New Delhi, Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat, a uncommon bat species, has been noticed in Delhi’s DDA Yamuna Biodiversity Park.
Biodiversity knowledgeable Faiyaz A Khudsar stated this species is often present in simply three places globally a single breeding colony within the Western Ghats, small colonies in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills and a document from Cambodia.
Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat, first described in 1913 by British zoologist Dr M R Oldfield Thomas, is acknowledged for its giant dimension, distinguished ears extending past its muzzle and its bicolored, velvety fur, Khudsar stated.
It primarily roosts in caves or darkish, damp areas in reasonable colony sizes. Whereas restricted info is obtainable on its feeding habits, its distribution means that it probably consumes a wide range of bugs and is able to flying lengthy distances whereas foraging.
Khudsar highlighted that Delhi’s various habitats, starting from restored wetlands and floodplain forests at Yamuna Biodiversity Park to specialised niches within the Aravalli Biodiversity Park, have performed a essential function in supporting distinctive bat species.
As an example, the Aravalli Biodiversity Park can also be the one identified roosting web site for Blyth’s Horseshoe Bat within the capital, he stated.
Delhi is residence to round 14 species of bats, although a number of of them haven’t been noticed lately and are thought-about domestically extinct, he added.
Khudsar emphasised that bats, as masters of the night time sky, play a necessary function in sustaining ecological stability. Insectivorous bats are very important in controlling insect populations, consuming thousands and thousands of bugs nightly, whereas frugivorous bats contribute to pollination and seed dispersal, supporting plant species throughout numerous habitats.
The latest sighting on the DDA Yamuna Biodiversity Park initially of December marks a major discovery, Khudsar stated. “This discovery additionally serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our ecosystems, the place even the smallest creatures, like bats, play pivotal roles in sustaining biodiversity and ecological well being.”
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