Conservation of Western Ghats bats of India with special reference to Latidens salimalii. Raise the status of bats as a priority for conservation amongst the Government department (Forest and Wildlife) policies.

Bats rarely feature in conservation protocols of Indian Wildlife. This is partly due to more charismatic species often taking priority, and a lack of knowledge regarding the importance of bat populations in the restoration and enrichment of ecosystems. Fruit bats are listed as ‘Vermin’ by the Indian government. This poses a threat to local populations of all bat species. Project has plans for creation of database on bat ecology, diversity, distribution, richness and anthropogenic threat with aim focused on the taxonomy and conservation of South East Asian bat species; also will procure an inventory record on bat species throughout Southern India using acoustic monitoring techniques. The data collected will be collated into a call library of bats which can be used for on-going monitoring of bat species numbers. Link this species information as bio-indication for habitat improvement. Disseminate the research outcome to Govt. of India (Tamil Nadu Forest Department and Ministry of Environment and Forests), emphasising both the biodiversity value and the commercial value through the ecosystem services of bats. Project outcome will address the policy makers and demand Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India to revise the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to remove fruit bats from Schedule V (vermin category).Insist Wildlife policies, plans and strategies should also be incorporated on the interests of Chiroptera.