Context: Wroughton's Free-tailed Bat, a rare bat species, has been spotted in Delhi's DDA Yamuna Biodiversity Park.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Bats; Role of Bats.
About Wroughton's Free-tailed Bat
- Wroughton's Free-tailed Bat is a rare species of bat.
- Physical Appearance: Large size, prominent ears, bicolored velvety fur.
- Habitat:
- The species has been found/sighted in just three locations globally:
- a single breeding colony in the Western Ghats.
- small colonies in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills.
- A single individual was recorded in Cambodia.
- It primarily roosts in caves or dark, damp spaces in moderate colony sizes.
- The species has been found/sighted in just three locations globally:
- Feeding habits: Consumes a variety of insects. It is capable of flying long distances while foraging.
- IUCN Status: Data deficient as little is known about their habitat, ecology, or foraging range.
Key Facts about Bats:
- Bats are the only flying mammals. In winter, bats go into hibernation.
- Role of Bats:
- Insectivorous bats are vital in controlling insect populations, consuming millions of insects at night.
- Frugivorous bats contribute to pollination and seed dispersal, supporting plant species across various habitats.
- Bat droppings are one of the richest fertilizers.
- The majority of bats are nocturnal species (awake at night). (Not all bats are nocturnal) They can locate their prey (insects) by emitting inaudible high-pitched sounds and listening to the echoes. This is called echolocation.
- Flying foxes (Fruit bats) are the largest bats, some attaining a wingspan of 1.5 metres (5 feet) with a head and body length of about 40 cm.
- There are three species of blood-sucking bats. They tend to prey on livestock like cattle and horses (attacks on humans are very rare).