KFRI on a clear-the-air campaign for bats

KFRI on a clear-the-air campaign for bats

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in new

Context: The institute is on a mission to dispel myths associated with bats and create awareness of their diversity, ecosystem functions, threats faced by the flying mammals.

More on the News:

• Bats have been cloaked in superstition since ancient times. Their nocturnal nature and spooky appearance place them in horror stories.
• KFRI Director launched a social media campaign ‘Bat for Bats’ at the institute recently as part of International Bat Appreciation Day. KFRI plans to conduct awareness programmes about bats in schools, colleges, and for the public
• KFRI, says the public is largely unaware of the economic and environmental benefits that bats provide to humans.
• At least eight bats in Odisha’s Jajpur district died as a heatwave swept across the state, compelling forest officials to spray water to maintain temperatures and hydrate the remaining bats to help them survive.
• Scientists and experts fear that the increase in temperatures and frequency of heat waves due to climate change may result in a mass population collapse.
• A large number of bats dying from heatwaves may also lead to ecological imbalances and increased spread of zoonotic diseases.

Bats:

• Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight.
• They belong to the order Chiroptera, which means “hand-wing” in Greek.
• There are over 1,400 species of bats, comprising around 20% of all mammal species.
• Bats are found worldwide, except in the polar regions and some isolated islands.

Ecological Significance:

• Seed dispersal– The diet of fruit-eating bats consists largely of flowers and fruits such as mangoes, bananas, guavas, custard apples, figs, tamarind and many species of forest trees.
• Pollination– Studies have found that bats play a vital role in pollination, mainly of large-flowered plants, and in crop protection.
• Production boost– Some large insectivorous bats are also reported to feed on small rodents.
• Soil fertility– Bat droppings provide organic input to soil and facilitate nutrient transfer, contributing to soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
• Health benefits– contribute to human health by reducing populations of mosquitoes and other insect vectors that spread malaria, dengue, chikungunya and other diseases.

Threats

• Anthropogenic factors such as habitat loss, poaching, environmental pollution, climate change, and biological invasions have caused the decline of bat population worldwide.
• Due to their low reproductive rate, gregarious lifestyle, and high metabolic rate, most bat species cannot withstand anthropogenic pressures.