State of India’s Bats 2024-25 report released
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 25: The Shillong-based North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) of the Zoological Society of India (ZSI) released the State of India’s Bats 2024-25 on Wednesday in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Bat Conservation International (BCI).
The thrust of the report, a collaborative effort involving 34 bat researchers from 27 organisations, was on evidence-based conservation of the flying mammals.
About 70 participants attended the programme. They included researchers, policymakers, forest officials, academicians, students, the Rangbah Shnong of Risa Cololy and other members of the local community, underscoring the importance of bat conservation in India.
Harish Chandra Chaudhary, the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya, graced the occasion as the chief guest. LJ Syiemiong, Deputy Inspector General of Forests in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shillong, was the guest of honour, while Ashiho A Mao, Vice-Chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University, was present as the special guest.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Jennifer Lyngdoh, Scientist-E and Officer-in-Charge, NERC, ZSI, Shillong, followed by the formal release of the report. Rohit Chakravarty of NCF and BCI presented an overview, highlighting key findings, existing knowledge gaps, and the need for evidence-based conservation strategies for bats in India.
The guests emphasised the ecological importance of bats and the urgent need to strengthen research, awareness, and conservation efforts for these often misunderstood mammals. The dignitaries also appreciated the collaborative efforts of researchers from across the country in producing this comprehensive report.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Uttam Saikia, Scientist-D at ZSI, Shillong, and one of the contributors to the State of India’s Bats. This was followed by a visit to the exhibition and an interactive session.
