Small Mammal Mail Vol:1 No:2 Aug-Dec 2009 by ZOO-WILD

Small Mammal Mail

Newsletter celebrating the most useful yet most neglected Mammals for CCINSA & RISCINSA -- Chiroptera, Rodent, Insectivore, & Scandens Conservation and Information Networks of South Asia Volume 1 Number 2

Aug-Dec 2009

Greetings Batters and Ratters ! Contents New Network Members CCINSA / RISCINSA P. 2 BCI has a New Leader, P. 2 Importance of monitoring non-volant small mammals in the Western Ghats, Meena Venkatraman, Pp. 3-7 Opinion, Rajith Dissanayake, P. 8 Bats of Nepal, Hari Adhikari, Pp. 9-16 Conservation status of rodents in Sri Lanka, Mayuri R. Wijesinghe, Pp. 17-18 Notes on Breeding Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) at Mysore Zoo, Lakshminarasimha R and Anil Garg, Pp. 19-20

We have had no complaints as yet about the combination of the two taxa fondly referred as “bats ‘n rats” in our newsletter, or our training workshops which have covered both taxa for a long time. This half of the year, we conducted two seperate training workshops that were very different. The first was in Bhutan, a field techniques training workshop held often in the outdoors, and the second was a taxonomy and ecolation training held in India at the famous MKU Bat Lab as well as an occasional foray out to test the echolator. Another interesting information is that IUCN SSC has requested the Chiroptera Specialist Group to change its name to Bat Specialist Group. We will not change our network name...we will remain CCINSA. Good wishes, Sally Walker, Convenor

Flex Board at Nagarjuna

Reporting from Godawari, Sanjan Thapa, Suchieta Shrestha, Sagar Dahal, Arjun Thapa and Rameshwor Kaphle, Pp. 21-23 Lunar Phobia in a Microchiropteran Bat, Hipposideros speoris, S. Suthakar Isaac, Pp. 24-25 The Threat of Climate Change, R.A. Adams, Pp. 26-28 The Training Tale of Hari Adhikari, S. Walker, Pp. 2930 Sighting of the Lesser False Vampire Bat Megaderma spasma in Phansad WildlifeSanctuary, Dist. Raigad, Maharashtra, India. Nikhil Bhopale1 and Kavita Malya, Pp. 31 Netting technique, capture and handling of Pteropus giganteus, Sudhakaran M.R. and Swamidoss, D.P., Pp. 3132 Obituary - Prof. Dr. A. Gopalakrishna, P. 33 Training in Field techniques for Small mammals, Bhutan, Sonam Choden and R. Marimuthu, Pp. 34-38 Bat Taxonomy and Echolocation Workshop for Researchers at M.K.U., B.A. Daniel, Pp. 39-44 Public Education on Bats throughout India using materials funded by BCI, Pp. 45-46 Announcement: Bat Biology and Conservation Workshop. P 47

On 11 July, 2009 Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, SMCRF displayed a 4x3 square feet flex board at the Nagarjuna Peace Cave, Kathmandu. The board includes the information and importance of bats and it’s conservation aspect. The objective of the program is to create an awareness on conservation of bats to locals and tourists visiting the caves. Sanjan Thapa

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

New Network Members CCINSA Adhikari, Niranjan,Coordinator for Publication & Communication, NaReCon, Rupandehi Dist., Nepal. amsbik2004@yahoo.com, Sudhakaran, M.R., Lecturer, Dept. of Advance Zoology & Biotechnology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi 627 412 Tamil Nadu. sudhakaranmr@gmail.com Ariyarathna, Sameera Chaturanga, Supun, Koswathumanana, Karandeniya, Sri Lanka. harithasihinaya@yahoo.com Mallik, Ashok Kumar, Res Scholar, Center for Ecol Science, IIS, Bangalore 560 012, Karnataka. ashokgene@gmail.com Mohan, K.C., Secretary, NaReCon, Pokhara, Nepal. narecon@gmail.com, mkc_iof@yahoo.com Madala, Malik Fasil, Research Scholar, Dept. of Wildlife Science, College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680 656, Kerala. malikcof@gmail.com Shrotriya, Shivam, C/o Mr. Milap Singh Mehta, Pithoragarh 262 501 Uttarakhand. s.shivam2007@hotmail.com w Biswas, Jayant, Researcher, National Cave Research and Protection Organisation, Central Zone, Raipur 492 001 Chhattisgarh. jayant@cave-biology.org, cavebiology@gmail.com Wangyal, Jigme Tshelthrim, Forest Officer / Researcher, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Trashiyanstse, Bhutan. jigmewangyal@gmail.com, jigmewangyal@druknet.bt Dendup, Tashi, Senior Forest Ranger, Wangdue Forest Division, Lobesa, Bhutan. denduptashi_moa@yahoo.com, tashey_peday@yahoo.co.uk Wangdi, Sonam, Forestry Officer, Nature Conservation Division, Thimphu, Bhutan. sonammwangdi@gmail.com, s_wangdhe@hotmail.com Picot Manuel, Monica, Student, Jnana Prabodhini Samshodhan Sanstha (JPSS), Pune 411 030, Maharashtra. picot_monica@yahoo.fr Singh, Astha, Research Scholar, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. asthagts@sify.com, astha.bat@gmail.com RISCINSA Rengarajan, Lakshminarayanan Rengasamy, Research Scholar, Dept. of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024 Tamil Nadu. adhibio@hotmail.com Wangyal, Jigme Tshelthrim, Forest Officer / Researcher, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Trashiyanstse, Bhutan. jigmewangyal@gmail.com, jigmewangyal@druknet.bt Dorji, Kuenzang, Senior Instructor, Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Envirornment, Bumthang, Bhutan. kurtoep143@yahoo.com, kurtoe143@hotmail.com Dendup, Tashi, Senior Forest Ranger, Wangdue Forest Division, Lobesa, Bhutan. denduptashi_moa@yahoo.com,tashey_peday@yahoo.co.uk Malik, Aitzaz Ahsan, Student, Sabri Manzil, Jhelum, Pakistan. aitzaz103@hotmail.com, aitzaz103@yahoo.com

BCI has a New Leader On March 1st, Bat Conservation International will welcome its new Executive Director, Nina Fascione. She succeeds Merlin Tuttle, who founded BCI in 1982 and built it into the world’s foremost organization for bat conservation. “I have known and admired Merlin for many years, and I am thrilled at this opportunity to help protect his legacy and build on it as Bat Conservation International expands into the future,” Fascione said.

Nina Fascione

She currently is Vice President for Field Conservation Programs at Defenders of Wildlife in Washington, D.C. She joined the organization as a program associate in 1995 and rose quickly to leadership positions. A conservation professional for 24 years, Fascione brings a rich range of experience with wildlife, including bats, to her new role of leading BCI. Fascione has worked in various aspects of bat-conservation education and outreach, and currently leads Defenders of Wildlife’s work on White-nose Syndrome—a devastating epidemic that has killed an estimated million or more hibernating bats of six species in nine states. She was co-chair of the American Zoo and Aquarium’s Bat Taxon Advisory Group in 1991-97, coordinating strategic planning and implementation of conservation and breeding programs for threatened bats. Internationally, she was an advisor to such initiatives as a lion project in northern Kenya, a koala-conservation summit in Australia and zoo-research training in Taiwan. She co-founded the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program. She also worked with a coalition of groups to draft and seek congressional support for the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act to fund the conservation of 15 imperiled species. “We are very excited about Nina’s enthusiasm and her vast experience in the conservation of mammals and especially her interest in bats during her many years of service with Defenders of Wildlife,” said John Mitchell, Chair of BCI’s Board of Trustees. When Merlin Tuttle founded BCI, many American bat species were endangered or declining in numbers severe enough to warrant concern. Today, bats are facing their greatest threats ever—White-nose Syndrome and wind turbines. “Stepping back from BCI after all these years has been difficult, but Nina Fascione is an excellent choice to lead the organization into the future and I look forward to working with her,” said Merlin. “I wish only the best for Nina and BCI in the years to come.” About BCI Bat Conservation International’s (BCI) mission is to protect bats and their habitats for a healthy planet. The non-profit organization, based in Austin, Texas, and its 10,000 members are devoted to conservation, education, and research initiatives involving bats and the ecosystems they serve. Founded in 1982 by Dr. Merlin Tuttle, the organization has achieved unprecedented progress, emphasizing sustainable uses of natural resources to benefit both bats and people. For more information, visit www.batcon.org. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Susan Kwasniak skwasniak@batcon.org 512.327.9721

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Importance of monitoring non-volant small mammals in the Western Ghats Meena Venkatraman The Western Ghats are included among the global hotspots. Proportion of endemics among birds and mammals are lesser than those of other vertebrate taxa occurring in the Western Ghats. 22% of murids and 27% of ground shrews occurring in India are found here. Of these, 16 non-volant small mammals are endemic. Several studies conducted in this region have shown rodent communities to be distinctive with respect to habitats and also sensitive to habitat degradation. It is proposed that rodent communities can be used as the basis of monitoring changes in the habitat. It has also been suggested that the recent sub-clusters nomination of natural heritage sites extending the length of Western Ghats from Agasthyamalai to Sahyadri be used as monitoring units across the landscape. Western Ghats: Natural Heritage Regions that have lost at least 70% of their original habitat and yet support more than 60% of the world's biodiversity are recognized as biodiversity hotspots (Myers 1988). Globally, 34 biodiversity hotspots are recognized (Mittermeier 2004). The Western Ghats-Sri Lanka region is one of the richest and most fascinating among them. The Western Ghats are spectacular mountain ranges that extend for 1600 km covering 1,40,000 kmÂ˛ area along the west coast of peninsular India. The forests of the Western Ghats can be considered as the best representatives of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forest that include a mosaic of landscapes, varying from thorn scrub to dense evergreen forests. The Western Ghats form a distinctive biogeographic zone (5B) with small proportions of Western GhatsMalabar plains zone (5A) and Deccan Peninsula-Deccan South zone (6E) included with it (Rodgers et al. 2002). Three distinct forest types, namely, Montane Rainforest, Moist Deciduous and Dry Deciduous forests, are further categorized into six ecological zones. A variety of geomorphic formations of the Western Ghats are proof of geological processes that occurred and indicate the biogeographic history of the country with representatives of Eastern Himalayan, IndoMalayan and Ethiopian affinities. In addition, the pronounced variation in altitude (up to 2865 m), latitude (8Â° to 21Â° N) and marked rainfall gradient combine to produce an intriguing pattern of biodiversity making up a fascinating assemblage of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and endangered. Among the vertebrates, amphibians (78%) and reptiles (62%) have the highest number of endemic species while birds (4%) and mammals (12%) record a much lower proportion of endemics (Daniels 2003). 586 species of birds and 137 mammal species with a distinct distribution across habitats have been reported for the Western Ghats

(Daniels 2003). Seventeen out of 76 known species of murid rodents and seven out of 26 species of ground shrews occurring in India have been recorded in the Western Ghats (Kumar et al. 2001). The community ecology of birds and mammals are of immense importance and fascination to managers, naturalists and scientists alike. To a naturalist, each habitat represents a unique visual treat with its distinct complex of calls and sounds. To a scientist the variations in the bird and mammal assemblages represent the influence of habitat and thereby ecosystem functioning. To the manager, these assemblages and their survival represent the health of the ecosystem. Mammals such as the Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Tiger (Panthera tigris) Nilgiri Langur (Trachypithecus johnii), Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) are some of the charismatic flagships that form the focus of conservation programmes for the Western Ghats. In all, there are 20 national parks and 68 sanctuaries across the Western Ghats located in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat. Following identification of areas of high conservation value (Das et al. 2006), 39 sites in 7 sub-clusters in the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra have been nominated for inscription on the World Natural Heritage list (Figure 1). In this context, it is relevant to review the importance and available information on small mammals. Non-Volant small mammals 1.Status Surveys Non-volant small mammals (NVSM) include insectivores (hedgehogs and shrews), scandents (tree shrews) and rodents. Among order rodentia the prominent families include Sciuridae (squirrels) and Muridae (rats and mice). NVSM play an important role as seed predators and dispersal agents in tropical forests, in addition to contributing to energy flow and nutrient cycling (Fleming 1975). They form an important prey base for medium-size carnivores and raptors (Hayward and Phillipson 1979). Yet, population decline, loss of endemics and changes in species richness and abundance as a result of anthropogenic activities remain sparsely documented. A total of 16 NVSM endemics occur in the Western Ghats and Western Ghats-Sri Lanka complex (table 1). In the past two decades only three long-term studies on small mammals (Molur 2009, Chandrashekar-Rao 1995, Shanker 1998) and few shortterm studies and surveys have been conducted (Meena 1997, Kumara and Singh 2006, Kumar et al. 2005). 701, Vesta-b, Thane 400 601, Maharashtra. mvenkataraman@rediffmail.com,meena.venkatraman@gmail.com

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Figure 1: Serial nomination of Natural Heritage sites in the Western Ghats

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Ecological studies and surveys of Indian Giant Squirrel (Ramakrishnan 1991, Borges et al. 1992, Dutta and Goyal 1996, Ramachandran 1998, Kumara and Singh 2006, Srinivas et al. 2008), Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Joshua and Johnsingh 1992, Sharma 1992, Ramachandran 1993, Paulraj and Kasinathan 1993, Venkataraman 1996, Kumar et al. 2007), and flying squirrels (Rajamani 2000, 2001, 2008; Kumara and Singh 2006) have also been sporadic. 2. Species composition How important is the knowledge of species composition and community ecology for conservation? The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary was a wonderful choice for a study that I undertook on small mammals in 1997. In three months of data collection, I had six species of rodents and one insectivore that were represented by 396 captures of 195 individuals out of a total of 7,425 trap nights with a reasonably high overall capture rate of 5.3% (Venkataraman 1997, Venkataraman et al. 2005). What was more remarkable about the study site was the gradient of habitats that changed from scrub in the east, giving way to dry deciduous and then to moist deciduous habitat (Figure 2). This gave a very distinct

pattern of small mammal distribution and indicated the diverse pattern of small mammal communities with respect to habitat. Indeed these patterns of small mammal community and habitat have been the central theme of research for a large body of literature on the topic. The implications of habitat disturbance, degradation and loss on small mammal community structure are also of great interest. These studies show that contrary to popular opinion small mammals particularly, murids are not all adaptable or invasive. Habitat degradation leads to local extinction of sensitive species, invasion of dominants and alteration in species composition (Molur and Singh 2009). In the absence of continued research and documentation of status and distribution, the loss of diversity or the magnitude of change on NVSM remains unknown.

Monitoring Protocols Focal species The Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura) The Grizzled Giant Squirrel is endemic to India and Sri Lanka. It is protected as Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and has been assigned Vulnerable status (IUCN Ver 3.1). Historically, its range

Figure 2: Location of study plots with respect to habitats (Scrub: plots 1-3; dry deciduous 4- 9, moist deciduous 10-12) across the Mudumalai WLS during small mammal survey (Venkataraman et.al. 2005) Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Table 1: Endemic Insectivores, Scandent and Rodents of Western Ghats and Western Ghats-Sri Lanka Scientific Name

India*

Common Name

W. Ghats

W. GhatsSri Lanka

Order: Insectivora

Hemiechinus nudiventris Suncus dayii Suncus montanus Suncus niger Feroculus feroculus

Madras Hedgehog Day’s Shrew South Asian Highland Shrew Nilgiri Highland Shrew Kelaart’s Long-clawed Shrew

+ + + + +

Order: Rodentia Family: Sciuridae

Petinomys fuscocapillus Funambulus tristriatus Funambulus sublineatus Ratufa indica Ratufa macroura

Travancore Flying Squirrel Western Ghats Squirrel Dusky-striped Squirrel Indian Giant Squirrel Grizzled Giant Squirrel

+ + + + +

Family: Muridae

Rattus ranjinae Rattus satarae

+ ** +

Western Ghats Forest Canopy Rat Millardia kondana Kondana Rat + Mus famulus Bonhote’s Mouse + Platacanthomys lasiurus Spiny Tree Mouse + Vandeleuria nilagirica Nilgiri Vandeleuria + * Endemic; reported from other parts of India and also located in Western Ghats ** (Malabar coast)

included Eastern Ghats (Dharmapuri, Salem and Attur) and the rainshadow or eastern slopes of the Western Ghats (Joshua and Johnsingh 1992). The species faces habitat fragmentation due to habitat loss particularly owing to spread of plantations. Presently, substantial population occurs in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputtur Grizzled Giant squirrel sanctuary and Siruvattu-kombai in the Palni Hills. Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica): Endemic to India, widely distributed in peninsular India, the Indian Giant Squirrel population has declined by more than 20% due to habitat loss (Molur et al. 2005). It preferentially uses large trees and requires canopy continuity (Borges et al. 1992). Other than habitat loss, poaching has been identified as a major threat to the species. Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus) Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse is endemic to the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. It has been mostly associated with undisturbed forest patches (Jayson 2006, Molur and Singh 2009, Mudappa et al. 2001) and can considered a good indicator of habitat quality. 6

Focal habitats The nominated seven sub-clusters starting from Agasthyamalai and ending in the Sahyadri sub-cluster include a range of habitats with unique assemblage of flora and fauna (Figure 1). These sub-clusters can be used to record the gradient change in rodent communities from southern to the northern limits of the Western Ghats. NVSM composition for southern Western Ghats has been recorded by Kumar et al. (2001), Jayson (2006). For the Anamalais Chandrasekhar-Rao recorded five species (Rattus rattus, Mus platythrix, Golunda ellioti, Madromys blanfordi, Funambulus tristriatus); six species for Mudumalai WLS (Madromys blanfordi, Rattus rattus, Mus platythrix, Mus musculus, Suncus montanus, Tatera indica, Platacanthomys lasiurus) by Venkataraman et al. (2005); and six species (Rattus rattus, Mus famulus, Mus platythrix, Platacanthomys lasiurus, Suncus murinus and Suncus dayi) for the Upper Nilgirs have been recorded (Shanker 2000). For Coorg regions adjoining Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri and Talacauvery forests falling under Talacauvery subcluster 14 species (Bandicota bengalensis, Golunda ellioti, Millardia meltada, Mus booduga, Mus musculus,

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Rattus rufescens, Rattus satarae, Rattus wroughtoni, Vandeleuria nilagirica, Funambulus tristriatus, Platacanthomys lasiurus, Suncus etruscus, Suncus murinus and Suncus niger) have been reported by Molur and Singh (2009). The Sahydri sub-cluster has unique geology, rocky lateritic plateaus with distinctive flora and fauna. NVSM surveys would be very informative. Each sub-cluster includes a complex of habitats. Unique habitats of the Western Ghats have to be conserved and the changes occurring need to be monitored. Rodent community composition can be used to understand the changes caused due to habitat degradation. For instance, for the upper Nilgiris, the communities for shola and grasslands were found to be distinctive (Shanker 1998). Other habitats such as Myristica swamps, the bamboo and reed brakes exclusive to the Western Ghats need to be surveyed and monitored. Reference Borges, R.M., S. Mali and S. Ranganathan 1992. The status, ecology and conservation of the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), Tech Report No. 1, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Chandrasekar-Rao, A. and M.E. Sunquist 1996. Ecology of small mammals in tropical forest habitats of southern India. Journal of Tropical Ecology 12: 561- 571. Das, A., J. Krishnaswamy, K.S. Bawa, M.C. Kiran, V. Srinivas, N.S. Kumar and K.U. Karanth 2006. Prioritisation of conservation areas in the Western Ghats, India. Biol Conservation 133: 16-31 Dutta, A. and S.P. Goyal 1996. Comparison of forest structure and use by the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) in two riverine forests of India. Biotropica 28: 394-399. Fleming, T.H., 1975. The role of small mammals in tropical ecosystems. Pp. 269-298 in Small mammals: Their productivity and population dynamics. Eds. F. Golley, K. Petrusewics, and L. Ryszkowski. Cambridge University Press, New York. Hayward, G.F. and J. Phillipson 1979. Community structure and functional role of small mammals in ecosystems pp. 135-212 in Ecology of small mammals. Ed. D.M. Stoddart. Chapman and Hall, London. Jayson, E.A. 2006. Status, distribution, food and feeding of Malabar Spiny Dormouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus Blyth) in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Final Report of the Research Project KFRI Research Report No. 293. KFRI, Peechi. Joshua, J. and A.J.T. Johnsingh 1992. Status of endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel and its habitat. Pages 151-159 in Tropical Ecosystems: ecology and management. Eds. K. P. Singh and J. S. Singh. Wiley Eastern, New Delhi. Kumar, A., R. Chellam, B.C. Choudhury, D. Mudappa, K. Vasudevan, N.M. Ishwar and B. Noon. (2001). Impact of rainforest fragmentation on small mammals and herpetofauna in the Western Ghats, south India: A summary of research findings. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India. Kumara, H.N. and M. Singh 2006. Distribution and relative abundance of giant squirrel and flying squirrel in Karnataka, India. Mammalia, 70, 40-47. Kumar, S., G. Agoramoorthy, M.J. Hsu 2007. Population size, density and conservation status of the grizzled giant squirrel in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, India Mammalia 71 (1): 89-94 Mittermeier,R.A., Gil,P.R., Hoffmann,M., Pilgrim, J., Brooks, T., Mittermeier, C.G., Lamoreux,J. and da Fonseca, G.A.B. (eds.) 2004. Hotspots revisited. Cemex, Mexico Molur, S., C. Srinivasulu, B. Srinivasulu, S. Walker, P.O. Nameer and L. Ravikumar 2005. Status of South Asian Non-volant Small Mammals: (C.A.M.P.) Workshop Report. Zoo Outreach Organization/CBSG-South Asia, Coimbatore, India, 618 pp.

Molur, S. 2009. Habitat and status assessment of mammals with special reference to rodents and bats in southern Karnataka. PhD thesis submitted to Mysore University, Mysuru. 230 pp. Molur, S. and M. Singh 2009. Non-volant small mammals of the Western Ghats of Coorg district, southern India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(12): 589-608. Mudappa, D., A. Kumar and R. Chellam, 2001.- Abundance and habitat selection of the Malabar spiny dormouse in the rainforests of the southern Western Ghats, India. Current Sci 80: 424-427. Myers, N., Mittermeier, R. A., Mittermeier, C. G., da Fonseca, G. A. B., and Kent, J. 2000. Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature 403: 853-858. Paulraj, S. and N. Kasinathan 1993. Scantly known grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) of India: status and conservation. Indian Forester 119:828-833. Rajamani, N. 2000. Ecology and behaviour of the large brown flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) in a rainforest fragment, southern Western Ghats. M.S. Thesis. Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India Rajamani, N. 2001. The status and distribution of the small Travancore flying squirrel (Petinomys fuscocapillus) and the large brown flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis). Final technical report, SACON, Coimbatore. Rajamani, N. and N. Parthasarathy 2008. Food habits of the Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) in a rain forest fragment, Western Ghats. Journal of Mammalogy 89 (6): 1550-1556 Ramachandran, K.K. 1993. Status survey and distribution of endangered grizzled giant squirrel in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India. Indian Journal of Forestry 16: 226-231 Ramachandran, K.K., Ecology and behaviour of Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica maxima) Schreber. KFRI Report 55 (Summary), Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, 1988. Ramakrishnan, U. 1991. Behavioural studies of the Malabar Giant Squirrel and its habitat. M.S. Thesis. Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India Rodgers, W.A., H.S. Panwar and V.B. Mathur 2002. Wildlife protected area network in India: A review. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Shanker, K. 1998. Community Ecology of small mammals in montane ecosystems of the Upper Nilgiris, southern India. Ph.D. thesis Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. 195 pp Shanker, K. 2000. Small mammal trapping in tropical montane forests of the Upper Nilgiris, southern India: an evaluation of Capture-Recapture models in estimating population size. Journal of Biosciences 25: 99-111 Sharma, N. 1992. Status of endangered Grizzled giant squirrel and its habitat. M.S. Thesis. Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India Srinivas,V., P.D. Venugopal and S. Ram 2008. Site occupancy of the Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. Current Science 95(7): 889894. Venkataraman, M. 1997. Small mammal communities of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India. M.S. Thesis. Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India Venkataraman, M. 2001. The Malabar Spiny Dormouse Platacanthomys lasiurus In Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamilnadu. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 94(3): 561. Venkataraman, M. 1996. A study of the Grizzled giant squirrel in Siruvattukadu-kombai. Report submitted to Palni Hills Conservation Council (PHCC), Kodaikanal. Venkataraman, M., K. Shanker and R. Sukumar 2005. Small mammal communities of tropical forest habitats in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India. Mammalia 69 (3-4): 349-358

Acknowledgement I would like to thank GIS cell Wildlife Insitute of India for the natural heritage site map.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Opinion In March 2008 I was awarded a PhD for my revision of Funambulus palm squirrels. The centre of their diversity is in southern India and there seem to be far more species than assumed in the past with new endemics for India and Sri Lanka. My first paper on the subject has been severely delayed while I sit on a body of exciting research and data. Tragically for Indian mammal research, absolutely no physical smaterial is allowed to be taken out from India for molecular work. Most of my work on a molecular basis was conducted on dry museum material held at London’s Natural History Museum, and DNA data from these is compromised. Long sequences of DNA are broken down and need to be sequenced in sections before being married together to restore them to a palpable original condition. Molecular work on this basis is slow and painstaking and worse, very expensive, but is all that is possible for decent taxonomic work on Indian wildlife outside India. By contrast, I did collect drops of blood from several specimens of squirrel in Sri Lanka, releasing them unharmed back to the wild and these drops of blood on Whatman filter paper (Whatman classic card) provided excellent sequences and voucher material. Since the 1960s, detailed taxonomic work on Indian wildlife, mammals in particular has slowed down considerably. Despite a resurgence in mammal research progress seems very slow. I am reliably informed by Dr. Duckworth who discovered as new species of bulbul in SE Asia (along with a few others) last year, that SE Asian wildlife research lags about 20 years behind that of India. On the other hand there is no problem in moving out specimens from Laos PDR, and type specimens have been shared with the UK and Australia. Such enlightened sharing of material with “foreign” museums does not occur when it comes to India and Sri Lanka except when it comes to drops of blood. On the basis of my work in the Colombo Museum Sri Lanka, many specimens have been badly curated, damaged or lost and at least related historic collections survived in the London collection which retains the character of the entire collection as it was available originally. We can only hope that Indian museum collections have fared better and also remain accessible to researchers, though reports indicate evidence to the contrary with regards to collections originally housed in Calcutta. Things move on, even though we live in times where taxonomy is regarded as largely completed with regards to birds and mammals (nothing could be farther from the truth). Taxonomists, like their charges are a vanishing species with little available funding. We are moving back to the time of the Victorian gentleman and the amateur, when individuals with enough personal resources carried out work themselves or were sponsored by interested philanthropists and millionaires, rather than state governments or more official funding bodies (that are often struggling for resources now or facing cutbacks). At least there is more technology available for filming live animals like never before and such digitized information cannot be restricted as “sovereign property that may not be exported at any cost”. Of course Indian mangos, chillis and dried fish reach us in abundant quantities even if not even purified DNA from research subjects can be taken out of India, let alone drops of blood. We live in hope. Rajith Dissanayake, BSc MSc PhD FLS FZS rajith@clara.co.uk

(combined) BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter and Rat-A-Tattle - RISCINSA Newsletter Conservation and Information Network of South Asia, Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Bats of Nepal Hari Adhikari

Introduction The present knowledge on bats of Nepal is incomplete due to insufficient surveys. Based on the different published literatures and research done on different parts of Nepal, 58 species of bats belonging to 25 genera are reported to exist and other 23 species of 18 genera of bats have the possibility of occuring in the country. Cynopterus brachyotis and Sphaerias blanfordi have been referenced in different literatures with scarce information and their presence in Nepal is uncertain. Nepal has high diversity in geographical and topographical features, which has led to the presence of many bat species. Extremely remote areas and mountains have not been surveyed, which may have the possibility of supporting as yet undescribed species. In the absence of legal protection, survival of these species is threatened. Bat research conducted in the past in Nepal reveals many new species for the country. History of Chiroptera research dates back to 1823 when Brian H. Hodgson collected mammals till 1843 which laid the foundation of Himalayan mammalogy (Hinton et al. 1923). Hodgson reported 11 genera and 17 species (Gray 1863) and Scully (1888) recorded nine genera and 19 species (see Mitchell 1980). After a century of HodgsonÂ&#x2019;s collection, mammals were collected from August 1920 to March 1921 by Lt. Col. R.L. Kennion with the assistance of the SocietyÂ&#x2019;s Collector, N.A. Baptista. This expedition led to conformation of bat species, and some new species were also found. Altogether 23 species of bats were identified (Hinton et al. 1923). Later during the period 17 May 1922 to 17 May 1923, N.A. Baptista working in the districts lying to the west of Kathmandu collected some 591 specimens, most of which belong to species to which references was made in the above mentioned Report. Three new bat species not referred in previous report were observed (Fry 1925). In 1948-1949, S. Dillon Ripley led a field party to Nepal to collect natural history specimens for Yale University and the Smithsonian Institution. Onehundred-twelve specimens of mammals were obtained. Subsequently, the study showed that of 35 species represented, two species of bats (Scotophilus heathii heathii and Cynopterus sphinx gangeticus) were found. The Long-eared Bat, Plecotus homochrous was collected from the Mustang District of Nepal by Sanborn (1950). Ellerman and Morrison-Scott (1966) list nine genera and 17 species of bats in their checklist of Palearctic and Indian mammals.

Additional information on locality records and habitat preferences has been provided by Worth & Shah (1969) and Chesemore (1970) (see Mitchell 1980). Between 1967 to 1970, five new species of bats were collected from districts of Banke, Dang-Deokhuri, Ilam and Sindu (Mitchell 1980). Myotis csorboi was collected 4km east of Syangja, at 1300m elevation, Syangja District, about 30km south of Pokhara Town, Nepal by Dr. G. Csorba on 23 July 1995 and deposited in the Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest. G.Y. Topal made a statistical analysis of some other species of the subgenus Leuconoe (Vespertilionidae) to describe this species as new to science (Topal 1997). During the further zoological expeditions by the staff of the Hungarian Museum in Southeast Asia, the specimen of Ia io was collected for the first time from Nepal in Gandaki Province Bimalnagar, Sidda Ghupa (Monk Cave), 750m. Altogether four males and two females were collected by G. Csorba, Gy. Laszlo, G. Ronkay and L. Ronkay (Csorba 1998). On the second half of the 20th century, some Russian and Hungarian expeditions came to Nepal for the purpose of collecting voucher specimens of bats for museums and making field observations. Specimens of Ia io, Murina cyclotis and Kerivoula hardwickii represent first records of these species from Nepal while Myotis csorbai proved to be new species. 23 species were conformed for their existence in Nepal and checklist of 51 bat species known to date from the territory of Nepal (Cscorba et al. 1999). With the aim of improving knowledge of bat fauna of the especially poorly known lowlands of southwestern Nepal, bat expedition work in and around the Royal Chitwan National Park, Chitwan District, and a small collection in Kathmandu was done during March 1990, resulted in the capture of 143 specimens of bats, E. spelaea and E. dimissus were reported from the first time from Nepal, and the presence of Miniopterus pusillus and Kerivoula picta was verified. Based on the distributions in neighboring areas, however, we suspect that at least 40 additional species might be expected to occur in Nepal (Myers 2000). Books on mammals of Nepal including bats species (Shrestha 1997) is full of taxonomic inconsistencies. Coordinator, Natural Resources Research and Conservation Center (NaReCon) & Country Representative, IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group CSG. narecon@yahoo.com, harisubash2002@yahoo.com,

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Compilation on bats of Nepal based on museum specimens and literature reviews is provided by Bates & Harrison (1997). Based on literature review, the most recent compilation of mammals of Nepal is supplied by Baral & Shah (2008). Some research has been carried by young Nepalese researchers (Phuyal 2005; Acharya 2006; Aryal et al. 2009; Thapa et al. 2009) in eastern, central and some of the western parts of Nepal. After special training on volant and non-volant mammals organized by Zoo Outreach Organization in 2007 bat research has been frequently done in Nepal. Adhikari found eight species of bats from Palpa District, which are recorded for the first time from this district. Voucher specimens preserved in 70% ethanol were prepared and deposited in NaReCon. Checklist on bats of Nepal based on literature reviews (Acharya et al. 2007; Adhikari 2008a) and field surveys from Districts like Kaski, Tanahun, Kathmandu Valley, and some eastern regions of Nepal are available. Midwestern and far western parts of Nepal have not been surveyed yet. From both taxonomical and zoo-geographical point of view, the forested parts of the Himalaya main range are the most promising and interesting areas where occurrence of bat species new to this fauna and even for science can be expected (Csorba et al. 1999). Currently, a few organizations are working intensively on bat research and awareness (Natural Resources Research and Conservation Center (NaReCon), Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, BAT FRIENDS, Nature, etc.). Conservation awareness program had been launched using FM Radio in Palpa District and Pokhara Valley, and local and national newspapers to cover huge massess of people. Awareness campaigns are launched with educational materials provided by ZOO, CCINSA and WILD from India. Activities at schools, university and community level are organized to save the threatened species and to remove misconceptions regarding bats. More detailed research needs to be done in this country, which has possibility of finding new species to the world. Below is the list of bats that are available and possibly available from Nepal. Acknowledgement I would like to thank Prof. P.O. Nameer (Kerala Agriculture University), Sanjay Molur and Sally Walker madam (Zoo Outreach Organization), Dr. Sripathi Kandula (Madurai Kamaraj University) Dr. C. Srinivasulu (Osmania University) and Malcolm Pearch (Harrison Institute) for continuous support and encouragement for drafting this report. I am indebted to Laxmi Karki (NaReCon) for collecting various literatures and books on mammals of Nepal.

References:

Acharya P.R. & L.A. Ruedas 2007. The Bat Fauna of Nepal: A current prospectus. BatNet CCINSA Newsletter 8(1-2). Acharya, P.R. 2006. Distribution of Roosting and Survival Threats of Bat in Pokhara Valley with Reference to Species and Population Survey at Chamere Gupha. A Dissertation Submitted to the Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal. Adhikari, H. 2008. Bat Conservation Takes Root in Nepal, BATS, Bat Conservation International Newsletter, www.batcon.org 26(4):9-10. Adhikari, H. 2008a. Bat Species Richness and Their Distribution in Pokhara Valley of Nepal. The Initiation, Annual Publication of Student Forum for Forestry Research and Environment Conservation (SUFFREC), Volume 1, Year -2. Adhikari, H. & K.C.M. 2008. One Day Training Programme on Bat, Organized at Bat Cave, Pokhara, Nepal, BATNET, Newsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South Asia, (CCINSA) and the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia 9(1) Jan July: 21 22. Aryal, A & S.K. Dhungel 2009. Species diversity and distribution of bats in Panchase region of Nepal, Tiger Paper 36(2) April June: 14-18. Baral, H.S. & K.B. Shah 2008. Wild Mammals of Nepal. Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu, 128-157pp. Bates, P.J.J. & D.L. Harrison. 1997. Bats of the Indian subcontinent. Harrison Zoological Museum Publications, Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom. Corbet, G.B. & J.E. Hill. 1992. The Mammals of the Indomalayan Region: A Systematic Review. Natural History Museum Publications, London, 488 pp. Csorba, G. 1998. The distribution of the Great Evening Bat Ia io in the Indo-Malayan region. Myotis 36: 197 201. Csorba G., P. Ujhelyi & N. Thomas 2003. Horseshoe Bats of the World (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae). Csorba, G, S.V Kruskop & A.V. Borissenko 1999. Recent records of bats (Chiroptera) from Nepal, with remarks on their natural history. Mammalia 63(1): 61-78. Fry, T.B. 1925. Report No 37a: Nepal. Bombay Natural History Society s Mammal Survey of India, Burma and Ceylon. Journal Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 30: 525-530. Hinton, M.A.C. & T.B. Fry. 1923. Report No. 37: Nepal. Bombay Natural History Scoiety s Mammal Survey of India, Burma and Ceylon. Journal Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 29: 399 428. Johnson, D.H., S.D. Ripley & K. Thonglongya 1980. Mammals of Nepal. Journal Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 77: 5663. Myers, P., J.D. Smith, H. Lama & K.F. Koopman (1999); A recent collection of bats from Nepal, with notes on Eptesicus dimissus. Zeitschrift fur SaugeteirkundeInternational Journal of Mammalian Biology 65(3): 149-156.

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Table 1: Bats of Nepal

Mitchell, R.M. 1980. New records of bats (Chiroptera) from Nepal Mammalia. 44(3): 339Â&#x2013;342 DOI: 10.1515/mamm.1980.44.3.339.

Order CHIROPTERA (BATS) Sub orde r Megachiropt era a. Family Pteropodidae: Old world fruit bats i) Genus R ousettus (Gra y,1821) Boitakri; Kathmandu (Ref 1); 1) Rouse ttus leschenaulti Annapurna Himal (Ref 2); (Desmarest,1820) CNP (Ref 4) Fulvous Fruit bat (Le sche nault s R ousette) ii) Genus Pterop us (Brisson,1762)

Molur, S., G. Marimuthu, C. Srinivasulu, S. Mistry, A.M. Hutson, P.J.J. Bates, S. Walker, K.Padma Priya and A.R. Binu priya (Editors) 2002. Status of South Asian Chiroptera: Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (C.A.M.P). Workshop Report, 2002. Zoo Outreach Organization, CBSG S.Asia and WILD, Coimbatore, India, vii+141pp+CD-Rom.

Kathmandu; Japa (Ref 1 and 3) Palpa, Pokhara, Biratnagar, D ang

iii) Ge nus Cynopterus (Cuvier, 3) Cynopt erus sphinx (V ahl,1797) Greate r Short - nosed Fruit bat

F., 1824) Chisapani; Salthar; Barabisse; She bu; Wana; Tumlingter (Ref 1); Sauraha; CNP (Nandon Tal, Dudora Nala) (Ref 4);Butwal

Phuyal, S.P. 2005. Survey of bats of Pokhara Valley, Nepal. Report submitted to Bat Conservation International, Austin, Texas, USA. August 2005.

2) Pteropus gig anteus (Brunnich,1782) Indian Flying Fox

Shrestha, T.K. 1997. Mammals of Nepal: with reference to those of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Pakistan. 371pp. Simmons, N.B. 2005. Order Chiroptera. Pp. 312-529. In: D.E. Wilson & D.M Reeder, (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, 3rd Edition, Volume 1. Johns Hopkins University Press. Smith A.T. & Y. Xie. 2008. A Guide to the Mammals of China. Thapa S.B. 2009. First phase Survey of Microchiroptera in Plains (Terai) of Eastern Nepal. Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, vi+17pp.

Status in Nepal is unclear 4) Cynopt erus brachyotis (Re f 1 and 3) (Muller, 1838) Lesse r Dog faced Fruit bat, Lesse r short-nosed Fruit B at iv) Ge nus Sphae ria s (Miller, 1906) 5) Sphaerias blanfordi (Thomas, 1891) Blanford s Fruit bat

Molur et al. (2002) NT; IUCN / SSC Action Plan (1992) No T; IU CN 2003 Lowe r Risk (lc) Molur et al. (2002)-NT; CITES - Appx II; IU CN SSC Action Plan (1992). No T; IU CN 2003 Lower Risk (lc) Molur et al. (2002) - L C; IUCN / SSC Action Plan (1992) No T; IU CN 2003 Lowe r Risk (lc) IUCN / SSC Action Plan (1992) No T; IU CN 2003 Lowe r Risk (lc)

Eastern Nepal no further details (Re f 1)

Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN / SSC Action Plan (1992) No Data; IUCN 2003 Lower Risk (lc)

No furthe r details (Ref 3); Sauraha,Narayani; CNP (Tiger Tops) (Ref 4)

IUCN / SSC Action Plan (1992) No T; IU CN 2003 Lowe r Risk (lc)

v) Genus Eonycteris 6) Eonycte ris spe laea (Dobson, 1871) Lesse r Dawn bat

Sub orde r Microchiropte ra a. Family Emballonurida e : Sheath tailed bats vi) Ge nus Taphozous (E. Ge offroy , 1818) 7) Taphozous longimanus (Hardwicke , 1825) Long winged Tomb bat

No e xact location (Ref 1)

Thapa, A. & S.B. Thapa 2009. Baseline Survey of bats roosting in Kailash Cave, Syangja District, Western Nepal. Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, 10pp.

b. Fa mily Megadermatidae: False Vampire ba ts

Thapa, S.B., R. Kaphle, A. Thapa, S. Dahal 2009. A report on preliminary survey of microchiropteran bats in Kathmandu Valley. CDZ Small Mammal Club, Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, ii+11pp.

9) Rhinolophus ferrume quinum (Schreber, 1774) Greate r Horseshoe bat

Topal, G. 1997. A New mouse-eared bat species, from Nepal, with statistical analyses of some other species of subgenus Leuconoe (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 43(4): 375-402.

10) Rhinolophus affinis (Horsfield,1823) Inte rmediate Horseshoe bat

vii) Ge nus Mega derma (E. Geoffroy , 1810) Haz aria; Kathmandu; 8) Megade rma lyra (E . Barabisse (Ref 1); Geoffroy, 1810) Kathmandu (Ref 2) Greate r False Vampire bat

Molur et al. (2002) - DD ; IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc).

Molur et al. (2002) - L C; IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

d) Family Rhinolophidae : Horse shoe bats viii) Genus Rhinolophus (Lacep ede , 1799) Kathmandu Valley (type location of tragatus), Najarkot, Annigera, Ghorepani, L angtang, Num, Ramechhap (Re f 1); Langtang Himal; A nnapurna Himal; Kathmandu (Ref 2) and (Ref 3) Bouzini; Kathmandu; Duleg ouda; Syangja; Bimal nagar; Barabisse; Shebu (Re f 1), Kathmandu; Taplejung (Ref 2) & (R ef 3)

Molur et al. (2002) - V ( B 1+2C; D2); IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) L ower Risk ( nt)

Molur et al. (2002) - L C; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lowe r Risk (lc)

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11) Rhinolophus sinicus (A nde rsen,1905) Chine se Rufous Horseshoe bat

Sipuri; Thankot; Parchung; Godavari; Pulchowk; Num ( Ref 1); Tap le jung, Mamankhe, Annapurna Himal (Re f 2) and (Ref 3) Soondarijal; Kathmandu Valle y; Nagerjung Ban; Bi malnagar; Pokhara (Ref 1); Syangja; Taple jung; A nnapurna Himal ( Ref 2) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

13) Rhinolophus subbadius (Blyth, 1844) Little Nepalese Horse shoe bat

( type locality of Subbadius); probably originated from the Kathmandu Valley, (Ref 1) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al . (2002) - E {B2ab (iii)}; IU CN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Acti on Plan (2001) Data De fi cie nt

14) Rhinolophus lepidus ( Blyth, 1844) Blyth s Horse shoe bat

Sindu District, I llam Dist ri ct (Ref 1 ) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al . (2002) - NT; I UCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

15) Rhinolophus macrotis ( Blyth, 1844) Big - eared Horseshoe bat

Kathmandu V alley (type locality of macroti s); Dule gouda: Syangja; Kerabari (Ref 1); B atule Chour, Pokhara (Re f 2) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al . (2002) - NT; I UCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

16) Rhinolophus luctus (Te mminck,1834) W oolly Horse shoe bat

Forest of Hatiban (type locality of perniger); Molur et al . (2002) - NT; I UCN 2003 Chalna khel; Bouzini; Banss bahari; Num; Chovar and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) ( Ref 1) and (Re f 3) Lower Risk (lc)

12) Rhinolophus pusil lus (Temminck,1834) Least Horseshoe bat

17) Rhinolophus p earsonni (Horsfiel d,1851) Pearson s Horseshoe bat

Parchung, Bimalnagar; Sundarijal; Num; Kathmandu; Taplejung, Mamank he (Ref 1), (Ref 2) and (Ref 3) e) Famil y Hipp osideri da e: Leaf nosed Bat s ix) Genus Hipposideros Cineraceus (Gray,1831) 18) Hipposideros cine raceus ( Blyth, 1853) Kathmandu V alley (Ref 1) Least L eaf -nosed bat; Ashy leaf nosed bat

Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

Molur et al . (2002) - NT; I UCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) Molur et al . (2002) - NT; I UCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

19) Hipposideros fulvus (Gray,1838) Fulvous Leaf nosed bat

Kathmandu V alley (Ref 1)

20) Hi pposideros pomona (K. A ndersen, 1918) Ande rse n s L eaf nose d bat / Pomona leaf nosed bat

Mahendra Gupha (Re f 1)

21) Hipposideros armiger (Hodgson,1 835) Great Hi malayan Leaf nosed bat / Gre ater leaf nosed bat

( Type locali ty of armige r) Kathmandu V alley; Syangja; near Pokhara; Bimalnagar; Patti bhagan; Bouzi ni ; B achek; Hathiban; Dano Kharka; Godavari; near Baglung; Gari; Num (Ref 1); Kaski Di st rict, Batulechaur (Ref 2); (Re f 3 ) B utwal; A rgali; Palpa;

Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

22) Myotis blythi i (Tomes, 1857) Lesse r Mouse - e ared myotis

Tumlingtar (Ref 1) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al . (2002) - V; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

23) Myotis sicarius ( Thomas,1915) Mandel li s Mouse eare d bat.

Banss Bahari; Godavari (R ef 1); Annapurna Himal ( Ref 2); (Ref 3)

Molur et al . (2002) - V {B2ab (iii)} ; IU CN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Acti on Plan (2001) Vulnerable

24) Myotis formosus (Hodgson,1835) Hodgson s bat

Kathmandu V alley (type loc. of formosus); Ghorepani ( Ref 1); Annapurna Himal (Re f 2) and ( Ref 3)

Molur et al . (2002) - NT; I UCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

25) Myotis mystacinus (Kuhl,1819) W isk ered bat

Kathmandu (type locality of nipale nsis) (Ref 1) and (Re f 3)

26) Myotis muricola (Gray,1846) Nepalese W hiske red bat

Kathmandu V alley (type loc. of muricola); Kontoum; Langtang; Those (Ref 1); Terhathum Di st rict; Annapurna Himal (Re f2) and (Re f 3) Kathmandu V alley (Ref 1) Type locality Nepal, Siligori ( Ref 3)

Molur et al . (2002) - V {D1}; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ct ion Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) Molur et al . (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) Molur et al . (2002) - NT; I UCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) Molur et al . (2002) - NT; I UCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC A ction Plan (2001) Vulne rable

f) Family Vespertilionidae: Evening bats x) Genus Myotis (Kaup,1829)

27) Myotis siligorensis (Horsfield,1855) Himalayan W hiskered bat; Siliguri bat 28) Myotis longipes (Dobson,1873) Kashmi r Cave bat

Kailash cave, Syangja (R ef 1) and (Re f 3)

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29) Myotis csorbai (T opal, 1998) Csorba s Mouse eare d Myotis

Subtropica l Fore st of Syang ja District, 4 K m E of Syang ja, abo ut 30 km S of Pokhara

Mol ur et al. (2002) - DD; I UCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001)

to wn, 1300 m (Re f 2 an d 3)

Data Defi cien t

(Ref 3) Type lo cality Nep al, Kathman du ( Ref 5)

IUCN 2003 Not Evaluated n ot con sidered in IUCN / SSC Acti on Plan.

31) Pleco tu s auritus (L inn aeus,1758) Bro wn Long -eare d bat

Jomson (Ref 1) and (Re f 3)

Mol ur et al. (2002) - NT ; I UCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lo we r Risk (lc)

32) Ple cotus austriacu s (J. Fi sche r,1829) G rey long eare d ba t

Ringm o (Re f 1)

Mol ur et al. (2002) - NT ; I UCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lo we r Risk (lc)

30) Myotis nipa lensis (Do bson , 1871) N epa lese Myotis xi) G enu s ple cotus, Geoffroy , E., 1818

xii ) Gen us Ba rba ste lla (G ra y,1821) 33) Barbastella leuc omel as (Cretz sc hmar,1830/31) Easte rn Barbastelle

No sp ecim ens or refe rences seen e xc ept Mol ur et al. (2002) - NT ; I UCN 2003 for 5 l ocalitie s show on map 60 of Co rbe t and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) and Hil l (1992) (Ref 1); Annap urna Himal, 40 Lo we r Risk (lc) Km NW of Pok hara, vicin ity of Banthanti, 2200 m (Ref 2) and (Ref 3)

xii i) Ge nus Scotoma ne s (Dobson,1875) 34) Sc otomanes ornatus (Blyth, 1851) H arl equi n bat xiv) Genus Sco to philus (Lea ch,1821) 35) Sc otophilus he athii (Horsfield,1831)

Sank hu wasabha (Ref 1); Ann apurna Himal, 30 km NW of P okhara, vi cinity of Sudame,

Mol ur et al. (2002) - NT ; I UCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001)

1500m (Ref 2)

Lo we r Risk (nt)

Bhoj bhaw anpur; Darakhuti; Bank e District;

Mol ur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003

G reater Asi ati c Ye llow Ho use bat

Dan g Deo khuri District; Raxaul Bi rganj (Ref 1); Sau ra ha, Narayan i; CNP (Nandon Tal, Dudora N ala, Tige r To ps; Bardhaha Khola ) (Ref 4)

and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lo we r Risk (lc)

36) Sc otophilus kuhii (Leac h, 1821) L esser Asi atic Yellow Ho use bat

(Ref 6)

Mol ur et al. (2002) NT ; IUCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lo we r Risk (lc)

37) Eptesic us serotin us (Schre be r,1774) Com mon Sero ti ne

Tuml ingter (Ref 1)

Mol ur et al. (2002) - NT ; I UCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lo we r Risk (lc)

38) Eptesic us go bi ensis (B obri nskii ,1926) Bo brin skii s Serotine; Gobi Big Bro wn bat

Exact local ity not speci fied (Ref 1) an d (Ref 3)

Mol ur et al. (2002) - DD; I UCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001)

39) Eptesic us dimissus (Thomas 1916)

Chitwa n N ati onal Park, Dudo ra Na la, 4.3 Km

Lo we r Risk (lc) Mol ur et al. (2002) V; IUCN 2003 and

Surat sero ti ne

SW Sau ra ha; T iger Top s (Ref 3 and 4)

IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Vul nerable

40) Eptesic us pac hyo ti s (Dobso n, 1871) T hi ck - e ared bat

(Ref 4)

IUCN 2003 and I UCN /SSC Action Plan (2001) Low er Ri sk (nt).

Bimaln agar (Ref 1 and 2)

Mol ur et al. (2002) - CR {B1ab (iii ) + 2ab (iii )}; I UCN 2003 an d IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) L ow er Risk (nt)

Ka kani; Rasuw a District; Naj ark ot; Bouzi ni; Sip uri; Kathman du; G odavari (Ref 1); An napurna Hima l, 30- 40 km NW of Pokhara, vi cinity of Sudame , 1500 m (Ref 2); Sauraha, N arayani, CNP (Dado ra Nal a,

Mol ur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lo we r Risk (lc)

xv) Ge nus Eptesicu s (Rafi nesqu e,1820)

xvi) Genus Ia (Tho mas,1902) 41) Ia io (T ho mas, 1902) G reat Eve ning bat xvii ) G enu s Pi pistrellu s (Kaup ,1829) 42) Pip istre llus javanic us (Gray, 1838) J avan p ipistrel le

43) Pip istre llus coroman dra (Gray,1838)

Tamar Tal, Ti ger Tops, Simal Ghol) (Ref 4) Hazaria; Bai ri a; Bairangl ia; Barabisse (Ref

Mol ur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003

Corom andel Pipi strelle; In di an P ipistrell e; Little I ndian bat

1) and (Ref 3); CN P ( Dadora Nala, Tam ar Tal, Ti ger T ops, Simal Ghol, Bardhada Khola ) (Ref 4)

and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lo we r Risk (lc)

44) Pip istre llus te nuis (Tem minck ,1840) L east P ipistrell e; Indian Pyg my bat

Bairia; Haz ari a; Banke District (Re f 1); Sauraha, Narayan i, CN P (Dadora N ala, Tamar Tal, Ti ger Tops, Simal Ghol) (Ref 4)

Mol ur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and I UCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lo we r Risk (lc)

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xviii) Genus Falsistrellus (Troughton, 1943) 45) Falsistrellus affinis (Dobson,1871) Najarkot (Ref 1 and 3) Chocolate pipistrelle xix) Genus Arielulus (Hill and Harrison, 1987) 46) Arielulus circumdatus (Temminck,1 840) Black gilded Pipistrelle, Bronze Sprite

IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) as Pipistrellus affinus

Num (Ref 1, 3 and 5), Terhathum District, Lam Pokhari, 3000m; Annapurna Himal (Ref 2)

Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) as Pipistrellus circumdatus

Kathmandu Valley (type loc. of labiata); Godavari; Gari; Nuwakot (Ref 1); Annapurna Himal (Ref 2; CNP (Nandon Tal, Simal Ghol) (Ref 4)

Molur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

Dang Deokhuri District (Ref 1) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (nt)

Barabisse; Num (Ref 1) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al. (2002) - V {B1ab (iii) + 2ab (iii)}; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

Dang Deokhuri District (Ref 1) and (Ref 3); CNP ( Nandon Tal, Dadora Nala, Tamar Tal, Tiger Tops) (Ref 4)

Molur et al. (2002) - DD; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

Kathmandu Valley; Kakani; Bimalnagar; Syangja (Ref 1); Syangja District; Annapurna Himal (Ref 2)and (Ref 3); Kathmandu (Ref 4) Pokhara (Ref 1); Locality queried by Corbet and Hill, 1992 and (Ref 3); CNP (Tiger Tops) (Ref 4)

Molur et al. (2002) - LC; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (nt) Molur et al. (2002) - CR { B2ab (iii)};; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

53) Murina leucogaster (Milne- Edwards,1872) Greater Tube nosed bat; Rufous tube nosed bat

Kathmandu Valley (Ref 1) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al. (2002) - V; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

54) Murina aurata (Milne Edwards, 1872) Little tube nosed bat; Tibetan tube nosed bat 55) Murina cyclotis (Dobson, 1872) Round eared Tube nosed bat

Makut; Mount Sheopuri (Ref 1) and (Ref 3)

Molur et al. (2002) - NT; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

xx) Genus Nyctalus (Bowdich,1825) 47) Nyctalus noctula (Schreber,1774) Noctule

48) Nyctalus montanus (Barrett Hamilton,1906) Mountain Noctule xxi) Genus Philetor, (Thomas 1902) 49) Philetor brachypterus (Temminck,1840) Rahu s bat

xxii) Genus Hesperoptenus (Peters, 1868) 50) Hesperoptenus tickelli (Blyth,1851) Tickell s bat xxiii) Genus Miniopterus 51) Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817) Schreibers Long fingered bat 52) Miniopterus pusillus (Dobsan, 1876) Nicobar long fingered bat, Small long - fired bat xxiv) Genus Murina (Gray,1842)

56) Murina huttonii (Peters,1872) Hutton s Tube nosed bat; White bellied Tube nosed bat xxv) Genus Kerivoula (Gray, 1842)

Chitwan National Park, Island Jungle Resort (Ref 1 and 2); CNP, 3.8 km SW Sauraha (Ref 4) Kathmandu Valley (Ref 1)

Molur et al. (2002) - DD; IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (nt)

57) Kerivoula picta (Pallas,1767) Painted Woolly Bat

Pokhara Town; Chitwan National Park (Tiger Tops) (Ref 3, 4 and 6);

Molur et al. (2002) - LC, IUCN 2003 and IUCN / SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

58) Kerivoula hardwickii (Horsfield, 1824) Hardwicke s Forest bat, Obscure bat

Taplejung District, Mamankhe, 1700m (Ref 2)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

References (Bates et al. , 1997).. 1; (Csorba et al. , 1999) 2; (Wilson et al. 2005) .3; (Myers et al. 1999) ..4; (Smith et al. 2008) 5; (Molur et al. , 2002) .6; (Molur et al. , 2005) ..7; (Shrestha, 1997) 8; (Baral et al., 2008) 9; (Molur et al. , 2003) ..10; (Ghose and Saha, 1981) .11; Srinivasulu et al. (2004) ..12. Abbreviations: NT: Near Threatened; No T: Not Threatened; LC: Least Concerned; LR: Lower Risk, DD: Data Deficient; E: Endangered; V: Vulnerable; CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Eastern Nepal; CN: Central Nepal; WN: Western Nepal; MWN: Mid Western Nepal; FWN: Far Western Nepal; SN: Southern Nepal; N: Northern; S: Southern; G: Gosaikunda; LNP: Langtang National Park; SPWR: Sukhla Phanta Wildlife Reserve;SPNP: Shey Phoksundo National Park; ACA: Annapurna Conservation Area; MBNP: Makalu Barun National Park; CNP: Chitwan National Park; BNP: Bardia National Park; SNP: Sagarmatha National Park; PWR: Parsa Wildlife Reserve.

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Table 2: Species of bats potentially occurring in Nepal, but not documented by voucher specimens Scientific N ame / C ommon Name Family Rh inopomatidae (Bonapar te, 1838) i) Genus Rhinopoma ( E. Geoffroy, 1818)

S tatus

Remarks

1) Rhinopoma microphyllum (Brunnich, 1872) Greater Mouse - tailed bat 2) Rh inopoma h ardwickii (Gray,1831) Lesser Mous e tailed bat Family Emballonurid ae (Gerv ais, 1855) Ii) Genus Taphozous (E. Geoffroy, 1818) 3) Taphozous m elanopogan (Temminck, 1841) Black beared Tomb bat

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

(Ref 1)

IUCN 2003 Low er Risk (lc); IUCN /SS C Action Plan (2001) Low er Risk (lc) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

(Ref 1)

4) Taphazous nudiventris (Cretzschmar, 1830) Naked rumped Tomb bat Iii) Genus Saccolaimus ( Temminck, 1838) 5) Saccolaimus saccolaimus ( Temminck, 1838) Naked rumped Pouched bat Family Megad ermatidae (H. Allen, 1864) Iv) Genus Megad erma (E. Geoffroy, 1810) 6) Megaderma spasma ( Linnaeus, 1758) Lesser False Vampir e bat Family Rh inoloph id ae (Gray, 1825) v) Genus Rh inolophus (Lacépède, 1799) 7) Rh inolophus t rifoliatus (Temminck, 1834) Trefoil Horsesh oe bat Family Hippos id erid ae (Lyd ekker, 1891) vi) Genus Hipposideros (Gray, 1831) 8) Hipposid eros at er (Templeton, 1848) Dus ky Leafnosed bat 9) Hipposid eros lankadiva ( Kelaart, 1 850) Indian Leaf - nosed bat

(Ref 1)

EN (Ref 1 and 2)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) .

(Ref 1)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) .

(Ref 1)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) .

(Ref 1)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Data Deficient as H. sch is taceus; Lower Risk ( lc)

(Ref 1) E N ( Ref 2)

vii) Genus Coelops ( Blyth, 1848) 10) Coelops frit hii (Blyth, 1848) Eas t Asian Tailless Leaf nosed bat Family Verpertilionidae (Gr ay, 1821) viii) Genus Myotis (Kaup,1829) 11) Myotis annectans ( Dobson, 1 871) Hair faced Int ermediat e bat ix) Genus Eptesicus ( Rafinesque, 1820) 12) Eptesicus tatei (Ellerman and Morrison Scott, 1 951) Somb er bat x) G enus T ylonycteris (Peters , 1872) 13) Tylonycteris pachypus ( Temminck, 1840) Lesser bamboo bat xi) Genus Pipistrellus (Kaup,1829) 14) Pipistrellus ceylonicus (Kelaart, 1852) Kelaart s pipistrelle

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc

E N ( Ref 2)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (nt).

EN (Ref 1 and 2)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Data Deficient.

EN (Ref 1 and 2)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc) .

EN (Ref 1 and 2)

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SS C Action Plan (2001) Lower Risk (lc)

(Ref 1)

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Scientific N ame / Common Name 15) Pipistrellus paterculus (Thomas, 1915) Mount Popa Pipistrelle xii) Genus Hypsugo (Kolenati, 1856) 16) Hypsugo cadornae (T homas, 1916). Cadorna s pipistrelle; Thomas s Pipistrellus xiii) Genus Scotoecus (Thomas, 1901) 17) Scotoecus pallidus (Dobson, 1876) Desert Yellow Lesser House bat xiv) Genus Scotozous (Dobson, 1875) 18) Scotozous dormeri (Dobson, 1875) Dormer s Pipistrelle xv) Genus Harpiocephalus (Gray, 1842) 19) Harpiocephalus harpia (Temminck, 1840) Lesser Hairy winged bat xvi) Genus Murina (Gray,1842) 20) Murina tubinaris (Scully, 1881). Scully s Tube nosed bat Family Molossidae (Gervais, 1856) xvii) Genus Tadarida (Rafinesque, 1814) 21) Tadarida teniotis (Rafinesque, 1814) European free - tailed bat Family Pteropodidae (Gray, 1821 ) xviii) Genus Megaerops (Peters, 1865) 22) Megaerops niphanae (Yenbutra and Felten, 1983) Ratanaworabhan s Fruit bat 23) Macroglossus minimus (E. Geoffroy, 1810). Lesser Long tongued N ector bat; Daggertoothed Long-nosed Fruit Bat

Status Remarks IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan South East Nepal (2001) Lower Risk (nt) (Ref 2) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 1 and 2) (2001) Lower Risk (nt) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan South East Nepal (2001) Lower Risk (lc). (Ref 1 and 2) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan South East Nepal (2001) Lower Risk (lc) (Ref 1 and 2) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan (Ref 1) (2001) Lower Risk (lc) IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 2) (2001) Lower Risk (lc).

IUCN 2003 and IUCN/SSC Action Plan EN (Ref 1 and 2) (2001) Lower Risk (lc).

IUCN /SSC Action Plan (1992) No Data. IUCN 2003 Low er Risk (lc).

EN (Ref 2)

IUCN /SSC Action Plan (1992) Not Threatened. IUCN 2003 Lower Risk (lc)

E N (Ref 2)

References: Acharya, P.R. & L.A. Ruedas 2007. The Bat Fauna of Nepal: A Current Conspectus. BAT NET NEWSLETTER Newsletter of the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South Asia CCINSA and the IUCN Chiroptera Specialist Group of South Asia (CSGSA) 8(1-2): JanÂ&#x2013;Dec, 2007. Baral, H.S. & K.B. Shah 2008. Wild Mammals of Nepal. Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu.

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Conservation status of rodents in Sri Lanka Mayuri R.Wijesinghe The rodents as a group are of significant interest to Sri Lanka as they form a conspicuous part of the country's mammalian fauna. Twenty-two species of indigenous rodents occur on the island, which include 13 rats and mice, two bandicoots, four squirrels, two gliding squirrels and one porcupine. Six species Srilankmys ohiensis (Bi-colored Rat), Rattus montanus (Highland Rat), Mus mayori (Spiny Rat), Mus fernandoni (Spiny Mouse), Vandeleuria nolthenii (Long-tailed Tree Mouse) and Funambulus layardi (Flame-striped Jungle squirrel) are endemic to the island. Srilankamys is also a monotypic relict genus whose nearest ancestors are found in the distant Himalaya. One rodent, Rattus norvegicus, is an introduced species with well established feral populations (Weerakoon & Goonatilake 2006). At least two species will be added as a result of recent taxonomic revisions. The majority of the native rodents (90%) are inhabitants of the lowland and montane rainforests. About 25% of the rodents are in fact confined to this region. It is also significant that five of the six endemics are restricted to or preferentially utilize rainforest habitats. Only two species, Madromys blanfordi and Mus fernandoni, are confined to the drier areas of the country. Studies on conservation biology of rodents have unveiled the spectrum of ecological services provided by this important group of mammals. By virtue of their abundance the rodents contribute significantly to the sustenance of natural ecosystems. They function as seed predators and dispersers and as prey for predatory birds, reptiles and large mammals. Many also predate upon insects. Furthermore, rodents enhance rainforest health through their relationships with mycorrhizal fungi and by enhancing soil aeration. The disappearance of rodents would thus have serious implications on faunal assemblages in many natural ecosystems of which they are a part. On the negative side, certain species of rodents transmit dreaded human diseases, invade homes and destroy stored products and crops and have therefore been regarded as a scourge for thousands of years. Hence, there is an urgency to control rodent pests whilst at the same time conserving the valuable species. In balancing pest management and biodiversity conservation, Sri Lanka as a country faces many challenges. From among the biodiversity hotspots, the southwestern rainforests of the island together with those of the Western Ghats of India harbours the highest human population density making it one of the most vulnerable regions in the world (Cincotta et al. 2000). The rapid rate of destruction and degradation of these rainforests is no doubt the leading cause for the range

reductions and population declines of most faunal species. Seven rodent species have been recognized as nationally threatened while five are threatened at the global level (IUCN 1999 & 2002). Forest fragmentation is particularly threatening to small mammals due to their low mobility. Individual species may, however, exhibit differential tolerance to human perturbations. Species with small distributional ranges such as Rattus montanus, Srlankamys ohiensis and Mus mayori, may face greater threats of extinction than the more widespread species like Rattus rattus (Wijesinghe & Brooke 2004). Similarly, ecological traits of endemics may render them more susceptible to habitat modification than the nonendemics. For instance, it was found that endemics are habitat specialists that occupy larger home ranges than the non-endemic species (Wijesinghe & Brooke 2004). Consequently many of them are incapable of utilizing man-modified habitats (Wijesinghe 2005; Wijesinghe & Brooke 2005). Only strict protection of core areas and the establishment of habitat linkages between isolated forest fragments would enhance the survival of these rainforest rodents. Long-term survival of certain rare and range-restricted species such as the S. ohiensis and R. montanus may also depend on species-specific conservation strategies. In contrast to such species, the expansion of human settlements also facilitates the influx of highly adaptable pest species such as the house rodents (R. r. kandianus and Mus musculus) that have a detrimental effect on the other forest-dwelling small mammals (Wijesinghe & Brooke 2004). The spread of such species in forest habitats should be monitored if control measures are to be adopted. Sadly, rodents are often also neglected by conservationists. Their small size, nocturnal behaviour and secretive habitats render them a particularly difficult group of animals to study. Research on rainforest rodents involves tedious live trapping regimes in difficult terrain and under harsh conditions. The lack of adequate knowledge on taxonomy, distribution and abundance of many forest-dwelling rodents has hindered their conservation and management efforts (Weerakoon & Goonatileke 2006). No data are yet available on population trends of most species. Furthermore, many areas of Sri Lanka, such as the north and northwest, isolated hillocks of the dry zone and the montane region are still inadequately surveyed (Weerakoon & Goonatileke 2006). Ecological studies that are crucial to evaluate the pest, non-pest or threatened status of different rodent species should be undertaken in order to implement control or conservation strategies. Other topics of research that have been Senior Lecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka. mayuri@zoology.cmb.ac.lk

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Endemic Sri Lanka spiny mouse (Mus mayori)

largely ignored by ecologists are parasites and diseases. There has been little effort to assess the role of diseases in limiting or regulating rodent populations. It is also unfortunate that rodents have always been considered as troublesome animals by the general public. Despite their notorious identity, only four species of rodents in Sri Lanka (Rattus rattus, Mus booduga, Bandicota indica and B. bengalensis) are known to cause destruction of even the slightest magnitude. The fact that rodents are less appealing compared to the more charismatic larger mammals results in them not being considered as important targets for conservation. Because rodents are generally highly prolific they are also thought to be less susceptible to environmental deterioration. It is however clear, that rodents are an important component of the Sri Lanka's biological diversity. A greater commitment of conservationists, changed attitudes of policy makers and greater awareness among the general public are imperative if the rich rodent assemblage of Sri Lanka is to be conserved. 18

References Cincotta, R.P., J. Wisnewski & R. Engleman 2002. Human population in the biodiversity hotspots. Nature 404: 990992. IUCN (1999). The 1999 List of Threatened Flora and Fauna of Sri Lanka. IUCN-Sri Lanka, Colombo. IUCN (2002). 2002 - IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN, Switzerland. Weerakoon, D. & W.L.D.P.T.S. de A. Goonatilake 2006. Taxonomic status of mammals in Sri Lanka, pp 216-231. In: Bambaradeniya, C. N. B. (Ed.) The Fauna of Sri Lanka. Status of Taxonomy, Research and Conservation. The World Conservation Union, Colombo. Wijesinghe, M.R. & M. de L.Brooke 2004. What causes the vulnerability of endemic animals? A case study from Sri Lanka. Journal of Zoology 263: 135-140. Wijesinghe, M.R. 2005. Variations in population sizes of five rodent taxa across a habitat gradient in the Sinharaja rainforest, Sri Lanka. Zoosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Print Journal 21: 2115-2119. Wijesinghe, M.R. & M. de L. Brooke 2005. The distribution of small mammals along a disturbance gradient in Sinharaja, Sri Lanka. Journal of Tropical Ecology 21: 291-296.

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Notes on Breeding Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) at Mysore Zoo Lakshminarasimha R* and Anil Garg** The Indian Giant Squirrel is a diurnal and arboreal species endemic to southern, western, central and eastern peninsular India, specifically in the Western Ghats, Satpuras and the Eastern Ghats. They are high-canopy dwellers usually occurring in tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist-deciduous forests. Although, widely distributed, they occur in populations that are severely fragmented. They have been listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List; extensive hunting and habitat loss are the primary factors for their population decline. They have an average lifespan of about 20 years in captivity and are reproductively active until the age of 12 years in the wild. Many aspects regarding the ecology of the Indian Giant Squirrel have not been explored, both in wild and in captive conditions. Hence, an attempt to study the behaviour and breeding ecology of giant squirrels in captive conditions was planned. Observations were carried out on a pair of giant squirrels housed at the Mysore Zoo. This paper describes the various aspects of the Indian Giant Squirrel husbandry and associated issues that were implemented in Mysore Zoo.

quite under-stimulating and can have a negative effect on the psychological well being of the animals. Bamboo and tree branches of various lengths were added to the enclosure. They were placed in a way so as to provide access to most of the unused areas inside the enclosure. The addition of the cage furniture allowed the animals to explore all the areas of the enclosure that were previously unexplored and also permitted access to horizontal and vertical dimensions of the enclosure. The cage furniture increased the complexity of the enclosure thereby promoting activity among the squirrels. Additional cage furniture included liana and cotton ropes that were interspersed amongst the bamboo and tree branches in varied fashion. A portion of the roof was covered with fiber sheet to offer shelter to the animals. Attempts are being made to grow vegetation inside the enclosure and cereals are scattered on the floor of the enclosure and then watered; upon germination the squirrels feed on them. A mesh guard is also provided so that the squirrels have access only to the shoots of seedlings (Figure 1).

Baseline observations The enclosure housing the squirrels measured 14x14x15 ft and was constructed using chain-link mesh. The enclosure was quite exposed with no vegetation and offered no shelter and hideout for the animals and also was infested with rodents. The enclosure lacked complexity and the squirrels spent most of their time clinging to the mesh. An arbitrary wooden box was placed inside the enclosure as the sole mode of privacy and shelter. The squirrels were offered a carbohydrate-rich diet consisting of fruits, bread and milk and vegetables. Environmental enrichment for the giant squirrels With an intention of improving the animals' well being by providing a stimulating environment and further satisfying the behavioural needs of the animals, environmental enrichment was designed with the primary goals being: 1. Increasing the complexity of the enclosure to provide a near naturalistic condition 2. Provision of shelter and hideouts 3. Provision of a more natural and a balanced diet Giant squirrels being rainforest dwellers rarely leave the upper-canopy of the forests. An enclosure that hinders or provides no access to the upper reaches is

Figure 1: Growing vegetation inside enclosure. Seeds are scattered and watered serving as fresh food upon germination. A mesh guard insures that the squirrels have access only to the shoots of seedlings.

The pre-existing box was modified so that the front portion was covered leaving an entry hole (Figure 2). The box was fixed at a height of around six feet from the ground. A new box (Figure 3) was introduced and was placed at a greater height (Figure 4). * (Corresponding author) Asstt Curator, E-mail: rl_narasimha@yahoo.co.in; **Avian Consultant, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore.

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Figure 2 - The old box was modified so that the front portion was covered leaving an entry hole. Figure 3: A new box (below) was introduced and placed at a greater height (Figure 4) above.

The box measured 2x2x3 ft, made of wood, with an entry hole of 6in diameter and an inspection window on one of the sides. The box has a mesh ladder from inside that extends from the entry hole to the floor of the box, for ease of movement. Soft wood shavings were provided as bedding material and in addition straw and thin branches were scattered inside the enclosure to promote nesting behavior. The next step included revising the diet and feeding regimes. The changes were intended to provide a more natural and balanced diet. Different types of seeds like jack fruit seeds, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, sprouts and groundnuts were included in their diet. Occasionally they were also offered shoots and inflorescences as food treats. In addition to the above-mentioned changes in the diet, the squirrels were offered commercially available cat food regularly (15 pellets approximately per animal). The cat food served to increase the protein content of the diet. In order to increase the activity in the squirrels, some of the seeds were scattered on the floor of the enclosure so the animals spend more time foraging.

Observations following the administration of environmental enrichment. The addition of cage furniture like bamboo, liana, cotton ropes and tree branches has accounted for a considerable increase in the complexity of the enclosure, thus promoting more activity among the animals. The changes in the diet and the feeding regimes have resulted in the animals getting a more natural and balanced diet. The scattering of the food has resulted in an increase in the foraging time of the animals. The inclusion of nest boxes in the enclosure has resulted in the squirrels using it considerably in the late evenings and has also incited nesting behaviour in the squirrels. Following the implementation of the environmental enrichment, the giant squirrels also bred for the first time since their acquisition around 3 years back! Detailed studies are being taken up to document the reproductive behaviour and parental care in these species so as to fill in lacunae of data with regard to the ecology of the species in captive conditions.

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Reporting from Godawari Sanjan Thapa*, Suchieta Shrestha, Sagar Dahal, Arjun Thapa and Rameshwor Kaphle With support from Rufford Small Grants, UK, Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, SMCRF, Kathmandu, Nepal started its project: Detailed monitoring survey of bats and their conservation through radio awareness programme and outreach programme to schoolchildren in Kathmandu Valley from Godawari-Phulchowki, one of the project sites among 20 sites during 1-3 November, 2009. A team of five was led by Sanjan Thapa. Day 1. After two-hours drive from Lagankhel, Lalitpur we reached Godawari in the late morning. We conducted a scheduled survey to the two communities namely; Tamang and Bahun-Chettri with an objective to assess the local perception and knowledge of bats. We found that they were aware of them but no effort was processed for their conservation hitherto. In the afternoon we visited two schools and asked permission and their cooperation to conduct awareness lectures to the schoolchildren. Following this we searched and pointed out the area and sites for mist-netting. Before the sunset we arranged three mistnets and stretched them using bamboo poles along the small pool and stream in Janajagaran community forest. At 17:45hr we noted the first flight appearance. The bat detector recorded calls between 35 and 60 kHz frequencies. We estimated three species from the flight observations, which lasted until 18:59hr. Day 2. The morning started with hiking to the nearby bat cave, the mouth of which was bounded by large rocks lying on the side and below. The entrance was a difficult slit and we dropped down hanging to a large root. The 100m was a broad passage which ended with a large

Scheduled Survey at Tamang Community School children with banner of sponsor.

*Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. sanjan_thapa@yahoo.com

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dome-like area with a lot of small short routes and very difficult to go through. A small colony about six individuals of Hipposideros armiger were seen hanging at the dome shaped space. A few small bats escaping from the difficult small and short routes were successfully scoop-netted. We took morphometric measurements and photographs and immediately released bats without any stress. We identified them in the spot as Rhinolophus affinis and Myotis nipalensis. After lunch we organized an outreach programme to schoolchildren in Crescent Academy. We delivered a 45min lecture on awareness and conservation of bats to 100 students of standards 6, 7 and 8. The lecture included an introduction, habit, habitat, ecology, importance and need for conservation. We displayed flex signage regarding the matter, distributed a brochure, demonstrated the application of a Using bat detector at mistnetting site

Hipposideros armiger inside the cave 22

Project team on the way after closing mistnetting

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bat detector and finally took a group photo. Before sunset we deployed mist netts in the open field near by a narrow stream by the bus stand. We noted the bats emerging at 18:00hr. The bat detector recorded the echolocation call of 45-60 kHz. However, we were unable to net any bat that night. Day3. Again we organized an outreach programme in the next school, the CPS Residential English Boarding School. We made a presentation to 60 students of classes 5, 6 and 7. We advertised the radio awareness programme for the conservation of bats through the poster. They were attached to the notice boards of schools, offices, local NGOs etc. We announced the same to school children also.

Lecture and demonstrating bat detector application at CPS Residential School

In the evening once again we deployed mist nets at the picnic spot, behind the botanical garden. It was interesting to find bat guano of few days ago in the statue of Shiva Linga of the temples which indicate that bats used to rest there. We placed the mist nets nearby a stream and a medium water pool. There we noted the emergence of bats flight at 17:41hr. Magenta Bat Mkllb bat detector recorded 45-60 kHz. We keenly observed continuous flight just 1 foot to 10 feet, over swinging and circling and sometimes dipping into water surface. The interesting behaviour observation came to an end after the bats disappeared at 19:20hr and the unsuccessful netting continued when mist nets were brought down at 21:00hr. This monitoring study revealed occurrence of three species at Godawari. As the bat flight was seen maximum, we can expect many more species can be documented from this site in next phase of the project. We can conclude that Godawari-Phulchowki area is a good potential habitat for bats. Lectures to school children were conducted at two schools and we believe the program has aided positive impact in the conception of bats to the school children and the locals.

Rhinolophus affinis

Myotis nipalensis

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Lunar Phobia in a Microchiropteran Bat, Hipposideros speoris S. Suthakar Isaac Many insectivorous and frugivorous bats use night roosts for a variety of activities, including feeding, grooming, mating and resting in between foraging. Biologists usually obtain clues to the presence of night roosts from bits of discarded fruits or insects and piles of droppings. Night roosts may harbour solitary bats, male-female pairs, mother-young or social groups that live together in day-roosts. Night roosts are located in variety of places including areas beneath bridges, in abandoned buildings, thatch houses, or on branches of trees (Kunz 1982). Avoidance of bright moonlight has been documented in small terrestrial mammals, including Allenbys Gerbil Gerbillus allenbyi (Kotler et al. 1991); Bannertail Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys spectabilis (Lockard & Owings 1974); Greater Egyptian Sand Gerbil Gerbillus pyramidum (Kotler et al. 1991); and in a number of species of bats. Examples include one megachiropteran (Indian False Vampire Bat Megaderma lyra (Subbaraj & Balasingh 1996)), and three microchiropterans (Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat Artibeus jamaicensis, (Morrison 1978)); pond bat, Myotis dasycneme (Vo没te et al. 1974); and Common Vampire Bat Desmodus rotundus (Turner 1975). The broad occurrence of lunar phobia suggests strong selective pressures in nocturnal animals for moonlight avoidance. Safety from predators and availability of prey could both provide the necessary selective pressure. This insectivorous bat, Hipposideros speoris (forearm 50mm and bodyweight 13g) is a common species of India and the presence of nose-leaf aids in the echolocation. The study area, an ancient temple with many unused dark chambers, lies in the Krishnapuram Village, Tirunelveli District. A colony of about 150 bats inhabits a dark chamber of the temple. The night roost is located very near to the day-roost in a temple tower at a height of about 20m from the ground. The study area predominantly includes ponds and agricultural fields. Weekly observations were made in the night roost to assess the activity pattern of the bats in relation to four different phases of moon in a month during March 2004. Bat counts were made once in every five minutes from 18.00 to 06.00 hr. The foraging pattern of H. speoris was to emerge from the day roost after sunset and fly to the foraging ground or to wait in the night roost till the required darkness set in and then forage. Normally a bimodal pattern of night activity was seen in this species. The study reveals that after emergence from the day roost, H. speoris engaged in night roosting in between the foraging bouts. The bats actively flew around the 24

streetlights and nearby paddy fields catching insects and visited the night roost at random. The number of bats found in night roosting indirectly showed the number of bats foraging at any given time. The night roosting pattern shows that the foraging peak occurred immediately after dusk followed by another peak before dawn. The night roosting behaviour with reference to different moon phases is shown in the figure 1 A, B, C & D. During the new moon, the foraging activity was continuous from dusk to dawn, a normal bimodal pattern of foraging activity (Figure 1A). From the first quarter to full moon despite the presence of a relatively bright moon after sunset, the bats left the day roost but most of them stayed in the night roost till around 21.00hr. After moon set, the bats flew from the night roost and actively foraging until dawn (Figure 1B). In contrast, during full moon, the number of bats night roosting was relatively high from 19.00 hr till the pre-dawn hours (04.00hr) (Figure 1C). During the last quarter, the moon rises in the mid night, so the bats begun to forage from the dusk and return to night roost about 24.00 hr and remained till 04.00hr (Figure 1D). A radio-tracking study of the foraging behaviour of the Jamaican Fruit Bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) in a Panamanian forest revealed that searching and feeding flights were timed as if to minimize flying in bright moonlight. Long flights in search of new fruit trees were observed in A. jamaicensis only during the new moon half of the lunar month (Morrison, 1978). The nightly activity patterns of Noctilio leporinus, a piscivorous neotropical bat, were documented by visual observation over one lunar cycle at a large dock in Golfito, Costa Rica. The activity patterns were compared to the intensity of the moonlight, and a strong correlation between darkness and activity was observed. This correlation has been observed in many species of mammals and may indicate adaptation by potential prey species to avoid predation by visually oriented night-time predators and/or an adaptation by predators to maximize hunting success. Decreased predator effectiveness would encourage potential prey items to become more active in low light conditions. Bats may feed longer on dark nights due to decreased danger from predators (Bork 2006). Lang et al (2006) show that the bats reduced activity during moonlight correlates with a reduction in the activity levels of katydids, a major source of food for Research Department of Zoology, St.John s College, Palayamkottai. 627 002 TN isaacsuthakar@yahoo.com

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

perch-hunting bat, Lophostoma silvicolum. Karlsson et al (2002) investigated the impact of moonlight on the swarming activity of bats at an abandoned mine in southern Sweden. The mine serves as a hibernaculum for six species of insectivorous bats. They suggest that the insectivorous bats at high latitudes may not have been exposed to significant nocturnal predator pressure, leading to the evolution of lunar phobia, as have many tropical bats. From the present observations, it may be concluded that the moonlight has an influence, on this microchiropteran bat H. speoris, by reducing foraging activity and enhance night roosting behaviour. Moon light avoidance may be an exogenous factor to probably reduces losses to visually oriented predators. References: Bork, K.S. 2006. Lunar phobia in the greater fishing bat Noctilio

leporinus (Chiroptera: Noctilionidae). Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(4): 1117-23. Karlsson, B., J. Eklöf and J. Rydell 2002. No lunar phobia in swarming insectivorous bats (family Vespertilionidae). Journal of Zoology, 256(4): 473-477 Kotler, B.P., J.S. Brown & O. Hasson. 1991. Factors affecting gerbil foraging behavior and rates of owl predation. Ecology 72(2): 249-260. Kunz, T.H. 1982. Roosting ecology of bats, pp 1-55. In: T. H. Kunz, Editor, Ecology of Bats, Plenum, New York. Lang, A. B., Kalko, E.K.V. Römer, H., Bockholdt, C. and Dechmann. D.K.N. 2005. Activity levels of bats and katydids in relation to the lunar cycle. Oecologia 146: 650–666 Lockard, R.B. & D.H. Owins. 1974. Moon-related surface activity of bannertail (Dipodomys spectabilis)

and Fresno (D. nitratoides) kangaroo rats. Anim. Behav.22: 262-273. Morrison, D.W. 1978. Lunar phobia in a neotropical fruit bat, Artibeus jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae). Animal Behaviour 26: 852-855. Subbaraj, R. & J. Balasingh. 1986. Night roosting and ‘lunar phobia’ in Indian false vampire bat Megaderma Lyra. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 93: 1-7. Turner, D.C. 1975. The Vampire Bat: A Field Study in behavior and ecology. John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 159 p. Voûte, A.M., J.W. Sluiter & M.P. Grimm. 1974. The influence of the natural light-dark cycle on the activity rhythm of pond bats (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825) during summer. Oecologia (Berlin) 17: 221243.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

The Threat of Climate Change Rick A. Adams Greatful thanks to Robert Locke of BCI and Editor of BATS for permitting us to reprint this interesting article on bats and climate change. Editor. The Rocky Mountains of Colorado offer a wondrous mosaic of habitats from lowland prairies to treeless alpine tundra. At the 50th parallel near Boulder, the Continental Divide reaches its easternmost point in the United States, producing steep and convoluted relief across which climate and ecology differ dramatically. The abrupt topography compresses habitats and ecotones (the transitions between habitats) into remarkably condensed communities of animals and plants. Thus ecologists can study a diversity of ecosystems in one local area that is equivalent in scope and richness to that which occurs across the 1200 miles (2000 kilometers) between Boulder and the Canadian Arctic. For bats, this remarkable landscape provides for the coexistence of a diverse assemblage of species. My students at the University of Northern Colorado and I have been conducting research on bat populations in the region for 13 years. This persistence illuminates long-term population trends in this richly varied medley of bats. The underlying questions of our studies have been (1) do the limited water resources of arid landscapes influence roostsite preferences and reproductive ecology of bats and (2) does water availability influence how bat populations and communities are structured? Our research produced a number of unexpected results, especially concerning what appears to be surprisingly complex cooperative behavior, as well as mineral acquisition, maternal- roost clustering and the critical importance of near-roost water sources for milk production by mother bats. After 13 years, we are beginning to stitch together the natural history of the nine resident bat species and the importance of water sources to stability and sustainability of populations. Unfortunately, our data also strongly suggest a potentially devastating impact of climate change on these bats: increasing regional temperatures, declining precipitation and reduced stream flow appear to negatively influence the ability of females to reproduce. Upon leaving their high-elevation hibernation sites in late April or early May, bats descend into the foodrich lowlands. Males and females, which hibernated together, break away into bachelor and maternity groups. Females typically return year after year to the same rock-crevice roosts, usually located near 26

small-stream water sources. We consistently find maternity roosts of various species located close to relatively stable but small-scale water features. Some of these pools are less than six feet (1.8 meters) in diameter, yet they buzz with activity after sunset, as hundreds of bats descend to the surface to drink. They must replenish water lost during their daytime siestas within sun-baked rock crevices where higher roost temperatures help with gestation. Some bats have been shown to lose more than 30 percent of their body mass through evaporative water loss over a single 12-hour roosting cycle. When females are lactating water-rich milk for their young, water loss may even be higher. The combination of hot, dry roosts, small body size and lactation suggests that reproduction in these female bats is a staggering effort that likely explains why we find maternity colonies of multiple species near reliable pools of water. At dusk, water â&#x20AC;&#x201C; stressed females descend to drink soon after emerging from their day roosts, skimming the surface multiple times before leaving the area. It is not only the crevice-roosting bats that come to drink. At many watering sites, we catch all nine resident species, including less abundant species, such as the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) and silverhaired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) that use trees as roosts. Their presence increases the already-high number of the bats trying to squeeze into these small pools for a drink. Nights following the hottest, driest days correlate with the highest activity levels at water sources, where, at first glance, the scene looks like sheer chaos. Upon closer examination , however, the apparently lawless free-for-all turns out to have a definite and unexpected order and process. As various species leave their roost sites within minutes of each other, they do not all come to the pool simultaneously. Instead, they arrive in species or colony groups in a specific and predictable order night after night, year after year. Peaks of activity are distinctive for each species. We confirmed this phenomenon by recording exact capture times of each bat that visited to drink and by compiling data over several years. The pattern was consistent : bats drinking at these small pools are organized by predictable visitation times, without which individual access to the water would be problematic at best. Professor of Biology at the University of Northern Colorado n Greeley. He studies the ecology and evolution of bats.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Even more astonishing, however, is the discovery that the bats actually line up to drink, rather than simply diving in from every direction. The chaos of bats zipping and milling a few feet above the water is completely at odds with what is happening at the surface. Working with Dr. James Simmons of Brown University, we used a thermal-imaging camera to record this amazing behavior at the smallest, most active pools. All bats that approached for a drink did so singly. Each one came in from a specific direction and followed a drinking pathway – not unlike a landing strip at an airport. Further, the film revealed that bats entering the ‘drinking queue’ did so by making a wide turn away from other bats above the pool, then circling into the precise approach path. We observed multiple bats entering the drinking path one after the other and following one another across the water’s surface in a single-line approach. While filming in July, when the pups begin to fly, we watched this finely tuned drinking game suddenly break down as some bats caused near-collisions by trying to drink from the “wrong” direction. We can only suppose that these were inexperienced juveniles, perhaps making their first attempt at water-hole etiquette. When this occurred, the bat that was in the correct pathway would call out a distinctive, audible buzz at the wayward intruder. It appears that young bats need to learn the rules of the game from adults. We have found that female bats apparently can determine the mineral content of drinking water and that they lead their young to pools with higher levels of dissolved calcium, perhaps to help with skeletal development (see “The Lure of Dirt,” BATS , Winter 2006). Females benefit from these high-mineral pools because insects provide scant calcium and they typically end up calcium-deficient during their reproductive period. In some cases, we have radio tracked lactating females flying several miles to reach small, inconspicuous but calcium-rich pools hidden in the forest, bypassing more obvious water sources to reach them. We found no apparent relationship between male bats and these high-calcium drinking opportunities. But while mineral content may play a role in which pools adult females and their young visit, the proximity of water to maternity roosts is the most critical aspect. We demonstrated this through an experiment in summer 2006. We marked 29 female fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes) from a maternity colony by inserting a passive integrated transponder – a PIT tag – just beneath the skin of females that were either lactacting or non reproductive. The tiny tags do not require batteries and can be read by a scanner to identify the individual.

We places an antenna (the scanner) in a small pool near the roost site to record visitation patterns of bats of known reproductive status. The results were sobering. Lactating females drank at the pool 13 times more often (236 visits) than non reproductive females (18 visits) over an 11 day period. Lactating females clearly have very high water requirements and having a water source near the maternity colony may be one of the criteria females use in choosing roost sites. Next, we plotted our 13 years of data against annual weather conditions, including mean monthly high temperature, mean monthly precipitation and mean monthly stream-discharge rates. What we found was disconcerting. In year with warmer, drier conditions, reproductive outcomes dropped precipitously. The long-term trend in the data showed a steady increase in numbers of non reproductive females captured during such years. In the warmest, driest year of our study, 2007, more than 50 percent of the adult females we captured were non reproductive – a huge difference from years when weather conditions were closer to average and only 11 to 15 percent of captured females were non reproductive. Virtually all climate-change models predict warmer and drier summers in this region. Analyzing the data showed that the availability of water and especially precipitation were most closely correlated to reproductive status. Precipitation, of course, feeds local streams and our data reveal a sudden crash in female reproduction when flow rates of Boulder Creek (the only drainage in our field area that is monitored for flow rates) falls below 247 cubic feet (7 cubic meters) per second. When this large stream falls to such a low flow rate, smaller streams near roost sites may, in fact, be almost completely dry. This sudden crash in reproductively active females implies that there is a threshold of minimum water availability required to support local bat populations. These data, of course, fit well with our PIT tag study of female reproduction and visitation frequency to water sources. We often think of bats as highly mobile mammals capable of travelling large distances to forage and find water. Maternity roost sites, however, provide well-established anchors that help support local bat populations over the long term. Females return to these sites year to give birth to and raise their young, and females in maternity colonies seem to resist abandoning such areas, even when water resources dwindle. Instead of leaving, females apparently are shutting down – or being forced physiologically to halt – reproductive output that the environment can no longer support. The long-term risk to these populations appears substantial.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Continued from previous page Climate change in western North America is expected to increase in coming years, with still-greater reductions in summer precipitation and winter snowpack. Already the loss of accumulated snowpack, combined with spring runoffs that begin up to a month earlier than in the past and reduced summer rainfall, has measurably affected regional patterns of stream flow. Thus, the outlook for future water availability in natural ecosystems is grim. Climate-change models for the Colorado River Basin predict that for every 0.6 degree F (1-degree C) increase, we can expect 24 percent less snow, 3

percent less summer precipitation and 36 percent less water storage. If there is one spark of hope in all this, it is that we can begin to mitigate some of these effects by developing management plans that include artificial water sources to support high-risk maternity colonies. Climate change is upon us, and we can do little to stem the tide in the short term, but fast track solutions to immediate problems may just be enough to avoid a sudden collapse of distressed ecosystems.

Bats and Climate change on the internet : just type bats climate change impact Bat deaths linked to climate change Brian Nearing, Staff writer, timesunion Unusual weather may disrupt feeding patterns, causing starvation. Friday, March 7, 2008

The Impact of Climate Change on Bats submitted by Naveen Sundar, Brian Kelly on 4/30/02 . Global Climate Change -Western Program-Miami University Check out our Report on The Impact of Climate Change on Bats

ALBANY -- A mysterious affliction that has killed thousands of hibernating bats in the Northeast is likely tied to recent mild winters, rather than a fungus around the mammals' mouths, according to a state wildlife pathologist. While an investigation by the state Department of Environmental Conservation is continuing, DEC pathologist Ward Stone said warmer winters caused by climate change, rather than a mysterious white fungus, has been killing off thousands of hibernating bats in their caves this winter. Stone, often a renegade at DEC during his long career there, said his studies of about 150 dead bats found the milkycolored fungus that has been dubbed "white nose syndrome" has not been killing the bats. MORE at http://www.timesunion.com/ AspStories story.asp?storyID=669869 &category=REGION&newsdate=3/7/2008

Executive Summary: This project attempted to link global change in climate and ecosystem change. We specifically looked at the ecosystems concerning bats. Bats are important creatures and it is generally uncommon to find studies done on bats and their role in ecosystems. This paper looked at the increasing global temperature rise as an indicator of how the life of bats have changed in their respective ecosystems. For this, we looked at temperature data gathered worldwide more recently and up to about 150 years ago. We analyzed the data in order to note any temperature and bat population trends that were of relevance to this paper. So,.....why not check out our Final Report on The Impact of Climate Change on Bats http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/climatechange02/ FinalArticles/BatDraft-TheFinalApril302.html

Bats and climate change Tony Hutson, Inf.EUROBATS.AC11.30. In 2005, the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Defra commissioned a review Climate Change 1 and Migratory Species . This was presented to CMS CoP8 (Nairobi, November 2005) at a workshop on climate change. The review covers marine mammals, terrestrial mammals, bats, birds, turtles, fish (with cephalopods and plankton) and insects, and deals in particular with the UK and its overseas territories. The report 2 can be viewed at www.defra.gov.uk or as CoP.Inf8.19 at 3 www.cms.int . For the bats, the report concentrates ... MORE at http://www.eurobats.org/documents/pdf/AC11/ Inf_AC11_30_ClimateChange.pdf. Vampire bats offer clues to the future, Shahroukh Mistry & Arnulfo Moreno-Valdez. Vol.26, No.2, Summer 08 Overheated flying foxes, panting and frantically fanning themselves with their wings, fell from the trees in New South Wales, Australia, six years ago. Up to 3,500 black and greyheaded flying foxes died on the ground beneath their roosts, victims, researchers believe, of heat waves that pushed temperatures to 108 degrees F (42Âş C). In this era of looming climate change, such scorching temperatures are occurring more often. Tragically so: since 1994, more than 30,000 flying foxes have died in New South Wales, apparently because of at least 19 episodes of extreme heat. MORE at http://www.batcon.org/ index.php/media-and-info/batsarchives.html?task=viewArticle&magArticleID=1014

Potential Effects of Global Change on Bats Michael A. Bogan, Wildlife Research Biologist, Biological Resources Division, USGS and Research Professor of Biology, University of New Mexico. It is generally believed that bat populations have declined worldwide in recent decades. Because bats have low reproductive rates, populations are very susceptible to elevated mortality or depressed recruitment. There is developing concern about the conservation status of bats as many species of bats are increasingly affected by multiple actions of humans. Bats face multiple threats of ignorance, suspicion, pesticide poisoning, roost destruction and closure, habitat loss, over-exploitation, and extermination as pests. Among mammals, bats are the second most diverse order (after rodents) and occur on all continents except Antarctica. Bats often range widely in their foraging activities and habitat modifications such as urbanization, agriculture, and other land use practices may affect local plant and insect populations and thus the food resources of bats. At present, however, virtually nothing is known of the specific effects of global warming on bats although certain predictions can be made based on the biology of bats. (see url for more) http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/biology/bats/

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

The Training Tale of Hari Adhikari Sally Walker Hari Adhikari is one of our young batters who came onto the scene after Geetha Shreshta started her bat clubs in Nepal and started looking for people to speak at the meetings. Students from the Forest College in Pokhara began to get interested and write to us and Hari was among them. Hari was among the trainees in the field techniques training on volant and non-volant small mammals, which was organized in Nepal by CCINSA, RISCINSA, ZOO and WILD. After that he organized some field trainings to members of BAT FRIENDS and Natural Resources Research and Conservation Center (NaReCon) here in Nepal to produce more bat researchers and conservationists for doing research and conservation works. Hari also had a grant funded by Chester Zoo for “Status and Distribution of Bats in Palpa District of Western Nepal” which required expertise in voucher specimens which Hari did not have. I’d been wondering what to do about that when Hari wrote requesting inclusion in our Bhutan training scheduled several months away. It is our policy not to invite many people from outside when conducting in a “new” country so that their people get all advantage, and also Hari needed advanced training in evaluation of voucher specimens. We had a taxonomy training coming

Hari identify in a trapped bat in Kerala

up also, in Madurai which would be more advanced but I felt Hari needed another kind of basic grounding before undertaking this course. I immediately thought of our great colleague and friend, Dr. P.O. Nameer who is Associate Professor (Wildlife) & Head, Centre for Wildlife Studies at his University, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. I asked Nameer if he could host Hari and provide some of the kind of instruction he needed. Not that I expected any other response, Nameer got back immediately and proposed a programme for Hari that would include: · Mist-netting sessions · Preparation of voucher specimens · Wet and dry method of museum specimen preparation · Exercise on carding (preparation on dry skins) · Extraction of skull · Analysis of fecal sample from fruit bats and insectivorous bats · DNA studies (taking the tissue sample, digestion, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification and quantification, PCR amplification, PCR purification and sequencing of amplified gene) · Field visit to Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary to study bat roosts. Later, Nameer reported that Hari was also asked prepare an annotated checklist of mammals of Nepal, using Wilson and Reeder (2005) and provided with whatever literature that the centre had on bats. This was a good grounding indeed and Hari wrote a glowing mail and thanks.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Hari also got an opportunity to visit our office in Coimbatore and even attend the Madurai Taxonomy training before returning to Nepal. Now he has received a scholarship for graduate studies in Germany. Hari’s Report on southern Indian training is below. “Overall the training was good in all aspects. Being a student from Nepal where all these new technologies used for bats are not available, I got wonderful chance to learn different techniques to study bats. The resource person conveyed difficult ideas in simple ways so as to be understandable by all level of people working on bats. I worked for bat species identification by using the key developed by Dr. C. Srinivasulu and these keys were made in easier ways, useful for people of all level of knowledge. The practical on echolocation and taxonomy identifications of bats was very useful for me as I have to identify species when I go back to Nepal. Without these trainings, I think I would not be able to work intensively on bats. This training has made me able to guide few students to work on bats in Nepal. I learned different information on echolocation and types of detectors and got to handle them and gave a glance to different software used in the field of echolocation recording and use. I gathered much information on bats and bat studies. I also felt comfortable to express confusions and have discussions regarding taxonomy and identifications that I had faced during my previous days while working on these small bats.” -- Hari Adkari. We wish Hari and other batters well in their studies and express our gratitude to the experts who come over to South Asia and teach people to study what we call the “noncharismatic mini-vertebrates”. 30

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Sighting of the Lesser False Vampire Bat Megaderma spasma in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Dist. Raigad, Maharashtra, India. Nikhil Bhopale1 and Kavita Malya The Lesser False Vampire Bat Megaderma spasma is distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, South-east Asia to Java, Philippines and Molucca Islands (Brosset A., 1962; Bates P.J.J.& Harrison D.L.,1997; Blandford W.T., 1891). In India, it has been found in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Mizoram and Andaman Islands. (Bates P.J.J. & Harrison D. L., 1997). Brosset A, 1962 states in his paper The Bats of Central and Western India that this species was seen only in a few places in the Western Ghats including the coastal area, where it appears to be rare and localized and seems to be a species of humid and forested areas. So far this species has been recorded from Thana, Rajapur, Borivali, Kanheri and Chanda in Maharashtra (Bates P.J.J. & Harrison D. L., 1997). Yet, it has not been recorded from Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

References: Brosset, A. (1962). The Bats of Central and Western India Part II, Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, Vol. 59 (2): 583-624. Paul J.J. Bates & David L. Harrison (1997). Bats of the Indian Subcontinent, Harrison Zoological Museum Publication. Blanford, W.T. (1891). The Fauna of British India, Ceylon and Burma (Taylor & Francis Ltd.)

We sighted this Bat in the Phansad WLS on 23rd August 2008 at around 12 noon. The sanctuary is about 45 km west to the Western Ghats mountain range. A colony of four was sighted in an abandoned concrete construction in the sanctuary. Available literature indicates that the mammalian fauna of the sanctuary has not been documented. This short note might be a pioneering step in the documentation of the mammalian fauna of the Sanctuary. Acknowledgement I thank, Dr. Kaluram Senacha for confirming the identification of this species.

Megaderma spasma ÂŠNikhil Bhopale 1

Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, S B Singh Road, Mumbai 400001 Contact no. 09819330222, mail-id: nikhilbhopale23@gmail.com

Netting technique, capture and handling of Pteropus giganteus Sudhakaran M.R.1, and Swamidoss, D.P.2 The Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus is a hardy animal and is hard to capture and handle. Mist-netting technique for capturing different species of bats is well illustrated by Kunz & Kurta (1988). This paper deals with the mist-netting technique, capture and handling of P. giganteus. Mist net and erecting technique Various types of mist nets are available in the market for capturing of various flying animals. We use a mist net made of black or blue nylon thread of 0.1mm diameter, and a mesh size of 6.5 x 6.5 sq inches with a net size of 65 / 70 x 65 / 70 or 100 x 100 sq meshes for capturing P.giganteus. A nylon rope of 3mm diameter is strung to all four sides of the net as shown in the figure. Blue nets show good results under moonlight too. The nylon rope at the top extends to one feet on both the sides away from the net and the bottom is

attached with two or three tail ropes towards the ground. Two lengthy ropes (depending on the height of the fruiting tree and the length to be used for dragging the net) and one end of the rope was laid over the top branch of the fruiting tree, or put over a pole which is tied on the fruiting tree to give a good height of 0.5 to 1 meter above the tree and the rope should be free not to intertwined in branches. Another rope could be tied at a tree or pole of the same height, as fruiting tree at any distance on the opposite side (up to 100 to 150 meters from fruiting tree). Before joining the mist net to the two ropes, a weight (e.g.: stone: ca. 200 to 250 gm) has to be attached at both 1. Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi, Tirunelveli. 2. Department of Animal Behaviour and Physiology Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai. Email: sudhakaranmr@gmail.com

(combined) BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter and Rat-A-Tattle - RISCINSA Newsletter Conservation and Information Network of South Asia, Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

the ends of the rope. Both the ropes with weights have to be attached and one end of the rope which comes under the fruiting tree (dragging rope) has to drag down hence the weights attached will go up and netting height could be determined, the ropes could be adjusted in order to erect and drag down the net in a safer place. As the height and place of netting was determined, mist net was attached as shown in figure, and it could be erected. Once the net reaches the required height, the tail rope has to be fixed in the ground by using nails. The dragging rope that helps the net to drag up and down should be marked with a marker (inserting a nail or twig in to the rope) at the fixed position as shown in the figure that helps the net to heave up and down. Without altering any changes to the net and fixed tail ropes, net could be erected up and down by adjusting the dragging rope. Advantages Mostly mist nets available in the market are having pouches. P.giganteus flies at a height mostly above the fruiting tree and mostly above the canopy level, they flies at lower level only near the fruiting tree. Hence it could avoid mist net with pouches which was erected at a height of >50 feet, that may blown by air, therefore the mist nets used for capture of P.giganteus should not have pouches. As we are using nets with larger mesh size; we could avoid the falling of other small mega and micro chiropterans, which help us to avoid the risk of dragging the net up and down. If the mist net or rope fastens with the branches in tree, it can be removed easily there by adjusting the tail rope. The fixed tail rope helps the net not to wave or blown in the air. While mist nets was erected over a stream, the net could be adjusted and kept in control by adjusting the tail rope; when a bat was caught it could be removed from mist net without getting into stream there by standing on the bank and or over the bridge by using tail rope. Marker in the dragging rope helps to erect the net at correct height by using the available moonlight (because using

lights under the fruiting tree makes bats to fly away) and also the tail rope helps to find the required height. Using of a hammock The place where the net to be drag down should be free from small shrubs and the place should be cleaned for 1 meter breadth and to the length of the net or small herbs and shrubs could be covered with plastic sheets to avoid the damage/intertwine of net. To avoid this, protective hammock (Shapely et al., 2001) could be used, but when dragging, bats may tangle with mist net with its large claws and it makes hard to remove. Hammock also makes difficult to use the tail rope, but hammock can be used under practice. Handling of bat caught in mist net Once the bat was caught in the mist net, by releasing the tied dragging rope the net could be bring down to the appropriate place, and weight attached helps the net to come down quickly. By using gloves, bat has to be captured from its ventral side with one hand and another hand should hold the neck carefully from its dorsal side and then only hand at the ventral side should be removed to capture the neck from the dorsal side. If we directly caught its neck from the dorsal side there is a chance for it to bite on the gloves, if it bites on the gloves, it will be very hard to remove. And there by removing the hand at the ventral side the bat could be removed easily, the forearm and fingers of the bat has to be caught by using fingers of the hand that captures the neck and the bat has to be carefully removed from the net and handled. The neck of bat should held carefully, to avoid the risk of damaging the fingers bats mouth could be tied with a rope or a small cover made of straws, which was like a cap with elastic rope could be used to cover the mouth while taking measurements. As it was having hard and sharp claws, it may cause injuries and wounds to our hand that holds the bat and to avoid this bat has to be handled carefully and lengthy gloves that cover the entire forearm could be used.

a- Weight attached to the rope (ca.200250 g) b - Dragging rope c-Marker in the dragging rope d- Tail rope

Netting technique for capturing Pteropus giganteus 32

(combined) BAT NET - CCINSA Newsletter and Rat-A-Tattle - RISCINSA Newsletter Conservation and Information Network of South Asia, Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Obituary Prof Dr. A. Gopalakrishna, Former Director, Institute of Science, Nagpur, India, passed away on September 19, 2008. Arkalgud Gopalakrishna was born on 20 October 1922, in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka. He schooled at Malleswaram High School, Bangalore and was awarded B.Sc.(Hons.) and D.Sc. Degree in Zoology from Mysore University. His career began as a lecturer and researcher in Central College, Bangalore, and later shifted to the then College of Science, Nagpur, during 1946. He was initiated into bat research by Prof P.A. Ramakrishna also of of Central College, Bangalore and Prof M.A. Moghe of College of Science, Nagpur. Prof. Gopalakrishna published over 100 papers on different aspects of reproductive biology of Indian bats, and these are widely cited. He published in 1947 his first research paper on the embryology of bats. He was awarded a US population council research scholarship in 1955, working with William Wimsatt at Cornell University, USA and visited several other research centres. He was responsible for starting mammalian reproductive physiology and embryology as a special subject for M.Sc. Zoology at the College of Science, Nagpur, and was instrumental in setting up a worldrenowned research centre for bat studies in its Department of Zoology. He was the moving spirit behind upgrading the College of Science as Institute of Science and was the longest serving Director of this institute until his retirement in March 1981. For a short spell of one year he served as Director of Institute of Science, Mumbai. He received the Maharashtra State Best Teacher Award in 1979. He was awarded Emeritus Professorship by U.G.C. New Delhi and worked at the Dept. of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. A Gold Medal has been instituted in his name at Nagpur University and also a scholarship for P.G. students at the Institute of Science, Nagpur. Prof. Gopalakrishna was instrumental in shaping the career of thousands of students. Many scholars and well-known teachers consider him their role model. He has a wide circle of friends from different walks of life to whom he was a friend, guide and philosopher. He and this writer reported the survival of inseminated spermatozoa in the female genital tract of two species of Indian bats for the first time, and the effective fertilization of the ovum released after a considerable lapse of time, a phenomenon usually only with bats inhabiting temperate regions. Among the more than 100 species of Indian bats comprising nine families, details of sex cycle, embryology and some aspects of endocrinology have been so far studied in several species representing all the nine families by Prof. Gopalakrishna and his students. Prof. Gopalakrishna was an outstanding sportsman, and represented his state in football. He was also an accomplished musician and virtuoso in Sitar. He was also interested in astrology. He continued research after his retirement and in his later years he was engaged in Vedantic studies and took to reading Aadi Sankaracharyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s works. He is survived by wife, children and grandchildren. Prof. Gopalakrishna was a gifted scholar, an artist and humanitorian. He will always be remembered by the scientific as well as teaching community. P. Kunwar Bhatnagar, Arakkal Madhavan and K.B.Karim Address for correspondence: Arakkal Madhavan, Kailath Tharavadu, Paralam-680575, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Training in field techniques on small mammals, Bhutan Sonam Choden*

Originally appeared on http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/news/ news_detail.php?id=836

• To impart practical field techniques for ecological studies • To reinforce and improve handling, field and lab techniques

A total of 30 participants attended the training at CNR Lobesa from 7-11 September 2009. The participants were from ten national parks, territorial forest divisions, institutes and nature conservation divisions. All participants were awarded certificates at the end of the training.

for scientific studies • To teach captive management and welfare of bats and rodents as well as educational techniques for public education • To discuss future directions and activities of the network in collaboration with the specialist groups.

Resource persons for this training were 1. Dr. Paul A. Racey, Chair, IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group based in UK. 2. Dr. Mike Jordan, Chair (Europe & North Asia) IUCN SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group based in UK. 3. Dr. B.A. Daniel, Scientist and Educator, Zoo Outreach Organization, India. 4. Mr. R. Marimuthu, Education Officer, Zoo Outreach Organization, India. The main objectives of the training were to train the forestry staff working in national parks, divisions and institutions in the following areas: 34

Background information on small mammals of Bhutan Bhutan has close to 200 species of mammals, which is remarkable considering the small size of the country compared to other neighbouring countries like India. Small mammals consisting of bats and rodents form the most diverse order of mammals. There are 65 species of bats recorded in Bhutan which constitute 33% of all mammal taxa of Bhutan. Out of 65 species of bats, nine species are megachiroptera or fruit bats also known as flying foxes, and 56 species are microchiroptera belonging to five families. The most common group of bats in Bhutan is the evening bats (Vespertilionidae) with 34 species found in Bhutan. Bats are *National Conservation Division, Department of Forest, Government of Bhutan, Bhutan

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

distributed mostly in subtropical and temperate areas between 500-3000m altitude above sea level (Wangchuk et al. 2004).

duration of five days from 7-11 September and focused on ecological field techniques and species identification.

There is lack of ecological information on many mammal species including small mammals in Bhutan. Their population, status, distribution and threats are largely unknown. This intensive five-day training program on small mammals facilitated by experts from IUCN and ZOO would help equip forestry staff with the required knowledge, skills and techniques to initiate surveys to document small mammals in Bhutan. This might even lead to discovery of new species records for Bhutan.

Participants and host comments post workshop via email Thanks for your mail and appreciation that u pose on us. I get back to you with proposal on small rodents very soon. pls help me in every aspect. Kuenzang Dorji, Lecturer, Ugyen Wangchuk Institute for Conservation and Environment, Bumthang, Bhutan.

Small mammals training information: The training on small mammals in Bhutan is being organized by the Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South Asia (CCINSA) representing the IUCN SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group in South Asia; Rodentia Insectivora, and Scandentia Conservation & Information Network of South Asia (RISCINSA) representing the Rodent, and Insectivore Specialist Groups in South Asia; Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, South Asia; Reintroduction Specialist Group, S & E Asia; Zoo Outreach Organization (ZOO); and Wildlife Information Liaison Development Society (WILD) in collaboration with Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forest, Bhutan. This is the first such training on small mammals to be organized in Bhutan. It is the first time Zoo Outreach Organisation has organised training in Bhutan. The training was for the

I enjoyed the training. Please do bring such training for Bhutan again. Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal, Head of Research, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. It was a great pleasure meeting conservationist like you all and without your workshop Bhutan might have had remained ignorant of the subtilities of the small mammals although we have diverse species. As saying goes our commitments are your efforts for the conservation which will made a difference in this world. Whatever may be we will try our best and explore the said mammals and accordingly report to your organization without fail. We reach safely to our destination and hope same for you. I will never forget the day and night for hunting for bats. I would like to convey my heartiest messages to Dr. Paul and Mike and Zoo Outreach for arranging wonderful field teachniques for rodents and bats. Hoping for more workshops and training in future too. Tenzin, Species

Management and Research Section, Wangchuck Centennial Park, Bumthang, Bhutan *

I am just preparing my work plan & project proposals to carry out rodentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survey in my division, which includes three districts. Hope everything will be fine. Thank you for imparting such training to us; we will keep in touch. Tashi Dendup, Senior Forest Ranger, Wangdue Forest Division, Lobesa, Bhutan *

It was a great pleasure for me to receive your mail. This is the positive sign that you are showing for to work towards the conservation of small mammals in Bhutan. We will work our commitments by seeking your advice and comments wherever necessary. Jangchuk Gyeltshen, Section Head, Research and Species Conservation Section, Jigme Dorji National Park, Damji, Gasa, Bhutan *

Thanks for your support and for bringing the Small Mammal Training to Bhutan. Our participants found the training highly useful and I am sure some of them will take up studies on small mammals of Bhutan. We are committed to working together with your network of organisations and look forward to your visit in the future. Sonam Choden, Sr. Forest Officer, Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forest, Ministry of Agriculture, Thimphu, Bhutan * The workshop conducted by your group was very useful for a small country like Bhutan where we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have record on

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

small mammals. I had little knowledge about small mammal and how to conduct survey and identify the species. Now, I am preparing for a presentation on our workshop to my field staff. Once more, thanks for your great services and if I had any problems on this subject I will contact you. Nhawang Tenzin, Park Ranger, Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park, Athang Park Range Office, Wangdue, Bhutan *

I am going to present what we did in the workshop to my collegues at Thrumshingla National Park and I will let you know what i am going to do after that. I hope to conduct identification and survey. Sangay Drukpa, Park Ranger, Thrumshingla National Park, Ura, Bumthang.

Participants Mr. Tashi Dendup, Forest Ranger, Wangdue Forest Division Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, Sr. Range Officer, Tsirang Forest Division Mr. Sangay Drukpa, Forest Ranger, Thrumshingla National Park Mr. Tenzin, Assistant Forest Officer, Wangchuck Centennial Park Mr. Kinga Norbu, Range Officer, Bumthang Forest Division

Mr. Tshering Dorji, Assistant Forest Officer, Paro Forest Division Mr. Sangay Dorji, Sr. Range Officer, Royal Manas National Park Mr. Yeshi Wangdi, Sr. Range Officer, Royal Manas National Park Mr. Kuenzang Dorji, Sr. Forest Ranger, Ugyen Wangchuck, Institute for Conservation and Environment, Bumthang Dr. Dhan Bdr. Gurung, Sr. Lecturer, College of Natural Resources, Lobesa Mr. Jangchuk Gyeltshen, Sr. Range Officer, Jigme Dorji National Park Mr. Kesang Dorjee, Forest Officer, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Mr. Tshering Dawa, Forest Ranger, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary Mr. Jigme T. Wangyel, Assistant Forest Officer Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

Mr. Sonam Wangdi,Forest Officer, Nature Conservation Division Mr. Norbu Wangdi, Forest Officer, Nature Conservation Division Mr. Lhendup Tharchen, Forest Officer Nature Conservation Division Mr. Kuenzang Gyeltsen, Livestock Officer, Nature Conservation Division Mr. Sangay, Assistant Forest Officer, Nature Conservation Division.

Mr. Ngawang Tenzin, Forest Ranger, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park Mr. Jamyang Tenzin, Sr. Ranger, Thimphu Forest Division Mr. Sonam Penjor, Assistant Forest Officer, Royal Botanical and Recreational Parks division Mr. Sherub Wabgchuk, Assistant Forest Officer, Royal Botanical and Recreational Parks division Mr. Sonam Wangchuck, Dy. Chief Forest Officer, Nature Conservation Division

Trainees practising Mist-netting and rodent trapping

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Training in Field Techniques for Research and Conservation of Volant and Non-volant Small Mammals, Bhutan R. Marimuthu* Objectives Main objectives of this five-day training are; (i) to convey practical field techniques for use for ecological studies, (ii) to reinforce and improve handling, field and lab techniques for scientific studies, (iii) to teach captive management and welfare of bats and rodents as well as educational techniques for reaching the public, and (iv) To discuss future directions and activities of the network in collaboration with the specialist groups. Workshop details The training was inaugurated by Dr. Sonam Wangyel Wang, Chief Forestry Officer, Nature Conservation Division in the presence of the chief guest was Mr. Dorji Wangchuk, Director, College of Natural Resources. A total of 22 participants attended the training from 10 National Parks, Territorial Forest Divisions, Education Institutions and Nature Conservation Division. The syllabus of the five-day training, included the following: introduction to bats, rodents and insectivores; introduction to field techniques for bats and rodents; standard techniques in inventory and monitoring-temperate, sub-

tropical, desert field techniques; identification of habitat and sampling methodologies of bats and rodents; catching animals Sherman traps, pit-fall traps, tree traps, etc.; field practice traps and techniques for bats - ground mist nets, harp traps, sub-canopy nets, flick hooks, c) getting bitten, d) first aid kits; care of nets and traps; animal handling (i) Identifying animals in the field (ii) identification, use of keys, taking skin samples for DNA analysis; (iii) reproductive status; (iv) age; (v) recording data; and feces (bats); Ethics of bat trapping and field studies, and marking techniques cyalume lights, reflective tape on wings, radio-tracking, identifying bats from echolocation calls; identification of fauna; Reference collections around the world – use of, how to access electronically; building reference collec-tions; lab practical in preservation; tissue collection and preservation for bio-analysis using museum specimens; recording morphological and osteological measurements; key taxonomic characters of Rodents and Chiroptera: survey protocol; Conservation Planning - Planning and designing combined Volant/ Non-volant mammals filed study and Conservation Action

Programme for Threatened Small Mammals Ecological surveys – dietary studies: role of rodents and bats as pollinators and seed dispersers; Rodents and Insectivores / Bat Conservation; Conservation through interactive management – Captive Breeding and exhibition in Zoos/ Ex situ conservation and reintroduction programmes for both bats and rodents handled by Paul A. Racey and Mike Jordan. Apart from this special talk was delivered by Sonam Choden who spoke about the Nature Conservation Division and the ongoing projects. Mr. Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal gave a presentation on herpetofauna of Bhutan from his research work in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary followed to this. At the end a panel discussion was held. Paul Racey, Mike Jordan and Daniel answered participants’ questions. Participants asked about the required equipment for survey, how to network the survey throughout Bhutan, what are health hazards handling the animals and its prevention, *

Education Officer, ZOO, Coimbatore, TN. marimuthu@zooreach.org

Dr. Paul Racey explaining methods to capture bats using Harpnet

Dr. Sonam Wangyel Wang, Chief Forestry Officer, Nature Conservation Division delivering his inagural address

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

funding agencies, equipment suppliers or manufacturer addresses, the places to take-up research in Bhutan. The participants were invited to become a member of CCINSA and RISCINSA. Participants concluded that there should be depository for equipment in one place rather than at different places; the NCD

already has some equipments. Sonam Choden said that the training was very useful and they will definitely take a lead surveying the population bats and rodents in Bhutan soon. On behalf of Sally Walker, the Chair of CCINSA and RISCINSA, Daniel thanked the sponsors for providing funding to conduct this

five day event. The programme was closed with the issue of certificates. A few days following the workshop, a proposal for surveying the small mammals of the entire country was prepared, a sign of success of the workshop.

Trainees learning and practising hands-on techniques

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Bat Taxonomy and Echolocation Workshop for Researchers at M.K.U. B.A. Daniel* A five-day hands-on training workshop on echolocation and bat taxonomy, workshop was organised by CCINSA/ZOO and WILD in collaboration with the School of Biological Sciences, MaduraiKamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu from 10-14th August 2009. Sripathi, our CCINSA Chair had requested the advanced taxonomy training for his graduate students at MKU, and our regular trainer for bat field techniques, Paul Racey had recently introduced us to his Ph.D. student, Neil Furey, also from Aberdeen University, UK, specialising in bat taxonomy. It was a perfect match. Neil came over right after handing in his Ph.D. In addition, Srinivasulu of Osmania University demonstrated some taxonomic and identification aspects. The entire training was attended by 18 participants. The training programme was sponsored by Chester Zoo and Bat Conservation International. The training started with a presentation by Neil on basic taxonomic aspects of bats. He also talked about bat fauna of India highlighting more on taxonomic aspects. The basic anatomy of bats and measurements were covered using illustrations. As part of it he introduced various keys used in bat identification particularly character matrices and explained the differences between widely used character matrices and dichotomous key. The dichotomous key developed by Srinivasulu was used to identify the preserved specimens brought by the participants from different parts of southern India. In this exercise participants were divided into five groups and each group was given two specimens for identification using the dichotomous keys. The groups were asked to present the steps involved in identification using the key. They Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

felt that the key was handy for identification. Day 2 of the programme started with species identification methods using cranial and dental analysis. To begin with, skull extraction was demonstrated. Identification of bats using cranial and dental analysis was explained. The participants in groups practiced skull extraction of bats. This gave an opportunity for each participant to practice cranial and dental analysis individually by taking measurements and observation. As part of the species identification, preparations for bacula analysis was carried out. To introduce bat identification using acoustic analysis the functional basis of echolocation was discussed. Neil gave a presentation on acoustic patterns in Indian bat families and genera. He also reviewed types of bat detectors and the methods involved in bat sound analysis. Varieties of bat detectors used by bat researchers were displayed and the advantages and disadvantages of the tools were explained along with the methods to use the tools. In the afternoon of the third day the participants

practiced bat skulling techniques and practiced species identification using cranial and dental analysis. Bacula analysis was demonstrated. In the evening preparations for zipline recording was made and field assistants were employed to collect a few bat species from the wild. Day 4 started with an early session before sunrise where participants gathered to watch the demonstration

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

of zipline bat sound recording. Two bats collected from the field early in the morning were used for the demonstration. The methodology involved in ziplines, hand release and light tagging using cyalume light capsules. The participants recorded the sound and analysed in the laboratory. During the day Neil gave a detailed description of a variety of field recording methods. During the course flight tents were erected and the bats were released and the calls recorded. These recorded bat sounds were used for analysis. Dr. Sripathi Kandula, Scientific Chair of CCINSA and host of this workshop gave a talk to share his experience in bat research with particular reference to echolocation and taxonomy. Day 5 started with discussions on aspects of acoustic identification and multivariate analysis. The strengths and weaknesses of acoustic sampling were discussed in detail. Neil also gave a presentation to introduce bat call libraries. At the end Sanjay Molur, highlighted the activities of CCINSA and invited all the participants to become a member. He also thanked Chester Zoo and Bat Conservation International for providing funding support for the training. All the participants received a course certificate and a bound volume of lecture materials.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Participant feedback: The Bat Taxonomy and Echolocation workshop, held at Madurai Kamaraj University during 10th - 14th Aug 2009, was a good exposure to the supposedly untouched and relatively non-popular branch of biology. The organization, program schedule and mainly the content of the workshop were satisfactory. Taxonomy and systematics of the largest order Chiroptera were efficiently dealt with in the workshop, while providing hands-on experience. Identification of bat species using character matrices and identification keys was the most useful part of the whole program. Systematic layout and practical experience with morphological, dental and cranial analyses of bats proved to be very effective in identification of species. Introduction to bat echolocation calls, their role in taxonomy and importance in identifying cryptic species were really helpful in exploring new avenues for research in the field of chiropteran biology. Though it was a well organized workshop, previous arrangements with adequate number of specimens for practical sessions of, for example, echolocation call recording would have been helpful. Group discussion sessions could be conducted wherein participants would have been more interactive and informative. Voluntary talks by researchers attending the workshop with respect to their research experiences could be included. More of informal discussions in the evenings with researchers, regarding the scope of and problems in such research would be encouraging. Overall, it was a very productive workshop in acquiring systematic knowledge in Bat taxonomy and getting familiar with its applications in conservation and management. --Kadambari V. Deshpande My main objective to come to this workshop was to learn the key identifying variables for species identification. I have previously no formal training in taxonomy but with the help of this workshop I have learnt at least the basic classification of bats. The parts of the workshop dedicated to using external morphology for identification was good. Hands on training were an important goal of the workshop which was achieved. Neil made the discussions lively. The only issue was the key that was checked during the workshop. I did not personally find it an easy way to identify bats. --Kritika M. Garg It was the opening and introductory session of the workshop. Each participant introduced their background and interests. The next session was an introductory class on bat systematics, taxonomy and conservation which also discussed the identification characters of 42

various species of bats. After that we had a theory class on the taxonomic overview of the bat fauna of India which also discussed the various bat families of Indian subcontinent. Both the classes were handled by Dr. Neil Furey. Afternoon we had two lecture classes and a practical session. The first lecture was on specimen collection, preparation and measurement and the second was on character matrices and dichotomous keys for bat identification. Both the lectures were a preamble to the next practical session. In the practical session we were split into groups and identified various bat species based on external morphology. All the groups were also provided with a dichotomous key and the groups presented their findings. The specimens that our team worked were Rhinolophus beddomei and Rhinopoma hardwickii. The second day started with a lecture class on bat skulls, including the procedures and methods for the skull preparation and curation. The skull extraction process was demonstrated by Dr. Neil Furey. This was followed by the skull extraction by each of the team. The next session was a lecture on bat bacula analysis and preparation. The lecture was then followed by the demonstration on the preparation of the bacula by Dr. Neil Furey. We could not do the practical on the bacula extraction due to the non-availability of male specimens. The third day started with the practical session on the morphology and measurement on bat skulls and dentition. Cranio-dental analysis is very crucial in the identification of the bats. We could do the practical on cranio-dental analysis for species identification. Each of the group was made to present their findings along with the bat skull that their team has extracted. The next session was the lecture on bat echolocation. Neil Furey taught us the functional basis and taxonomic patterns of bat echolocation. He also explained to us about the bat detectors, and its functioning. The fourth day started with a practical session on recording the bat calls. The session was early in the morning and we also did practical on flight tents, zip lines and light-tagging using captured bat species. This was followed by lectures on bat specimen collections, curation / management, measurement of echolocation calls, acoustic identification, call scaling and variation. We also had a session on taxonomy and echolocation with case studies from SE Asia. We also had some practical on bat bacula analysis using bacula prepared by Dr. Neil.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

The final day started with a lecture on multivariate analysis of acoustic identification. The strength, weaknesses and considerations of acoustic sampling were also dealt with. The next lecture was on the development and management of echolocation call libraries. We were also informed on the further information on bat research such as, web resources and literature on bats. In the afternoon we repeated our practical on bat identification, skull extraction and cranio-dental analysis. After that we had the concluding session of the workshop and also had a photo session. The workshop was a very interesting and great learning experience. It was the first kind that we were attending. It discussed many practical aspects of bats and their conservation. The class on echolocation was a unique experience. It was also a great experience to have classes of Dr. Neil Furey and Dr. C. Srinivasulu. The workshop also provided many topics for discussion and also the latest concerns in bat conservation which will help us in the future. -- Malik Fasil, M. & Leonald, G. Melite, KAU, Kerala The 5-day workshop on ‘Bat taxonomy and echolocation’ was a new and learning experience for the students who have started working on bats very recently. It covered, very efficiently, the taxonomic aspects of bat studies. Species identification is kind of a pre-requisite for the study of a particular organism, which sadly enough, no regular coursework includes. So, the platforms like this workshop turn out to be really helpful as far as very basic aspects like taxonomy or even, morphology are concerned. Although, I expected this workshop to be more interactive than it was, the lectures were really informative. However, group discussions or talks about different kinds of possibilities in bat biology or status of the work that is being done in/outside the country would have been really helpful and driving. Since the workshop was on taxonomy, not much field work was expected, but it would have been a great experience to get to handle bats individually. ‘Learning by practicing’ was very well followed in the workshop through the skull dissections, use of keys and matrices for species identification etc. Field work for echolocation using line trapping, flight cages and use of different detectors was again a great use of resources to learn and know more. Also, to know about how the samples in different institutes and/or museums are preserved was fascinating. Same applies to all the ‘physics’ involved in echolocation. These are the aspects one can hardly find any literature on, but are very important for a zoologist. Such workshops should last at least for a fortnight so that more of fieldwork can be included, which is a

necessary element of bat studies. All in all, the workshop was very well organized including the seating arrangement, meals, lectures and discussions. We look forward to attending more of such workshops and training programs in the near future. -- Megha Budhwani The workshop held on “Bat taxonomy and echolocation” was a great opportunity for students planning to work, or already working in the field of bats. It gave us the insights of the various studies being carried out on bats along with a lot of information regarding its identification, classification and echolocation studies. Being new to this field myself, I registered for the workshop keeping in mind the future work that I have to do on bats (handling) and echolocation. So I was definitely awaiting this workshop with the idea in mind that I would know more about the wide variety of bats present in nature, their classification and identification strategies. All of these notions of mine were definitely catered to during the course of the workshop. The hands on experience in handling of bats, their identification and capture of echolocation signals etc. were well coordinated and organized. The experts from each of these fields were present and would contribute their thoughts and suggestions during each and every discussion. This really helped me in getting introduced to this field and understanding exactly what are the various aspects under study in bats. The other things include interactions with all the experts in the field of taxonomy, echolocation and other students / scholars presently working in the area. It is extremely overwhelming to know the current work being carried out on bats and to share the experiences of other people currently working in this field. The experiments were mostly given for each of us to perform and were not mere demonstrations. This kept the interest levels high throughout. Also the instruments and softwares used in this field were introduced and their handling and use was encouraged. Over all it was a wonderful experience. The organization and interest and time put in by the organizers were really appreciable. -- Pooja Muralidharan Expectation from the workshop was that it will prove useful for both basic and advanced level researchers working on various aspects of taxonomy and acoustics. Satisfaction level after attending the workshop: I did feel unsatisfied. Only the acoustics part was dealt with some necessary detail. Taxonomy part was dealt in a very unprofessional manner. Our Indian resource persons were never

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

convincing in their clarifications. Too much stress was given on their personal viewpoints. Materials supplied as identification matrices and dichotomous keys lacked necessary details and were replete with flaws. The entire exercise looked like an advertisement of a book that is yet to be printed. As workshop participants we should be taught with the help of established and well accepted matrices.

Resource person Neilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation and explanations on wet specimen preparation, reproductive status assessment, echolocation was nice and it still live in mind, particularly recording calls by zipline was very new to me. Also Dr. Sripathi talk on echolocation calls was very informative. Dr. Srinivasulu involvement in practical session with each group had helped a lot while dissection of the specimen.

There was not much mention of ways of non lethal field identification techniques; some thing that is very essential in a country like India where rules and laws makes it a near impossible task for us to collect specimens from protected areas. Personally, resource persons were quite approachable and friendly. -- Balaji Chattopadhyay

Session on bat identification using dichotomous and character matrix key to identify a particular bat at their species level was interesting and the book provided was really useful for identification at species level. At the same time, the book also lacks some minute details (key) to differentiate at species level for some species. Overall the workshop was very informative and educative. -- A.K.Vinoth Kumar

The workshop was well organized and planned. Basic aspects on classical zoology particularly on taxonomic identification based on skull, dentition, baculum and echolocation was taught well.

Participant emails Neil Furey, Vietnam Sripathi Kandula, MKU, Madurai C. Srinivasulu, Osmania University, Hyderabad Sanjay Molur, ZOO, Coimbatore B.A. Daniel, ZOO, Coimbatore Talmale, ZSI, Pune Joseph Reginald Louis, Coimbatore Balaji Chattopadhyay, MKU, Madurai A.K. Vinoth Kumar, MKU, Madurai Arindam Chatterjee, MKU, Madurai Kritika M. Garg, NCBS, Bengaluru Pooja Muralidharan, MKU, Madurai P.P. Kaliraj, MKU, Madurai J. Maruthupandian, MKU, Madurai T. Selvarathinam, MKU, Madurai K. Senthilkumar, MKU, Madurai S. Baskaran, MKU, Madurai Kadambari V. Deshpande, MKU, Madurai Megha Budhwani, MKU, Madurai Malik Fasil M, KAU, Mannuthy Leonald G Melite, KAU, Mannuthy

n.furey@abdn.ac.uk sribat@gmail.com hyd2masawa@gmail.com herpinvert@gmail.com badaniel@zooreach.org s_talmale@yahoo.co.in ljosephreginald@yahoo.com bohemiain@gmail.com akvinoth@gmail.com gates2arindam007@yahoo.co.in kritikamg@ncbs.res.in mpooja88@hotmail.com kaliraj07@gmail.com maruthu.jeyabalan@gmail.com tselran@rediffmail.com atk_senthilarun@yahoo.co.in kuttyroo@gmail.com kvd.novel@gmail.com meghabudhwani@gmail.com malikcof@gmail.com eocof187@gmail.com

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Public Education on Bats throughout India using materials funded by BCI Report on Bat Kit program during summer camp at MCBT During the summer vacations, two day camps were held for 25 children between the ages of 10 and 14 at the Madras Crocodile Bank. During the camp the children were given a guided tour of the Croc Bank and got an opportunity to take pictures with our young reptiles. Besides the tour and some fun filled and informative animal activities they went on a night safari in Croc bank and took a trip to Nemelli, a village situated close to the Croc Bank, which has a large banyan tree and is a known roosting place for fruit bats. The next morning, they went for a snake trek in the nearby village. They also spent some time with the puppet theatre where they made their own script. The trip to the bat colony was aimed at getting children familiar with the denizens of the night! They saw a large number of roosting fruit bats. The kids saw many seeds dispersed by the bats near this roosting tree and thus learned first-hand about the importance of these bats in seed dispersal and pollination. Most of them had never seen such a large colony of bats. The Education Officer gave them all the information about these ‘flying foxes’. The kids tried hanging from the banyan tree to get a feel of what it would be like to hang from a tree like the bats. All the children were given the Bat Education Kits and they quickly wore the mask. They tied the rakhi to each other and promised to protect the bats. They were given information about different types of bats, the threats to bats and their importance. They were also given the Fruit Bats of South Asia pocket cards. There was a question and answer round to clarify all the myths they had about bats. All in all it was some time spent going batty about bats!!!

Akansha Mukherjee Education Officer, Madras Croc Bank Trust education.mcbt@gmail.com

A programme on Bats On 13 November, I visited the Arivu facility where I had conducted a programme earlier this year on amphibians. The students still remembered that programme, particularly the colouring books which were a popular activity item. I introduced bats by asking the students to name birds that flew; they gave a big list including crows, mynas, egrets, etc. Next I asked them to name a mammal that flew, they were confused and uncertain. One said squirrel and another one said ‘bat’. The latter student told us how he had touched a bat once, under the supervision of an adult, when the bat had accidentally entered his house and was trapped inside. He’d touched the bat’s wing which was like a membrane. The students learned then what a bat was and why it is called a mammal even though it can fly. They also learned what bats eat. I told them about some of the myths and misunderstandings about bats and how very useful they are to human beings. Bats are not to be killed or considered as pests. Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

historic activities of IUCN since 1972, COUNT DOWN 2010 Save Biodiversity was explained. Students and teachers underwent training in bat conservation. Free educational packets from Zoo Outreach Organisation were distributed. They were taught using techniques of role-play, race and students initiation. Being the first time of this type of programme, the BAT Activities material was translated into Tamil and distributed to all. ‘Bat bookmark’ and South Asian Bats colouring books were distributed. Students participated in drawing and cultural programmes. Wildlife Week celebrations with Bats Rani Meyyammai Girls Higher Secondary School, Chennai has encouraged the students to take up a Bat Conservation programme. They have conducted drawing competitions on bats and converted illustrations provided by ZOO to be carried out for public awareness. The Eco Task Force students created public awareness by distributing handmade paper bags and small cups made from paper pulp. Each student has maintained a separate note book to record their activities. It was inspiring to look into the things they have made to create awareness on environment and biodiversity conservation.

They learned the technical terms megachiroptera and microchiroptera, the difference between fruit bats and insectivorous bats. We also discussed where bats are usually found and how they find their way with their amazing hearing. With this back-ground I handed out the bat colouring book which thrilled them to have another opportunity to colour. They were referred to the instructions given on every page and did a good job colouring the bats. I would like to thank students, teachers and the trustees of Arivu School, and all the people of Zoo Outreach Organisation, Coimbatore as well as Bat Conservation International BCI for coming out with the interesting materials. Sub. by Tanuja, D.H tanujadh@gamil.com, tanudh@yahoo.co.in

COUNTDOWN 2010 – Save Biodiversity Bell school, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu: The 2-day programme on Count Down 2010 – Save Biodiversity was conducted using bats as a theme. Eighty students and 11 staff members of 5 different schools participated. On 6 October a bat conservation awareness activity was conducted. Students have seen bats in their campus. A few students described the hanging position and feeding habits as well as more points about bats from the booklets distributed. They chanted ‘Take Care of bats…they are our friends’. Wearing rakhi, mask and placard they flew like bats from place to place. They learned there are 2 types of bats, fruit eating and insect eating bats. They identified the characteristics of insect bats and fruit bats. They drew bat pictures by connecting the dots. The book mark was very useful to share pithy facts about the bats. The next session was a drawing competition & role play. Students participated in the drawing competitionon featuring bats. There were four roleplay sections based on the materials sent by ZOO. Submitted by Ms. Jessie Jayakaran, jessiejey@rediffmail.com.

Observation of 55th Wildlife Week by APOWA Third day celebration was the wildlife education programme for students of Venkateswar School, Pattamundai. Mr. Manamohan Kudu, Education Officer, APOWA delivered an educational presentation to the students on conservation of bats. BATCOUNT (material provided by ZOO) contest was organised for students. Students were given an orientation about the type of forests and its importance for different floral and faunal diversity. There were total of 62 students participated in the programme. Sub. by: B.K. Kabi, APOWA, Orissa. mail@apowa.org

COUNTDOWN 2010 — Save Biodiversity in Chennai and Madurai Schools This programme was an opportunity to students and staff of Rani Meyyammai GHSS to learn more about bats and biodiversity, via material from ZOO. After relating some 46

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

Bat Biology and Conservation Workshop 23rd February, 2010 Workshop Details Bats are among the most speciose yet poorly-studied groups of mammals. Some 120 species are known from the Indian subcontinent. Occupying diverse niches in both natural and human-modified ecosystems, bats perform important ecological functions as predators, pollinators, and seed dispersers, thereby providing valuable ecosystem services. Although there is a fund of research into the biology of a few common species, India’s bat communities still remain un-described and the ecological and anthropogenic determinants of species distribution and abundance are mostly unknown. This one-day workshop, conducted by Prof. John Altringham and Dr Anita Glover, University of Leeds, UK, will provide an overview of many aspects of the biology and conservation of bats, and introduce students to a variety of field and lab-based techniques to study bat ecology and behaviour including methods to identify bats from echolocation calls, and the use of bat detectors in facilitating field studies. The workshop will be conducted at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore. Provisional programme: • An overview of bat diversity: life history strategies, feeding and roosting ecology, social and mating systems, population biology • Bats in ecosystems: bats as predators, pollinators and seed dispersers • Bats and conservation: threats to bats, bats a biodiversity indicators • Techniques and protocols in research and conservation: catching and marking, echolocation call recording and analysis, radio-telemetry, biodiversity assessment protocols, ecosystem services • Practical demonstrations: mist netting and identification, echolocation call recording and sound analysis

Application Details We invite students working in the fields of ecology, evolution and conservation to apply for participation in this workshop. To apply, please email us at cepfbats@ncbs.res.in with your CV, and a brief note on your research interests and how you think this workshop will be useful to you. We will begin reviewing applications on February 1st, 2010. Fifteen students will be selected for the workshop. Selection will be based on each applicant’s academic background and plans. Food during the workshop will be covered by the workshop organizers. Travel costs (by second class train) will be covered for a limited number of participants. Please indicate in your application if you would like travel costs to be covered. Coordinated by: Mahesh Sankaran (National Centre for Biological Sciences), M.D. Madhusudan and Divya Mudappa (Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore)

with

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009

SMALL MAMMAL NETWORKS Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South Asia (CCINSA) CCINSA is a network of South Asian Chiroptera specialists, educators and enthusiasts. The network aims to enhance communication, cooperation and collaboration among chiroptera specialists of this region and thereby create a chiroptera conservation “community” for better biodiversity conservation. Chair: Sripathi Kandula Convenor and Administrator: Sally Walker Red List and Technical Expert: Sanjay Molur

Rodentia, Insectivora, and Scandentia Conservation & Information Network of South Asia RISCINSA network of South Asia was suggested by interested biodiversity conservation specialists and the purpose of this network, then is to link together rodent field researchers and their field knowledge throughout South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan) so the pooling of information can lead to conservation action.

SMALL MAMMAL NETWORK International Partners Chester Zoo Conservation Fund supports ZOO/ CCINSA office, BAT NET newsletter and training in field techniques for bats. Chester Funds have also made it possible to conduct training for rodent biologists as well. Chester Zoo, which has an outstanding and very popular facility for exhibition and breeding of bats, and an active conservation interest in chiroptera is located in Upton-on-Chester in United Kingdom and administered by North of England Zoological Society. www.chesterzoo.org Bat Conservation International BCI is one of the most active, innovative and respected bat conservation organisations in the world. BCI has supported CCINSA for many years and takes active interest in the growth of the Network and its individual batters. See BCI’s wonderful website: www.batcon.org IUCN SSC Bat Specialist Group CCINSA represents the IUCN SSC Bat Specialist Group in South Asia. BSG utilises the CCINSA Network to locate specialists in different subject areas, to organise training as well as conservation assessment workshops and other activities to assist the CSG in their mission. Contact : Chair Paul Racey: p.racey@abdn.ac.uk

Scientific Chair: Sujit Chakraborty Convenor and Administrator: Sally Walker

BSG, SSC, IUCN

Small Mammal Mail SMM is bi-annual Newsletter celebrating the most useful yet most neglected Mammals for both CCINSA & RISCINSA -- Chiroptera, Rodent, Insectivore, & Scandens Conservation and Information Networks of South Asia Editor: Sally Walker; Technical Advisors: Sanjay Molur, B.A. Daniel, R. Marimuthu; and Publication Assistants: Latha Ravikumar, Ravichandran, Pravin Kumar CCINSA and RISCINSA are an activity of Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO) and Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) in association with CBSG, South Asia and RSG, South Asia. Note: ZOOS’ PRINT Magazine, Journal of Threatened Taxa, Newsletters and a variety of reports can be found on our websites: www.zooreach.org and www.zoosprint.org. Small Mammal Mail, C/o Zoo Outreach Organisation 9A, Lal Bahadur Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore 641004 TN INDIA Phone: 91 422 2561087; Fax 2563269; Email: <zooreach@zooreach.org> Websites: www.zooreach.org, www.zoosprint.org; www.pterocount.org; www.southasiantaxa.org.

Small Mammal Mail - Bi-Annual Newsletter of CCINSA & RISCINSA combined Volume 1, Number 2, Aug-Dec 2009