DISTRIBUTION OF SHEATH-TAILED BATS (EMBALLONURIDAE) IN BUNDELKHAND REGION OF UTTAR PRADESH

Abstract

The family Emballonuridae consist 54 species and distributed throughout the world. Six species of genus Taphazous were found in India. There was no proper report on distribution of Taphozous genus from Bundelkhand region. Therefore, an extensive survey was carried out in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh to explore the distribution of the genus Taphazous. A total of six roosts were recorded, which occupied by Taphazous species. Taphazous perforatus found only in Kulpahar Mahal, while rest five roosts were occupied by Taphazous nudiventris. T.nudiventris & T perforatus found in historical monuments made up of red stone, where the average roost height from the ground is 26.9 ± 3.78 (feet) and the average humidity and light intensity 56.2 ± 14.13 (%) and 1.4 ± 1.34 (lux) are respectively. The highest population was in Jhansi Palace (120 to 460 individuals), while lowest one was in Kalinjar fort (12 to 25 individuals). The roosts protected by Archaeological Survey of India. Due to human activity, the roosts were destroying day by day, by erection of nets at the entrance and light source on the roost. Therefore, need a proper conservation otherwise; there will be a great loss