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Conservation plan on table to save bat species in Kolar caves

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Environment
  • Published
    30th Dec, 2020

The Karnataka Forest Department, along with the Bat Conservation India Trust, is on a war footing to save the remaining bats, which are endemic to the area, from extinction.

Context

  • The Karnataka Forest Department, along with the Bat Conservation India Trust, is on a war footing to save the remaining bats, which are endemic to the area, from extinction.

About the Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat

  • It is exclusive to Karnataka.
  • They are very adaptable creatures and therefore can often be found near human habitation or even in urban settlements, which makes them vulnerable.
  • They are also considered as the carriers of diseases.
  • 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.

What is the concern over it?

  • There are five species of bats that live in the caves of Hanumanahalli, of which the Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat is just one. And there are around just 150 Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bats left in these caves.
  • Bats are one of the least studied mammals in the country, though there are 130 species in India.

What is about the plan?

  • The Bat Conservation Society has been entrusted with drawing up a conservation plan.
  • It will include identifying and conserve the bats foraging area.
  • Awareness campaign will also be launched.
  • Guarding the area from encroachers.

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