Rare Species Of Bat Spotted in Yamuna Biodiversity Park

Why in the news?

  • Unique Sighting: The Wroughton’s free-tailed bat, a rare species, has been spotted at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park in Delhi.
  • Uncommon Species: This bat is typically found in the Western Ghats, with small colonies in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and Cambodia.

RARE SPECIES OF BAT SPOTTED IN YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK

Key Features of the Bat

●      Identification: The bat is recognized for its large size, huge ears, and bi-colored velvet fur, making it easily identifiable to bat researchers.

●      Habitat: It roosts in caves or dark, damp places within moderate colonies, contributing to its ecological importance.

Ecological Importance

  • Regulating Insects: The Wroughton’s bat helps in regulating insect populations and is also involved in pollination.
  • Conservation Status: Once considered critically endangered, the bat species is now listed as data deficient by the IUCN Red List after new sightings in various locations.

Significance for Delhi

  • Biodiversity: The sighting is important as Delhi now hosts around 14 bat species, with some previously considered extinct.
  • Ecological Restoration: Two decades of restoration efforts have helped create specialized habitats, supporting species like the Blyth’s horseshoe bat.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times