Ranjitsinh Devkar
Conservation of Microchiropteran Bats and their Habitat through Research and Community Participation
Sipa Mine, Near Jambughoda wildlife Sanctuary showing dominant congregation of Rhinopoma microphyllum and R. hardwickii.
Principal Investigator in Sipa Mine, Near Jambughoda wildlife Sanctuary, a prime microchiropteran bat habitat.
Poster on microchiropteran bats and its conservation displayed at Baroda Museum, Vadodara, during wildife week celebrations, 2nd to 10th October, 2010.
| Town/Region | Country | Categories | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vadodara, Gujarat | India | Bats, Indian Sub-continent | 18 Aug 2010 |
Closed mines in and around Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary are at a height of approximately 10-60 mts from the ground level. They form an interconnecting network of tunnels with different temperature zones ideal for bats to hibernate or use them for maternity purposes. This habitat is believed to be one of the biggest roosts of insectivorous bats in central Gujarat.
Their conservation through research, capacity building and awareness campaign is the main objective. An intensive survey of bat roosts in and around the Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary will generate valuable information and GPS data of prime bat habitats and will also provide valuable data about their breeding cycle. Interesting facts will be narrated through printed material and lectures to the students and general populace to eliminate their negative attitude towards bats and to inculcate a sense of appreciation for this enigmatic species. Tour guides escorting the tourists will be encouraged to popularize the concept of ‘bat tourism’ as a novel concept because Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary has poor wildlife in terms of direct sighting of large herbivores or carnivores that generally attract tourists.
A special training program for post-graduate and college students aims at capacity building in the field of bat conservation. Students will be also encouraged to form ‘Bat Conservation Groups’ and e-groups for effective exchange of ideas and result oriented approach towards conservation of bat species.
Activities in a nutshell:
1. Survey of bat roosts
2. Identification of bat species
3. Breeding biology of Bat
4. Conservation and awareness campaign for bats and their habitiat
5. Special training programs for post-graduate and college students.
For further information contact rvdevkar@rediffmail.com