'Bats face difficulty in the transformed landscape'

The study says several species of bats face difficulty in the transformed landscape. But there are signs that remaining forest fragments and wildlife-friendly agriculture could offer a lifeline. Prof John Altringham from Leeds University said: “Western Ghats region is the eighth most biodiverse place in the world, but has the highest human population among all biodiversity hotspots. Historical land-use change and development have left only 6% of the original habitat in the region. By looking at bats -which are excellent bioindicators -we are able to learn not only what changes in the environment mean for bats, but also for wildlife in general.“

Future is bleak

Though researchers expressed hope in the survival tactics of bats amid rampant deforestation, I they cautioned that the same may not work in the future. “Further deforestation would be a serious threat to these species,“ a researcher said.

The team used geographic information system computer modelling to look at the relationships between different bat species. Team members said, “If bats and other wildlife are to thrive in the ghats, a careful balance of land use is necessary. Remnant forest patches and shade-grown coffee act as refuges for wildlife, which can then, to some extent, make use of tea plantations and other agricultural areas. In the tea plantations that keep forest patches on their land, especially along rivers, many bat species can thrive.“

Times view

Karnataka is home to a third of the bat species in ndia. But the mammals are steadily hurtling towards extinction, thanks to rampant deforestation in their habitat in the Western Ghats. It's therefore some relief that the species is clinging on to life by adapting to the few surviving green patches like coffee plantations. While this may be an eye-opener to the survival tactics of the bats, it should also open the eyes of the government to their plight. For, the extinction of even one species can have a cascading effect on others and disturb the fragile ecosystem of the ghats