Ecology and Conservation Strategy of Bats in Rural Areas

This study was conducted in a $1100\, \text{km}^2$ area between the Beki and Manas Rivers, extending from the railway line in the north to the Brahmaputra River in the south. Three bat species were identified: Indian Fruit Bat, Leaf-Nosed Bat, and Chungabaduli.

Indian Fruit Bats were observed feeding on $23$ plant species and forming seven colonies across ten different plant species, with a total population of $3811$ recorded between July 29 and August 12, 2007. The Leaf-Nosed Bat, an insectivorous species, had two colonies in Assam-type tin houses, with a total population of $600$. The Chungabaduli population was sparse and scattered, primarily residing in bamboo post holes and roof supports of threshing huts.

Fruit bats face significant threats from hunting, as they are used for food and traditional medicine to treat asthma, body pain, and night blindness. Hunters use Nowsa and Baduliphand traps, and open electrification also results in fatalities. Habitat destruction due to deforestation further endangers these species. The age of the bat colonies ranged from $10$ to $35$ years.

The average adult weight of the Indian Fruit Bat, Leaf-Nosed Bat, and Chungabaduli was $1.25\, \text{kg}$, $45.5\, \text{g}$, and $10\, \text{g}$, respectively, with wingspans of $131\, \text{cm}$, $47\, \text{cm}$, and $20\, \text{cm}$. Landowners in the colony areas showed strong support for bat conservation and actively resisted hunting. However, in regions with widespread hunting, such as Roha, fruit bats were absent. In local markets, a single fruit bat was sold for approximately INR $35$.