First National Assessment Highlights Threats to India's Bat Species and Data Gaps
The first-ever national assessment, titled 'State of India’s Bats, 2024-25,' reveals that India's approximately 135 bat species face significant threats from urbanization, deforestation, and climate change. Compiled by 36 experts from 27 institutions over two years, the report highlights a critical lack of research and data deficits, with 35 species either unassessed or lacking sufficient data. While 16 species are endemic to India and seven are listed as threatened by the IUCN, the study emphasizes the ecological importance of bats in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. The report notes that stigma surrounding bats as disease carriers, exacerbated by the pandemic, has hindered conservation efforts and research permits. It calls for urgent studies on habitats, ecology, and disease risks, particularly in understudied regions like the Himalayas and Northeast India. The assessment also recommends enhanced pathogen surveillance and a shift in public perception to recognize the ecosystem services provided by bats. Led by the Nature Conservation Foundation and Bat Conservation International, the findings underscore the need for multi-agency collaboration beyond forest departments to protect these vital mammals.
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First National Assessment Highlights Threats to India's Bat Species and Data Gaps
The first-ever national assessment, titled 'State of India’s Bats, 2024-25,' reveals that India's approximately 135 bat species face significant threats from urbanization, deforestation, and climate change. Compiled by 36 experts from 27 institutions over two years, the report highlights a critical lack of research and data deficits, with 35 species either unassessed or lacking sufficient data. While 16 species are endemic to India and seven are listed as threatened by the IUCN, the study emphasizes the ecological importance of bats in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. The report notes that stigma surrounding bats as disease carriers, exacerbated by the pandemic, has hindered conservation efforts and research permits. It calls for urgent studies on habitats, ecology, and disease risks, particularly in understudied regions like the Himalayas and Northeast India. The assessment also recommends enhanced pathogen surveillance and a shift in public perception to recognize the ecosystem services provided by bats. Led by the Nature Conservation Foundation and Bat Conservation International, the findings underscore the need for multi-agency collaboration beyond forest departments to protect these vital mammals.
indianexpress