The Karnataka Forest Department and the Bat Conservation India Trust (BCIT) are gearing up to protect the Kolar leaf-nosed bat from extinction. BCIT, a non-profit organization based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was established with the purpose of conserving bat species across India by safeguarding their habitats.
About Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat
The Kolar leaf-nosed bat, scientifically known as Hipposideros hypophyllus, is endemic to India. It is currently known to reside solely in one cave in Hanumanahalli village, Kolar district, Karnataka. This species was earlier found in two caves within the same village until it became locally extinct in one of these caves due to unexplained reasons.
Threats to the Species
The primary threats leading towards the extinction of the Kolar leaf-nosed bat include habitat loss due to land use changes, hunting, and stone quarrying activities in the region. There is an urgent need to restrict activities like illegal granite mining and quarrying within a radius of five to ten kilometers around the roost, their resting-place, to ensure the quality of other subterranean caves in this area.
Conservation Status and Efforts
Despite its critical endangered status on the IUCN Red List, the Kolar leaf-nosed bat has not been granted legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The government has declared the 30 acres surrounding the caves as a protected region. Any infrastructural development within this zone requires approval from the National Board for Wildlife.
BCIT has been granted funds to conduct further research on this bat species. They are also running a comprehensive awareness campaign in nearby communities to educate them about the threats faced by this species. Consequently, the local community has started protecting this area from encroachers.
The Importance and Vulnerability of Bats
Despite being one of the least studied mammals in India, with around 130 different species in existence, bats play a crucial role in our ecosystems. They are significant pollinators, with their primary diet consisting of nectar. Additionally, bats assist in insect control which indirectly aids in crop protection.
Bats are highly adaptable, often found near human settlements, including urban areas, making them susceptible to threats. They also have a negative reputation as disease carriers, which can contribute to their endangerment.
Future Suggestions and Measures
To conserve the Kolar leaf-nosed bat, and other bat species, it’s essential to take measures like controlling illegal mining activities near their habitats. Widespread cave explorations and acoustic sampling should be conducted to understand the distribution and behavior of these species better. Continuous efforts to raise awareness and dispel negative perceptions about bats among local communities can significantly aid in their conservation.
