducted by the 1st author during Feb.-August, 2005 in Pokhara Valley ofNepal. For details please contact:[email protected]

lit in Sita cave during these occasions.Bats are being killed by electrocutionalso. A dead body of Pteropusgigantieus killed by electric shock wasfound from Tutunga area during studyvisit. Local people from Hemja,Lekhnath, Lakeside, Chindada andMalepatan area have reported killing ofnumber of bats in the past due toelectrocution. The direct killing of batsfor medicine and food has also beenrecorded but only one report of killingbats for meat was recorded.

Conclus ionConclus ionConclus ionConclus ionConclus ionPokhara is a good habitat for bats, atotal of 12 bat colonies were found inthe valley. Ten of them were caveroosts and two were tree roosts. Elevenspecies of bats were identified inPokhara Valley accounting for 22% ofNepal�s bat biodiversity. These batsbelong to four families, four sub-families, and nine genera. Of the batsidentified, three species are fruit batsand the remaining eight species areinsectivorous bats. The main threatsexist to bats in Pokhara Valley areartificial lightening in the cave,disturbance by the visitors, lack of

policies, natural tragedies, decline infruit production, shrinkage of roostingsites, electrocution and direct killing ofbats.

Education programs aiming at increasingconservation awareness, especiallyamong students and those living nearlarge bat colonies is considerednecessary to build the positive attitudestowards bats. Caves need protection toprevent disturbance of colonies andexcessive lighting must be reduced.Formation of a bat club is promising inthe Batulechaur area and habitatfocused conservation actions areimmediately required for Sita cave andChindanda bat colonies. Managers oftour caves should consider promotingtheir bat colonies and, should helpeducate the public about bats and othercave dwelling animals. Urban treeplanting should be encouragedthroughout the valley to provideneeded food and roosts whilebeautifying the city.

References :References :References :References :References :Mikelburgh, S.P., A.M. Hutson,Mikelburgh, S.P., A.M. Hutson,Mikelburgh, S.P., A.M. Hutson,Mikelburgh, S.P., A.M. Hutson,Mikelburgh, S.P., A.M. Hutson,and P.A. Racey (Eds.). 1992.and P.A. Racey (Eds.). 1992.and P.A. Racey (Eds.). 1992.and P.A. Racey (Eds.). 1992.and P.A. Racey (Eds.). 1992.

Suhas Phuyal examines a live batcaptured from Sita Cave of Lekhnath

Municipality.

Table 2: Checklist of Bats of Pokhara Valley, Nepal (2005) Sn

Common Name Family Species SA

Status Nepal Status

1 Greater False-vampire bat

Megadermatidae

Megaderma lyra (E. Geoffroy, 1810)

LC LC

2 Short-nosed Fruit Bat

Pteropodidae Cynopterus sphinx (Vahl, 1797)

LC LC

3 Indian flying fox Pteropodidae Pteropus giganteus (Brunnich,1782)

LC LC

4 Fulvous Fruit Bat

Pteropodidae

Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmarest, 1820)

LC NT

5 Andersen's Leaf-nosed Bat

Rhinolophidae Hipposideros pomona (Andersen, 1918)

LC NT

6 Least Horseshoe Bat

Rhinolophidae

Rhinolophus pusillus (Temminck, 1834)

LC LC

7 Hodgson's Bat Vespertilionidae Myotis formosus (Hodgson,1835)

LC NT

8 Nepalese Whiskered Bat

Vespertilionidae Myotis muricola (Gray, 1846)

LC LC

9 Himalayan Whiskered Bat

Vespertilionidae Myotis siligorensis (Horsfield, 1855)

NT NT

10 Javan Pipistrile Vespertilionidae Pipistrellus javanicus (Gray, 1838)

LC LC

11 Asiatic Greater Yellow House Bat

Vespertilionidae Scotophilus heathii (Horsfield,1831)

LC LC

Note: IUCN Red list categories used LC = Least concern (Taxa which don�t qualify for Near Threatened) NT = Near Threatened (It has been evaluated, doesn�t satisfy the criteria for any of the threatened criteria)


37

Although bats are one of the largest groups of mammals inoverall abundance and known to be playing a crucial role inthe ecosystem, very little information is available on them.In Nepal, 50 species of bats have been recorded, whichforms 40.6% of the South Asian and 4.48% of the globalbat species. This study aimed to identify the trends of andthreats to bats population in Sallaghari which is located inBhaktapur district, 13 km east from the capital city �Kathmandu. The major species of Sallaghari is Chir pine(Pinus roxburghii) (Nepali name: salla). Other associatedspecies are Silky oak (Grevilia robusta), European neettlewood (Celtis australis), Champ (Michalea champaca),Nepoleon�s willow (Salix sp.), Himalayan poplar (Populussp.), Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), Himalayancypress (Cupresus torulosa), Jacaranda (Jacarandaovalifolia), Bottlebrush (Calistamon citrinus), Mulberry(Morus alba) and herbs, shrubs and grasses. There areagricultural lands, ponds, school, hospital and temples inand around the bat habitat.

Map Showing Location of Study AreaMap Showing Location of Study AreaMap Showing Location of Study AreaMap Showing Location of Study AreaMap Showing Location of Study AreaThis study was conducted at different times during March2005 to March 2006. The bat present in the area wasidentified as Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus), which isconfirmed by colours of different parts and measurementsof body length, weight and wingspan. It has been inhabitingthe area since the time immemorial. The bats begin toemerge from hibernation in March and immigrate toSallaghari. Their number continues to increase until Julyand remains constant with 3000 in number over a periodfrom July to September. Then it starts decreasing and

An Overview of the Bats in Sallaghari, BhaktapurAn Overview of the Bats in Sallaghari, BhaktapurAn Overview of the Bats in Sallaghari, BhaktapurAn Overview of the Bats in Sallaghari, BhaktapurAn Overview of the Bats in Sallaghari, BhaktapurRajesh Rajchal*

* M. Sc. Forestry Student, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara,P. O. Box: 204, Nepal. Email: [email protected]

comes to zero at the end of October. Interview with thelocal people revealed that the bats emigrate to Kavredistrict for hibernation from October to February. Thetrend of bats population over a year is shown in figurebelow.

Figure showing Trend of Bats Population over aFigure showing Trend of Bats Population over aFigure showing Trend of Bats Population over aFigure showing Trend of Bats Population over aFigure showing Trend of Bats Population over aYear in SallaghariYear in SallaghariYear in SallaghariYear in SallaghariYear in SallaghariThough the area has been protected by the royal Nepalesearmy, it is facing a number of threats. When asked abouttrend of bats population in Sallaghari, nearly every

respondent indicated that the number of bats was aboutdouble just five years back. Similar to the findings of otherstudies, destruction of habitat, misunderstanding, fear andincreasing human population were found to be the majorcauses of population decline. Moreover more than ten batsannually die of electric shock and is being the highest threatto the bats in the locality. Only one household was foundto capture the fallen bats for food and medicine. Otherrespondents answered unanimously that they had neverseen or heard of anyone in the area who was in any wayparticipated with bat killing.

In conclusion, Sallaghari is the only habitat popular for batsin Bhaktapur. There are also some other forest areas andcaves potential for bat habitats but studies have not beenstarted yet. Sallaghari area is relatively rich in biodiversityand has peaceful environment, so it seems possible torecover the bats population as in the past throughappropriate habitat management and public awarenessprogram. Appropriate management of electric wires is theimmediate need to solve the problem of bat kills by electricshock. It is also necessary to be carried out studies on theimpact of pesticides on the population, habitat, breedingbiology and diet analysis.


Report on CCINSA Sarah Tucker Branch Activities 2005-2006,Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Dr. Juliet Vanitharani, Director, CCINSA - Sarah Tucker branchbecame one of the editors for the International Journal of Basic andApplied Biology titled Journal of Theoretical and ExperimentalBiology. Published by Elias Academic Publishers, under the ChiefEditor Dr. G. Kulandaivelu, Department of Plant Sciences, School ofBiological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai andExecutive editor Dr. E. John Jothi Prakash, Department of PlantBiology and Plant Biotechnology, TDMNS College, T.Kallikulam,Tirunelveli.

The Bat Research team consisting of Juliet Vanitharani, Ph.D scholarsand colleagues of the faculty of Zoology, 3 Junior Research Fellows, 2field assistants, and one technical assistant who are working in the batresearch laboratory and the student Bat Club Members of Sarah TukerCollege, Tirunelveli -627 007, Southern India, has an excellent recordin terms of Bat Conservation in India. They are working for theconservation of 34 bat species in southern India.

May 26 -28, 2005MEPCO SCHLENK Engineering College Bat Club Members helped theCCINSA Sarah Tucker Bat Research team at Sengaltheri. This eventcreated an awarness on fruit bat conservation among the forest officials(the forest range officers, watchers and guards), including witnessingradiotelemetry work at Sengaltheri and examining a bat roosting cave.

July 9-16, 2005Dr. J. Vanitharani participated as a resource person in the 4thInternational Symposium/Workshop on frugivores and seeddispersal and presented a paper on �Latidens salimalii a reliable seeddisperser of southern Western Ghats, India�

August 10-11, 2005The bat research team headed by Dr. J. Vanitharani participated andpresented research papers based on bat conservation in HESTECH -2005 National Seminar on the "Human Values and the EmergingProblems of Science and Technological Developments" organised bySarah Tuker College Tirunelveli. Papers were presented on thefollowing topics:

J. Vanitharani, 2005. Impact of anthropogenic perturbation throughscience and technology on a group of bio- agents in the tropicalecosystem

L.Jeyapraba and Vanitharani. J. 2005, Advancement of science andtechnology an emerging problem for the existence of bio agents (FruitBats) of forest ecosystem.

M. Vijaya, J. Vanitharani and D.A.E. Pushparani, 2005. Temple Bats� A case study to assess the health hazards and human values.

A. Arulsundari and J. Vanitharani, 2005. Effect of recentdevelopments in sciences and human impact on the complex networksof seed dispersers.

August 26-28,2005The bat research team launched an �awareness programme on batconservation� among the non-teaching staff members of Sarah Tuckercollege at Sengaltheri. The team members did mist netting andcollected C. brachyotis and explaining about the role of fruit bats in

the forest ecosystem to the participants. The participants joined as amember in the CCINSA, Sarah Tucker Branch and have taken an oathto protect bats the �key stone species� of the ecosystem.

September 9-10, 2005Dr. J. Vanitharani was asked by the Tamilnadu forest department togive trainning on bat conservation and disscuss about the the batresearch in KMTR to the Indian Forest Service (IFS) probationersbatch 2004-2007. The training was entitled "Training on thebiodiversity conservation and management of keystone species- batsVenue: Mundanthurai, Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. IndianForest Service probationers taken oath to protect and conservekeystone species (bats) in their jurisdiction all over India

September 26, 2005A pathetic site of a wounded flying fox Pteropus giganteus provokedthe Sarah Tucker CCINSA team members to make an arrangement fora bat conservation awareness programme through publication ofresearch papers with documents to prove the bats are the key stonespeciesin the ecosystem.

September 30 - October1, 2005The bat research team has participated and presented research paperbased on bat conservation in the State level conference on thechanging environment at Dakshina Mara Nadar Sangam College,T.Kallikulam, Tirunelveli. Papers Presented on the following topics:

J. Vanitharani. 2005. Can the Indian constitutional provisions protectour environment? are they all constructed with the basic knowledge ofeach environmental Components?

L. Jeyapraba and J. Vanitharani. 2005. Environment ImpactAssessment through bat species.

E. Sophia and J. Vanitharani. 2005. A probe into bat conservation inIndian government legislation.

J. Vanitharani, A. Arulsundari and M. Vijaya. 2005. Bat diversity aboon to the forests of Kalakad- Mundanthurai tiger reserve.

J. Vanitharani, M. Vijaya and A. Arulsundari. 2005. Role of fruit batsin forest management of Agasthiya-malai biosphere reserve.

October 8, 2005The Bat Research Team has participated in the Wildlife WeekCelebrations convened by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department andspoke about Wldlife Conservation, Conservation of Biodiversity andEnvironment Protection in the public meeting.

November 18,2005The bat research team created bat conservation awareness amongYWCA members

January 23, 2006The bat research team made a membership campaign for the expansionof CCINSA bat club at St.Xavier�s College, Palayamkottai. Outcomeof the campaign :� Bat awareness programme to the Staff and the students (U.G and


Submitted by Dr. Jul iet Vanitharani, Reader, SarahSubmitted by Dr. Jul iet Vanitharani, Reader, SarahSubmitted by Dr. Jul iet Vanitharani, Reader, SarahSubmitted by Dr. Jul iet Vanitharani, Reader, SarahSubmitted by Dr. Jul iet Vanitharani, Reader, SarahTucker Col legeTucker Col legeTucker Col legeTucker Col legeTucker Col lege

P.G) of Department of Zoology� 83 members belonging to the faculty of zoology St. Xaviers becamemembers of CCINSA

February 4-5, 2006The CCINSA team Sarah Tucker presented 8 research papers insistingon bat conservation and management at the national conference heldat Sri Pudmavathy Mahila Visvavidyalayam at Thirupathi.

March 4-5,2006The CCINSA team created bat awareness among Kani tribals atKarayar, Mundanthurai. The research team attempted to catchavailable bat species to show the tribals from a bat roost located in themidst of the Kani village, thus confirming bats are friendly animalscontributing only good to mankind. The ecodevelopment officer Mr.Malaseppa IFS and his team also visited the Kani village and joined inpromoting the protection of bats and biodiversity conservation

March 9,2006The bat research team convened a workshop for 40 members, PGstudents and staff, ending the programmes of the year 2005-2006 bypublishing research papers and articles in journals.

Papers PublishedD. Lily and J. Vanitharani. 2005. Olfactory Communication throughscent marking behaviour during breeding in Hipposideros speoris(Schneider�s leaf nosed bat 1800). J. of Theoretical and Expt. Biol. 1(3) : 121 � 128. Pub: Elias Academic Publishers.

D. Lily and J. Vanitharani. 2005. Chemical Signaling In Hipposiderosspeoris (Schneider�s leaf nosed bat 1800). J. of Theoretical and Expt.Biol. 1(4): 183-192. Pub: Elias Academic Publishers.

J. Vanitharani. 2005. A general review of Indian Bats. In. Souvenir,Silver Jubilee, 25 years of Academic Excellence. Pub: Post Graduatestudies and research centre, Scott Christian College (Autonomous),Nagercoil. Ed. Dr. Prasannakumar, 125-130.

In Press: J. Vanitharani, U.M. Norberg, M. J. Pearch and V.Chelladurai. 2005. Wing form, flight mode and dietary selection inLatidens salimalii (Salim Ali�s Fruit Bat) of Agasthiyamalai biospherereserve, India. J. of Mammalogy.

Pub: J. Vanitharani. 2005. Can the Indian constitutional provisionsprotect our environment? proceedings of state level conference on thechanging environment. T. Kallikulam, Tirunelveli District.

L. Jeyapraba and J. Vanitharani. 2005. The impact of changingenvironment on bat species. Zoo�s Print Journal. Pub: Zoo�s OutreachOrganisation. On line www.zoosprint.org.

J. Vanitharani, M. Vijaya and A. Arulsundari (In press). Role of fruitbats in forest management of Agasthiyamalai biosphere reserve.Proceedings of State level conference on the changing environment. T.Kallikulam, Tirunelveli District

D.A.E. Pushparani, J. Vanitharani, S. Rajkumar, S. and T. Sundararaj.2005. A report on the Bacteria flora of the intestinal track of Indianfalse vampire bat Megaderma lyra. Journal of Theoretical andExperimental Biology. Pub: Elias Academic Publishers.

ANNOUNCING THEANNOUNCING THEANNOUNCING THEANNOUNCING THEANNOUNCING THEFirst InternationalFirst InternationalFirst InternationalFirst InternationalFirst International

7-10 May 2007Club Andaman Resort Beach Hotel,

Patong, Phuket, Thailand

Jointly hosted by Faculty of Science, Prince of SongklaUniversity, Hat-Yai, Thailand, Darwin Initiative, TexasTech University, USA and Harrison Institute, U.K.

Objective: Objective: Objective: Objective: Objective: The conference will provide a forum for theexchange of ideas and information on the research andconservation of South-East Asia s bats. Will include a widevariety of oral presentations, posters and demos. It is opento all (from throughout the world) with an interest in South-East Asian bat fauna, including university, institute andNGO staff and students, amateur and professionalresearchers and enthusiasts and conservationists.

Themes: Themes: Themes: Themes: Themes: Biodiversity; Conservation; Ecology; andOutreach.

Date and Venue: Date and Venue: Date and Venue: Date and Venue: Date and Venue: 7-10 May, 2007, Club AndamanResort Beach Hotel, Patong, Phuket, Thailandwww.clubandaman.com .Fie ld Excurs ion (Optional , deta i l s to be f ixed):F ie ld Excurs ion (Optional , deta i l s to be f ixed):F ie ld Excurs ion (Optional , deta i l s to be f ixed):F ie ld Excurs ion (Optional , deta i l s to be f ixed):F ie ld Excurs ion (Optional , deta i l s to be f ixed):11-13, May 2007.

Provisional Registration Form: To help us plan the bestpossible conference, it would be most valuable if you wouldcomplete the attached registration form (see page below)and e-mail (or post it) to Associate Professor ChutamasSatasook (at [email protected] : see below for fulladdress). This will ensure that you receive the second andsubsequent circulars. It is anticipated that the SecondAnnouncement will be circulated by 1 October, 2006.Updated information regarding the conference andregistration form can be found at

http://www.sc.psu.ac.th/bats

Organising Committee:Organising Committee:Organising Committee:Organising Committee:Organising Committee: For further information pleaserefer website: http://www.sc.psu.ac.th/bats and contact

Conference Secretariat: Conference Secretariat: Conference Secretariat: Conference Secretariat: Conference Secretariat: Associate Professor ChutamasSatasook, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University,Hat-Yai, 90112, Thailand, e-mail: [email protected]:International advisor:International advisor:International advisor:International advisor:International advisor: Dr. Paul Bates, Harrison Institute,Bowerwood House, St Botolphs Road, Sevenoaks, Kent,TN13 3AQ, England, [email protected]


Ecodevelopment officer Mr. Malaseppa IFS also visited the Kanivillage to speak of protection of bats and biodiversity conservation

The CCINSA Sarah Tucker team created bat awareness among Kani Tribals at Karayar, Mundanthurai

A wounded bat provoked the Sarah Tucker CCINSA team membersto make an arrangement for a bat conservation awareness programmethrough publication of research papers with documents to prove the

bats are the key stone species in the ecosystem

Research team presents papers at TDMMS College at State levelconference on the changing environment

Awareness programme on bat conservation among the non-teachingstaff of Sarah Tucker College at Sengaltheri.

Team members did mist netting and collected C. brachyotisand explained the role of fruit bas in the forest ecosystem

to non-teaching staff of STC.


The order Chiroptera, including 1280+ species of bats, isunique in being the only mammals capable of sustainedflight. Bats are sub categorized in two major groups,megachiroptera and microchiroptera, basing on theirspecialization of their feeding habits and morphologicaladaptations. While the former group is predominately fruiteaters, the later predominately feed on insects. Theyrepresent about one-fifth of the known mammal diversityof the world.

In India, there are 114 species of bats of which only 14are fruit eaters. As with many other small mammal groupsthe bats have also been poorly studied and documentedresulting in apathetic attitude and widespread ignoranceabout them. Unlike, birds and large wild animals, these areneglected totally while drafting management plans of bothprotected area networks and other urban-development ortourism-related projects. To bridge this chasm batbiologists of South Asia in a conjoint effort assessed thecurrent trends of distribution and population of knownspecies of bats in the region to get enlisted in national andinternational legislation according to the guidelines ofIUCN (See Molur et al., 2002). In this effort, we realizedthat the lack of proper database is the major hindrance inany such effort.

Due to the lack of scientifically analysed biologicalinformation and concern among general public, bats facethreat in India as well as in the neighbouring countries inSouth Asia. Large colonies of bats have disappeared due toa number of threats. It was also felt that the ecologicalstudies are critical for better understanding the status of thespecies as well as the very much-needed documentation ofthe ecological value of bats. In Andhra Pradesh, aninitiative had been taken up by us to document bat diversityand study ecology of selected fruit and insectivorous bats.Through this paper we attempt to present our analysis ofthe diversity, status, niche and habitat preferences of batsand threats in existence on them. This information will go along way in determining the future of these uniquemammals

We derived information on status, niche use, habitatrequirements and threats on bats in Andhra Pradesh fromour personal observations and also Molur et al. (2002).We analyzed the number of bat species using a particularniche and habitat, and also being under a particular threat(see Box).

Status: As on January 1 2003, a total of 26 species ofbats are recorded from Andhra Pradesh (Table 1), ofwhich as many as 24 were of Least Concern, two of NearThreatened and one of Vulnerable status. These status arethose applicable to India. From regional point of view,among the Least Concern bats, three species are suchwhose distribution range is wide and population stable inother parts of India, but in Andhra Pradesh they are knownfrom less than five different localities. For example, theDawn Bat Eonycteris spelaea that is very common innortheastern India and through Indo-China is known onlyfrom Vishakapatnam district and Lesser Woolly HorseshoeBat Rhinolophus beddomei a widely distributed species inWestern Ghats and Sri Lanka is known only from threedifferent localities in Andhra Pradesh.

Niche preference: Among various niches categorized, itwas found that caves are most important followed bysubterranean habitats, tree holes, ruins and temples. Threespecies of bats used only one kind of niche, which makethem �specialists�. Eight species each used 2 niches, threespecies used 3 niches, ten species used 4 niches, twospecies used 5 niches and one species used all the sixniches making it a �generalist�. This indicates that about44% of the bat species are under threat due to theirrestricted niche preference and are subject to high pressuredue to anthropogenic activities threatening their survival.

Habitat requirements: Forest habitat was the mostpreferred one followed by agricultural lands. Scrub andsynanthropic habitats were equally preferred. More than60% of the bats were encountered in all the four differenthabitats categorized, while a quarter is restricted to onehabitat (especially forest).

Conservation status of bats of Andhra Pradesh: Their niche, habitat requirements and threatsBhargavi Srinivasulu, C. Srinivasulu* and V. Nagulu

* Corresponding Author: Animal Ecologist, Centre forEnvironmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems, Schoolof Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, New Delhi

Niche Threats Habitat

Caves Habitat loss ForestsSubterranean habitats Deforestation ScrubTree holes Control Agricultural landsRuins Exploitation Synanthropic habitatsCracks & CrevicesTreesWells


We are glad to be able to continue our third edition of wall magazine �Mero Chamero� (My Bat)�Mero Chamero� (My Bat)�Mero Chamero� (My Bat)�Mero Chamero� (My Bat)�Mero Chamero� (My Bat). We hope that this edition willbe helpful for initiating research projects about Chiroptera in Nepal and we will try to provide as much information aboutChiroptera as we could. It is obvious to say that information regarding bats in Nepal is limited. This bat club is working as per needof the students� interest and in this section we have highlighted the bats of Pokhara valley especially focusing in their distribution,taxa and ecological status. Little information about their communication process has also been included. We expect that thisinformation will provide some ideas about bats in Pokhara to all the students of IOF. This research was conducted by Mr. SujasPhuyal, graduated student of IOF, Pokhara. We are very grateful to him for providing this information to publish in this magazine(This article is published in this issue see Pp. 34-36).

Recently, we have published a website www.groups.yahoo.com/group/batsnepal. Please join this group. This online network grouphas been built to gather and consolidate all bat lovers at common forum for discussion, draw their attention and encourage them toprovide fascinating insights into bat conservation. We are looking forward to your kind information, progressive comments,valuable suggestions and helpful guidelines to carry on this work and turn out better consequences. If you have any queries, wewould be happy to answer them. Presently, the membership card has not been prepared, but we would like to request the bio-dataof all the interested students who like to be member of this club.

How to be a Member: How to be a Member: How to be a Member: How to be a Member: How to be a Member: All the interested students are requested to submit a letter of interest, a biodata and a passport sizedphotograph. The membership card will be distributed later. This is a volunteer, non-governmental and non-political club and anauthorized club will be established soon. No fee is necessary for membership. For More information contact: Mr. RajeshRajchal, Institute of Forestry, Office of Dean, Pokhara, P.O. Box 203, Nepal.

Editorial and text from a wall magazine �Mero Chamero�(My Bat) from one of CCINSA�s newest members from Nepal

Threats:Threats:Threats:Threats:Threats: Habitat loss anddeforestation are the major threatsto bats. These threats take away theforaging grounds and roostingplaces. Control of bats in templesand ruins open to public visitation isanother threat. In many suchstructures where bats were roostingsince many generations upkeepactivity of the premises drive themaway. With favourable roosts gonethe bats normal social behaviour isdisturbed which leads in poorpopulation performance on thewhole. Exploitation and hunting forlocal consumption and also formedicinal values too are causingdamage to bat populations inselected parts of the State. Of thetotal diversity of bats in AndhraPradesh, 10 species (37%) areunder five threat categories, 3(12%) species each are under 4and 3 threat categories, and 11species (41%) are under 2 threatcategories.

Conclusion:Conclusion:Conclusion:Conclusion:Conclusion: Bats require specificniches and uses almost any kind ofhabitat (excepting some truly

Table 1.Table 1.Table 1.Table 1.Table 1.Bat species diversity knownBat species diversity knownBat species diversity knownBat species diversity knownBat species diversity known

from Andhra Pradeshfrom Andhra Pradeshfrom Andhra Pradeshfrom Andhra Pradeshfrom Andhra Pradesh(as on January 1, 2003)(as on January 1, 2003)(as on January 1, 2003)(as on January 1, 2003)(as on January 1, 2003)

Suborder MegachiropteraSuborder MegachiropteraSuborder MegachiropteraSuborder MegachiropteraSuborder Megachiroptera1. Pteropus giganteus2. Cynopterus sphinx3. Cynopterus brachyotis4. Rousettus leschenaultii5. Eonycteris spelaea

Suborder MicrochiropteraSuborder MicrochiropteraSuborder MicrochiropteraSuborder MicrochiropteraSuborder Microchiroptera6. Rhinopoma hardwickii7. Rhinopoma microphyllum8. Megaderma lyra9. Taphozous longimanus

10. Taphozous melanopogon11. Rhinolophus beddomei12. Rhinolophus lepidus13. Rhinolophus pusillus14. Rhinolophus rouxii15. Hipposideros lankadiva16. Hipposideros pomona17. Hipposideros speoris18. Tadarida aegyptiaca19. Scotophilus heathii20. Scotophilus kuhli21. Pipistrellus ceylonicus22. Pipistrellus coromandra23. Pipistrellus tenuis24. Scotozous dormeri25. Murina cyclotis26. Myotis montivagus

�specialists� species). There future isunder pressure due to variousanthropogenic developmentalactivities. Although, most neglectedbats are very important in ecosystemsas they help in pollination of nightblooming plants and seed dispersal,and also control insect pests inagricultural and synanthropic habitats.

Reference Reference Reference Reference Reference :Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C.Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C.Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C.Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C.Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C.Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, A. M.Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, A. M.Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, A. M.Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, A. M.Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, A. M.Hutson, P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker,Hutson, P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker,Hutson, P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker,Hutson, P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker,Hutson, P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker,K. Padma Priya and A.R. BinuK. Padma Priya and A.R. BinuK. Padma Priya and A.R. BinuK. Padma Priya and A.R. BinuK. Padma Priya and A.R. BinuPriya (eds.) (2002).Priya (eds.) (2002).Priya (eds.) (2002).Priya (eds.) (2002).Priya (eds.) (2002). Status ofSouth Asian Chiroptera �Conservation Assessment andManagement Plan (C. A. M. P.)Workshop Report 2002. ZooOutreach Organisation, CBSG �South Asia and WILD, Coimbatore,India. viii + 141pp + CD-Rom.


Sooty mold is an indication of insect pest problem in someof the plant species. This common name �Sooty mold� isapplied to several species of fungi grow on �honey dew�secretions on plant parts (Laemmlen, 2003). Honeydew isa sweet sticky liquid that excreted by various plant sap-sucking insects such as mealy bugs, aphids, white flies,leafhopper and scale insects (Smith, 2006).

In southern part of India, leaf hoppers Idioscopus species(Family: Cicadellidae (= Jassidae); Order: Homoptera) areone of the major sap-sucking pest which feed on tenderleaves, flower panicles of Mango tree (Kabir,1997; Anon,2005b). This infestation reduces the fruit set in this plantspecies. In addition to this direct damage these leafhoppercauses indirect damage through their excreta much of thewater and sugar content of the plant sap as �honey dew�(Laemmlen, 2003; Martin 2005; Anon, 2005b). Inhumid condition the black sooty mould fungus grow onthese honey dew and blackens the leaves, fruits, twigs andtender branches of mango trees (Figure:1). The mycelialgrowth of this fungus on the honeydew medium seriouslydamages the chlorophyll and prevents the properfunctioning (Anon, 2005a). These damage symptoms werepopularly known as �Hopper burn� (Kabir,1997).

R. leschenaulti (fulvous fruit bat) one of the common fruitbats distributed in the plains, foot hills, dry deciduous andsemi evergreen forest (up to the elevation of 1000m) ofsouthern Western Ghats (Bates & Harrison, 1997). Thesebats roost in mass more than 1500 in a colony (Bates &Harrison, 1997) in the caves as well as some of theabandoned Hindu temples (Vanitharani, 2006). Thesebats forage in groups and commonly blamed as a �Vermin�for orchards.

During our bat survey work near the Karaiyar kani tribalhamlet at Kalakad - Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, we sawhundreds of R. leschenaulti came in group and seriouslyengaged in cleaning the tender leaves of both wild andplanted mango trees of the karaiyar hill slopes. Series ofvideo taping was done to cover the peculiar behaviour of R.leschenaulti and we found the bats cleared off honey dewspresent on the dorsal and ventral side of the tender mangoleaves in a very quick manner (Figure: 2). Within twohours these bats cleaned up the whole patch of the mangotrees with honeydew infection.

This incidence is a thumb proof evidence to say fruit batsare not vermin. In addition to faraway seed dispersal andpollination, they prevent the economically important plant

species of forest as well as of the mainland from infectionthrough sooty mold on honey dew secretions.

Foraging Rousettus leschenaulti (Fulvous Fruit Bat) Is A Bioagent Controlling Black Sooty MoldOn PlantsJ. Vanitharani*, A. Arulsundari and M. Vijaya

* Corresponding Author: Bat Research Laboratory, Department ofZoology, Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli � 627007, Tamilnadu,India. E-mail::::: juliet @ sancharnet .in / [email protected]

Figure 2. A single Figure 2. A single Figure 2. A single Figure 2. A single Figure 2. A single Rousettus leschenault iRousettus leschenault iRousettus leschenault iRousettus leschenault iRousettus leschenault i clearing offclearing offclearing offclearing offclearing offhoneydews from the mango leaveshoneydews from the mango leaveshoneydews from the mango leaveshoneydews from the mango leaveshoneydews from the mango leaves

References:References:References:References:References:Smith, P.A. 2006Smith, P.A. 2006Smith, P.A. 2006Smith, P.A. 2006Smith, P.A. 2006. Sooty mold on lemon trees. Allen�s Mailbox - PAllensmith.htmBates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison. 1997.Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison. 1997.Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison. 1997.Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison. 1997.Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison. 1997. Bats of the IndianSubcontinent. Harrison Zoological Museum Publications, Sevenoaks,UK.Vanitharani, J. Vanitharani, J. Vanitharani, J. Vanitharani, J. Vanitharani, J. 2006 Noteworthy Representatives of Bat Species InAgasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu J. of Theoretical andExpt. Biol. 2 (2) : 121 � 128. Pub: Elias Academic Publishers.Laemmlen, F.F.2003Laemmlen, F.F.2003Laemmlen, F.F.2003Laemmlen, F.F.2003Laemmlen, F.F.2003. UC Statewide IPM Program Pest Notes:Sooty Mold. Univ. Calif. Agri. Nat. Res. Publ.74108.Martin, NA : Martin, NA : Martin, NA : Martin, NA : Martin, NA : Biology Identification and Lifecycle. In: New ZealandInstitute for Crop & Food Research Limited. http: // www.crop.cri.nzAnon., 2005a, Plant Disease Diagnostic ClinicAnon., 2005a, Plant Disease Diagnostic ClinicAnon., 2005a, Plant Disease Diagnostic ClinicAnon., 2005a, Plant Disease Diagnostic ClinicAnon., 2005a, Plant Disease Diagnostic ClinicSooty MoldFact sheet, Cornell Universityhttp://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/sooty/sootymoldAnon., 2005b, Plant Protection Notice Anon., 2005b, Plant Protection Notice Anon., 2005b, Plant Protection Notice Anon., 2005b, Plant Protection Notice Anon., 2005b, Plant Protection Notice : Plant Protection(Mango Leafhopper Quarantine) Notice 2005 under Plant ProtectionAct 1989.Kabir, S.M.H.1997Kabir, S.M.H.1997Kabir, S.M.H.1997Kabir, S.M.H.1997Kabir, S.M.H.1997. Leaf Hopper In: Banglapedia. Asiatic Societyof Bangladesh banglapedia.search.com.bd

Figure 1. Black sooty Mould Fungus grown and balckeningFigure 1. Black sooty Mould Fungus grown and balckeningFigure 1. Black sooty Mould Fungus grown and balckeningFigure 1. Black sooty Mould Fungus grown and balckeningFigure 1. Black sooty Mould Fungus grown and balckening


BAT NET & CCINSABAT NET & CCINSABAT NET & CCINSABAT NET & CCINSABAT NET & CCINSAChiroptera Conservation and InformationChiroptera Conservation and InformationChiroptera Conservation and InformationChiroptera Conservation and InformationChiroptera Conservation and Information

Network of South Asia (CCINSA)Network of South Asia (CCINSA)Network of South Asia (CCINSA)Network of South Asia (CCINSA)Network of South Asia (CCINSA)

CCINSACCINSACCINSACCINSACCINSA is a network of South Asian Chiroptera specialistsand enthusiasts. The network aims to enhance communication,cooperation and collaboration among chiroptera specialists ofthis region and thereby create a chiroptera conservation�community� for better biodiversity conservation.Sripathi Kandula: Scientific ChairSally Walker: Convenor and Administrative ChairSanjay Molur : Red List Technical Expert

BAT NET BAT NET BAT NET BAT NET BAT NET is a bi-annual Newsletter of the ChiropteraConservation and Information Network of South Asia(CCINSA) and the CSG in South Asia. BAT NET is publishedfor private circulation only.Sally Walker: Editor BAT NETEditor BAT NETEditor BAT NETEditor BAT NETEditor BAT NETSanjay Molur, B.A. Daniel, R. Marimuthu, Latha Ravikumar,Pravin Kumar: Technical Advisors and Publication Assistants

CCINSA & BAT NET, CCINSA & BAT NET, CCINSA & BAT NET, CCINSA & BAT NET, CCINSA & BAT NET, c/o Zoo Outreach Organisation29/1 First Cross, Bharati Colony, Peelamedu,Coimbatore 641004 Tamil Nadu INDIA

Communications:Communications:Communications:Communications:Communications:Phone: 91 422 2561087; Fax 2563 269;Email: <[email protected]>, <zooreach@zooreach org>Websites: www.zooreach.org, www.zoosprint.orgwww.pterocount.org, www.southasiantaxa.org

International Partners of CCINSAInternational Partners of CCINSAInternational Partners of CCINSAInternational Partners of CCINSAInternational Partners of CCINSA

Bat Conservation International BCIBat Conservation International BCIBat Conservation International BCIBat Conservation International BCIBat Conservation International BCIBCI has awarded CCINSA / ZOO a special three-year awardto conduct public education, field training and conservationworkshops and network batters both potential and actual forBCI in this region. BCI is one of the most active, innovativeand respected bat conservation organisations in the world.

IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupIUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupIUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupIUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupIUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupCCINSA represents the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Groupin the region of South Asia. CSG utilises the CCINSA Networkto locate specialists in different subject areas, to organisetechnical as well as conservation assessment workshops andother activities to assist the CSG in their mission.

Chester Zoo Conservation FundChester Zoo Conservation FundChester Zoo Conservation FundChester Zoo Conservation FundChester Zoo Conservation Fundfund CCINSA and BATNET. Chester Zoo, which has anexcellent facility for exhibition & breeding of bats and anactive conservation interest in chiroptera is located in Uptonon Chester in England and administered by the North ofEngland Zoological Society.

CCINSA is an activity of Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO)and Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) inassociation with CBSG, South Asia and RSG, South Asia.

Note: ZOOS' PRINT Magazine, Journal, Newsletters and avariety of reports can be found on our websites<www.zooreach.org>, <www.zoosprint.org><www.zooreach.org>, <www.zoosprint.org><www.zooreach.org>, <www.zoosprint.org><www.zooreach.org>, <www.zoosprint.org><www.zooreach.org>, <www.zoosprint.org>

Be sure to send your biographical and biologicalinformation to our outstanding CCINSA Directoryof Members. It is up on the website atwww.zooreach.org

Designed by B.A. Daniel and "Directory" Deepa,and R. Marimuthu this web-based volume will knockyou out with its detail. Many members never gotback with updated information, so if your entry hasmistakes please write to us and correct them. Also,since it has been a year, update your work -- yourfield surveys, projects, research, lectures given,awards received, education events organised, etc.

Everybody is responsible for their own entry. If youdon't correct us then it will remain wrong andincomplete. No printed versions available exceptat great cost. Network sponsored by Chester Zoo.

IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupIUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupIUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupIUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist GroupIUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group

Professor Paul Racey has been re-appointed as co-chair of IUCN Species Survival CommissionChiroptera Specialist Group. His co-chair isProfessor Rodrigo Medellin of the Institute ofEcology, UNAM (Universidad NacionalAutonoma de Mexico).

Professors Racey and Medellin are currentlyformulating a plan of action for the group andselecting members.

They plan a web site and a regular electronicnewsletter and will provide further information toBatnet when they have made more progress.

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