First-ever bat conservation assessment flags threat to species, data dark spots
Indian Express·2h ago·Fear
What Happened
India's 135 bat species face threats from urbanisation, deforestation, and climate change, according to the first national bat assessment by 36 experts. Sixteen species are endemic to India, seven listed as threatened. Thirty-five species lack adequate data. Research permits face bureaucratic delays. Bats provide crucial ecosystem services including pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal. West Bengal has the highest diversity with 68 species. Urgent research and multi-agency conservation efforts are recommended.
Key Entities
Nature Conservation FoundationBat Conservation InternationalInternational Union for Conservation of NatureWest BengalMeghalayaKhasian Leaf-nosed batRohit ChakravartyState of India's Bats 2024-25