Megaderma spasma, Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Loss of natural habitats pushes bats to inhabit alternative habitats close to human settlements that often raise concerns about their co-existence with humans. Conservation of micro or megachiropteran bats has a direct correlation with protection of their natural and anthropogenic habitats. This study focuses on conservation of bats and their diverse habitats through research and awareness campaigns.

In our previous study on bats, we had concentrated on studying dependence of bats on mines and to identify possible threats. It was found that ancient monuments, buildings and ruins are also important bat habitats but face serious threat due to tourist pressures and habitat modification. This raises immediate concern for sensitizing visitors about importance of bats and to quell myths associated with them and make them appreciate their role in our ecosystem. Bat populations in mines, archaeological monuments, ancient ruins and old buildings falling within or outside the boundaries of sanctuaries/national parks will be studied and geo-referenced in this project. Dependency of bats on alternative roosts, niche partitioning and sharing will also be studied.

Educating tourists, locals and students through awareness campaigns will be the core focus of this project. Awareness campaigns through talks, distribution of printed information, identification keys, cards, posters, etc are proposed herein to quell myths about bats and to highlight their importance in our ecosystem. Volunteer training sessions are also proposed herein with an aim of developing future bat biologists.