Status and Threat of the Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus Brünnich, 1782) in Lowlands of Eastern Nepal

Abstract

The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) is a large, social, colonial and known fruit bat species of Nepal. Population estimation of the species was carried out in spring, summer and autumn season in Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa districts of eastern Nepal in 2012. I used exact count method for small population (< 300), branch estimation for larger population (< 300), and identification of trees of roosting. Threats to the animal were identified with discussion with the local people near the area. Altogether, five colonies of the Indian Flying Fox were reported, one in Sunsari (Army Camp Eastern Division, Ithari) and one in Jhapa (Kerkha), and three in Morang (Dangra-4, CDO office and Golchha house in Biratnagar). The highest number of the Indian Flying Fox was observed in Army Camp area and the least in CDO office. There was significant difference (χ 2 -116, df=104, P<0.01, α=0.05) in populations of the Indian Flying Fox in different lowlands sites of eastern Nepal. However, seasonal variation was insignificant (χ 2 -30, df=28, P>0.3, α=0.05). The mean tree height was moderately correlated (r = 0.59) with the mean number of roosting bats of the area. Eleven species of trees (10 in Kerkha, eight in Army Camp Eastern Division, nine in Dangra, six in Golchha hosue and two in CDO office) were used for roosts, where Sisoo (Dalbergia sisso), Simal (Bombax ceiba), Teak (Tectona grandis), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Mango (Mangifiera indica) and Jamun (Eugenia form osa) were common in all areas. Habitat destruction and human disturbances were the major threats to the Indian Flying Fox. Besides pesticides, electrocution, hunting for meat and medicine were the serious threats to the survival of the Indian Flying Fox. Detail and comprehensive study is needed to explore the current status of the Indian Flying Fox from different parts of Nepal.