Distribution and population status of Fruit-bat (Pteropus giganteus) in district Lakhimpur-Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Pteropus giganteus commonly known as Indian flying fox, belongs to family pteropodidae of order megachiroptera (mammalian order). Family pteropodidae consists of 43 Genera and about 165 species which are distributed throughout the world. There are about 14 species of fruit bats, belonging to 8 genera, found in Indian subcontinent. Fruit bats play several major ecological roles such as pollination and seed dispersion. The Indian flying fox is widespread in Indian subcontinent. However, due to loss of habitats, scarcity of food sources, public disturbances and hunting, their population is declining day by day. Thus a study has been carried out to find out the status of Pteropus giganteus in district Lakhimpur-Kheri of Uttar Pradesh with special reference to their habitat, distribution, population, feeding and breeding behaviour. Twelve roosting sites have been recognised during January 2010 to December 2011. Major threats which have been observed in the study area are electrocution, loss of their habitats and hunting for commercial purposes such as oil, leather and specimens for biological institutes. This work will establish the study area as an important habitat for the conservation of megachiropteran species. Hence, several recommendations have also been made for the required conservation of this species.

Keywords

• Electrocution
• flying fox
• megachiroptera
• pteropodidae
• roosting site