Bharati Vidyapeeth Begins Study on Bats

The Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environmental Education and Research (BVIEER) has commenced a study on echolocation calls of 30 different species of insectivorous bats found in the Western Ghats and other areas of Maharashtra. The study will be undertaken using bat detectors.

There are no baseline records of the echolocation frequencies for Indian bat species. The release of ultrasound frequency bats rely on to catch their prey is called the echolocation. The frequency of emission varies from species to species.

A bat develops sharp reflexes to sense the size, direction, shape, distance, and motion through echolocation. Bats can detect event the fine objects measuring the width of human hair.

The observations and the conclusions of the study will prove useful in the identification of the important areas for bat conservation and in eliminating threats to their survival.

Rs 28 lakh have been sanctioned by the Department of Science and Technology for the study. Bat species are an integral part of the ecosystem; yet very little is known about their ecology.

Kranti Yardi, faculty at the institute while talking to the correspondents said, “The baseline data once developed by BVIEER for each species will help conduct various studies on insectivorous bats in India. The study will help understand the ecology of different species and factors affecting the bat population and their roosting habits.”

Yardi explained how the noseleaf and ears of insectivorous bats are adapted to send out frequencies. Bats then catch them with the help of the ears. This helps [...]