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Research Paper | Biodiversity and Conservation | India | Volume 13 Issue 4, April 2024 | Popularity: 5.8 / 10

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Survey on Population Density of Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus Giganteus) in Different Roosting Sites in and Around Shivamogga, Karnataka

Dayananda G. Y., Nasrath Fathe Ali, Sindhu B S Jois

Abstract: The Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus is a species belongs to the Pteropodidae family under the order chiroptera. Indian flying fox has physical to that of a fox hence the name flying fox. They are actively in the evening and at night. During day sleeping hours, they have been observed hanging head down - words from the branches of roosting trees, and at that time patagium were wrapped around themselves. Current study has been aimed to know the population and its fluctuation in the six different roosting sites around Shivamogga in the month of June - 2023 to November - 2023. Generally ?Direct roost count? method was followed to estimate the population size of the colony. Observations were done with the naked eyes and using binoculars, Bushnell laser range finder to estimate the average height of the roosting tree and Garmin GPS 64S device used to record the location of the sites. Highest population was recorded at site - 6 (17, 679) and lowest population was recorded at site - 5 (774). Out of nine different host plants, Ficus benghalensis was the most favored roost tree hosting the majority of colonies. The population at six different roosting sites was more or less stable during pre - monsoon and increased in breeding season (i. e June - November). The fluctuation in population size, roosting patterns and habitat preferences emphasizes the need for conservation efforts, particularly in protecting larger trees that serve as rooting sites.

Keywords: Indian flying fox, Pteropus giganteus, population, roosting sites, Shivamogga

Edition: Volume 13 Issue 4, April 2024

Pages: 898 - 900

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR24408161313

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