Extreme heat proves fatal for bats in Dungarpur

• Extreme heat proves fatal for bats in Dungarpur

Udaipur: The soaring temperature is taking its toll on wildlife. After reports of animals getting restless and pigeons falling unconscious from trees in Udaipur, incidents of mass death of bats have been reported from Dungarpur. The sanitation staff of the Dungarpur municipality are shocked to find large number of bats falling dead from trees for past two days.

"A large colony of bats dwell on the grove of banyan and other large trees near Maharawal Secondary School. Over 300 of them have died probably of extreme heat in past two days. Our staff have been disposing the carcasses," said Ramsingh Rajawat, the sanitation inspector.

"It's really sad to see bats falling dead one after the other. Bats have a thin layer of skin which cannot stand the scorching heat. Though the immediate reason for the mortality may be the extreme weather, however, cutting of trees, decreasing green cover are responsible in the long run," said Kamlesh Sharma, a wildlife activist.
"Bats are highly susceptible to heat. The Chinese are showering water on trees at mass level to save the avian and mammals, but sadly environmentalists in India are not so concerned to initiate such steps," Prof Arti Prasad, head of the zoology department at Sukhadia University claimed.

Officials likely to propose temporary closure of Biopark

The increasing heat is laying adverse effect on inmates of the zoo. At Sajjangarh Biological Park, special steps have been taken to save the captive lives from heat stroke.

"We have installed coolers in every enclosures. Green nets and temporary shades have been fitted all over to block the penetration of the sunrays," said Rahul Bhatnagar, chief conservator of forests (wildlife). Animals of the antelope species, alligators etc can endure the temperature but special care needs to be taken for tigers, lions and bears who are very sensitive to heat, Bhatnagar said.

Looking at the adverse climatic condition, the officials are even planning to take sanction for a temporary closure of the park for few days so that the animals may need not to be put out in the open display area.