Crop protection and conservation of frugivorous bats in orchards of hill and coastal regions of Karnataka

Abstract

Two species of frugivorous bats, viz., Pteropus giganteus and Cynoptera sphinx were implicated in damaging sapota and guava fruits in hill (Chettalli) and coastal (Uppinangadi) regions of Karnataka. At Uppinangadi, the population of Pteropus giganteus ranged between 3500-4000 and Cynopterus sphinx, two to 28. Pteropus giganteus caused on an average 18% fruit losses in arecanut (Areca catechu). At Chettalli, damage to sapota (Achrus zapota) by Pteropus giganteus ranged between 12.50 to 22.30 from September to February 2000. Peak fruit damage to guava by bats was observed during August, when on an average 28% fruits were damaged. Despite damage to fruits and nuts of cultivated trees bats need to be conserved for their important ecological roles in cultivated ecosystems.