Bat habitats in South Western Ghats lie mainly outside protected areas, finds study
- A recent study indicates that more than 50% of habitats suitable for 37 species of bats in Southern Western Ghats are outside protected areas.
Highlights of the report
- It increases threats bats face from poaching for their meat, habitat loss and stigma from local communities.
- Study was based on area of Southern Western Ghats, encompassing biodiverse regions in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Six major biodiversity hotspots - Agastyamalai, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Anamalai, Nilgiris, Wayanad-Mudumalai complex and Brahmagiri were part of the study area.
- Southern Western Ghats are home to rare and endangered bat species such as Salim Ali’s fruit bat (Latidens salimalii) and Pomona roundleaf bat (Hipposideros pomona).
Prelims take away
- Biodiversity hotspots
- Agastyamalai Biosphere reserve
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Anamalai