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Indian Flying Fox (pteropus Giganteus) Roosts in North Bengal of Bangladesh

M. K. Hasan
Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

M.M. Feerez
Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

A. K. Datta
Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

A. Saha
Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

T. Ahmed
Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A preliminary survey on roost location and roost size of Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) was conducted as a part of IUCN Red List Mammal survey in the northern part of Bangladesh between 27-08-2014 and 01-09-2014. Flying Fox roosts were detected through visual encounters and also by observing the emergence of bats during dusk. Local people were also consulted regarding the location of roosts. Where possible a total count of the animals was obtained by using binoculars. In high-density roosts where total count was not possible, an approximation in addition to total count was used by the team of five members and the average value was considered for that roost size. A total of 8 roosts were detected. Roost size varied from 12 to 3000 individuals with the mean 746.50 ± 1000.43 (n = 8). The largest roost having a population of about 3000 individuals were detected from Dinajpur district. Seven species of trees, ranging in height from approximately 60-120 feet (mean = 71.43 ± 18.09, n= 14) were found to be used as roost trees. Bombax cebia (Shimul) supported about half of the total bat individuals (49.40%) surveyed, followed by Ficus bengalensis (21.96%), Ficus religiosa (11.72%), Mangifera indica (8.71%), Albizia saman (5.86%), Bambusa sp. (1.51%) and Eucalypts sp. (0.84%). The northern part of the country is famous for fruits, especially mango and lychee. Local people claimed that farmers use fi shing net to protect their fruits from Flying Fox which cause the death of a huge number of bats. An outbreak of Nipah virus is also reported from this region. As Flying Foxes use their roost sites year after year, long term research on ecology and evolution of this species as well as surveillance of Nipah virus is possible in these roost sites. Awareness building among the farmers and local people about these roost sites could mitigate the unnecessary deaths of these Flying Fox as well as prevent future Nipah outbreaks in this region.

Keywords: Pteropus giganteus, Colony, Flying Fox, Bangladesh, Nipah

Location: Panchaghar, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur and Sirajganj in the northern part of the Bangladesh

Start Date: 27-08-2014

End Date: 01-09-2014

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Wild Birds

Objectives:

As Flying Fox use the same roost site year after year, studies on these animals could be a good model for studying population genetics, bat evolutionary and disease transmission trends. This report takes the first step and focuses on the location and size of Flying Fox roosts in one part of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Study Area: Most of the wildlife surveys in Bangladesh have been conducted in northeastern and southeastern parts of the country. Very few are known about the faunal diversity in northern part of the country especially small mammals. As a part of the mammal survey for the updating of IUCN Red List, we conducted a preliminary survey on bats in four districts viz. Panchaghar, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur and Sirajganj in the northern part of the Bangladesh. The northern part of the country is famous for huge production of fruits especially mango and lychee. Small patches of moist deciduous forests are also located in this region. This is a preliminary survey on Flying Fox roosts in these districts.

Methods: This preliminary 6 day study was conducted on Flying Fox roost location and roost size in the northern part of the country between 27 August 2014 and 01 September 2014. Local people were consulted for locating roosts. Flying Fox roosts were detected by visual encounter and also by observing the emergence of bats during dusk. Total population counts were taken using binoculars where possible. Direct counts were frequently impossible because of very large aggregation of bats or part of the group was hidden in the canopy. In high density roosts where total count was not possible, an approximation in addition to total count was used by the team of five members and the average value was considered for that roost size.

Source of Information: The Festschrift on the 50th Anniversary of The IUCN Red List of threatened SpeciesTM

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

They complain that the entire roost area is noisy with the screaming and squabbling of bats and the continuous smelling foul due to bat droppings. The risk of Nipah virus infection is also high in these areas. Local people should be made aware to avoid direct contact with bats as well as not to consume any fruits that may have been partially eaten by bats. The alternative strategy should be used to prevent bats in fruit gardens rather than using a fishing net. Electric wires should be insulated close to fruit sources. Further research is needed to identify flying fox roost location and their status throughout Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal