‘State of India’s Bats’ Report

A comprehensive two-year study titled “State of India’s Bats”, conducted by 34 experts from 27 institutions, highlights the status of bat diversity and conservation in India.  The report was released by the Nature Conservation Foundation in collaboration with Bat Conservation International and World Wildlife Fund India. 

Bat Diversity in India

• India is home to 135 bat species, including 16 endemic species
• This marks an increase from 120 species recorded in the previous assessment nearly two decades ago
• However, 35 species remain data deficient or unassessed

Biodiversity Hotspots:  The study identified key states with high bat diversity:

• West Bengal – 68 species
• Meghalaya – 66 species
• Uttarakhand – 52 species

States with the least diversity:

• Punjab and Haryana – 5 species each
• Delhi – 15 species

Conservation Status: Only 7 species are officially classified as threatened. However, the report warns this may be an undercount due to data gaps.

Research Gaps: India has fewer than 50 dedicated bat researchers. Bats remain among the least studied mammals in the country.  

Endemic Species Insights: Out of 16 endemic species 4 species (including the Sombre Bat and Meghalaya Thick-thumbed Bat) are restricted to the Himalayan and Northeast regions.  

Habitat Observations: The study found that India’s largest bat colonies are often located in human-made structures, especially historical monuments. 

Significance

• Highlights the need for greater research and conservation efforts
• Emphasises bats’ ecological role in pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal
• Calls attention to data deficiencies affecting conservation planning

Source: HT