31 December 2020.
Introduction:
The Karnataka Forest Department, along with the Bat Conservation India Trust (BCIT), are all geared up to save the Kolar Leaf Nosed Bats. These bats are found in only two caves in the villages of Karnataka. These are endemic to the area, and need to be saved from extinction.
About the bats:
- Habitat- These are found in only two cavesvillage of Hanumanahalli in Kolar district of Karnataka.These are exclusive to Karnatka.
- IUCN Status of bats:- Critically endangered in the IUCN list of endangered species.
3. Decline in IUCN Status –
- Between 1996 and 2000-Near Threatened.
- Between 2000 and 2004-declared Vulnerable.
- Between 2004 and 2016- declared endangered.
- Since 2016 -Critically endangered.
4. It is not protected in the Wild Life Act of India.
Threats- These are under threat due to the granite mining. Settings fire during the extraction of granite force them to move out of the caves.
.Measures taken to protect them:
A temporary ban was put by the Government of India on granite mining in 2014.Currently there is no such ban.
Significance of Bats:
- Bats are one of the least studied mammals in the country, though there are 130 species in India.
- They are very adaptable creatures and therefore can often be found near human habitation or even in urban settlements, which makes them vulnerable.
- Bats are generally considered as vermin in India. Vermin means pests or nuisance animals that spread diseases or destroy livestock and crops.
- . But the truth is, bats are absolutely vital for the ecology as they are pollinators, their main diet being nectar. The plants that bloom at night are entirely dependent on bats and moths for pollination. Bats also help in insect control and therefore, help in the protection of crops.
About BCIT:
Bat conservation India Trust (BCIT) is a non-profit organization which was conceived for the protection of bat species in India by protecting their habitat.