Distribution and roost preferences of Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius) in District Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan

Authors

  • Mohsin Masood Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Mudasar Hussain Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Maryam Abdul Sattar Department of Biological Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ghulam Ali Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Shahbaz Ahmad Department of Entomology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Fareeha Imran Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Umair Ahmad Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ume Kalsoom Department of Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Laiba Nawaz Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Hamid Ur Rahman Institute of Forest Sciences, University of Swat, KPK, Pakistan
  • Waseeem Akram Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Sana Arshad Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Waqas Ali UVAS

Keywords:

forest management, colony size, Pteropus medius, roost tree, roost selection

Abstract

Present study provides valuable insights into the distribution and roost tree characteristics of the Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius) in the Kasur district of Punjab, Pakistan. Field surveys were conducted on monthly basis across six identified roosting sites each exhibiting distinct environmental features. A total of 9730 individuals were observed throughout the year with all roosting sites used year round except Arain Modal Farm, where bats roosted from September to April. Seasonal migrations were noted with Pteropus medius moving to Changa Manga forest during the mating season and dispersing to other sites in winter due to unfavorable weather conditions. The study identified 103 roost trees belonging to 11 species with Eucalyptus (n = 33) and Ficus (n = 29) being the most frequently used. Roost tree characteristics including tree height and canopy cover were positively correlated with bat abundance indicating a preference for larger trees that provide better protection and space for large colonies. Additionally, habitat preferences were assessed by examining the correlation between bat colony size and various non-roost tree-dependent factors. A significant positive correlation was found between the colony size and the distance to the nearest water body (r = 0.973, p = 0.001), suggesting that bats prefer to roost near water bodies.  In contrast, the distances to human settlements, roads, railway tracks and fruit orchards showed insignificant correlations with colony size. These findings underscore the importance of preserving large trees and roosting habitats for the conservation of Pteropus medius in the region.

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Published

2024-09-01

How to Cite

Masood, M., Hussain, M., Abdul Sattar, M., Ali, G., Ahmad, S., Imran, F., Ahmad, U., Kalsoom, U., Nawaz, L., Ur Rahman, H., Akram, W., Arshad, S., & Ali, W. (2024). Distribution and roost preferences of Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius) in District Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan. Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, 8(4), 173–183. Retrieved from https://wildlife-biodiversity.com/index.php/jwb/article/view/736

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2024): Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

Section

Original Article

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