Title: Diversity of bats (Chiroptera: Mammalia) in Eastern Ghats of Odisha, India : An Ecological Perspective

Biography:

Sharat Kumar Palita has expertise in studies on ecology, diversity and distribution pattern of bats, birds in natural forest ecosystem. He has also worked on diversity and distribution of mangrove fauna i.e. brachyuran crabs, mudskippers and anuran amphibians. Presently, stationed at Central University of Odisha at Koraput, a biodiversity rich region of Eastern Ghats of India, he has taken up studies on hill stream fishes and butterflies. His works also focuses on habitat losss and its impact on biodiversity including human-wildlife conflict studies.

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: The Eastern Ghats of India with vast stretches of tropical deciduous forests and natural vegetation faces rapid land cover changes in recent decades through deforestation, agricultural encroachments and infrastructure development, and thereby affecting the rich biodiversity. Evidences suggest that the phenology of organisms, species biogeography and the composition and dynamics of communities are changing in response to a changing climate (Walther et al., 2002). Bats (Chiroptera: Mammalia) being classic examples of biodiversity indicators and the most diverse groups of mammals form important component of study to understand the impact of habitat degradation, deforestation and rapid rate of urbanisation. Therefore, the purpose of the present work is to study the diversity and distribution of bats in Eastern Ghats of Odisha, India from an ecological perspective. 

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Sampling sites were selected through stratified random sampling technique and inventory of bats was carried out following roost survey and mist net survey methods (Bat Conservation Trust, 2007). During field survey, available caves, crevices, tree holes, deserted buildings and old temples were surveyed for additional bat roosting sites. Findings: During the study, 23 species of bats in seven families were recorded along the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, which includes first records of Lesser False vampire bat (Megaderma spasma), and Cantor’s Leaf nosed Bat (Hipposideros galeritus). The species richness was recorded higher from the northern parts and mostly from the Similipal Biosphere Reserve representing >80% of all the recorded species. The diversity was observed highest in moist deciduous forest followed by dry deciduous forest, agricultural land, human habitation and semi evergreen forest. 

Conclusion & Significance: Natural habitats along the Eastern Ghats were found to be important habitat for bats as both the species richness and diversity were reported significantly higher in these habitats. The findings on distribution pattern of different bat species of this study can be used in future studies with respect to increasing anthropogenic activities and to develop appropriate conservation plans.