Checklist of Bats in Some Areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Bats form an essential part of the ecosystem by aiding pollination, keeping insect pests in check and overall maybe helpful as indicators of health status of the ecosystem. This study was conducted to formulate a checklist of bats from different regions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Five National parks from Azad Jammu and Kashmir were surveyed for the species of bats present (Dhirkot National Park, Pir Lasura National Park, Pir Chanasi National Park, Banjosa National Park and Tolipir National Park). From the study conducted, 10 species of bats belonging to 5 families were found cumulatively in the five national parks.


INTRODUCTION
Bats are classified as mammals and with the presence of 1,232 currently living species worldwide, formulate the second most populated and widely distributed group (Schipper et al., 2008;Kunz et al., 2011). They form an essential part of the ecosystem by aiding pollination, keeping insect pests in check and overall maybe helpful as indicators of health status of the ecosystem Boyles et al., 2011). However, there seems to be a constant decline in their numbers due to human influences (Mickleburgh et al., 2002). Lane et al. (2006) conducted their study on the abundance of bats in Singapore and commented on the fast and drastic dwindling numbers of bats in Singapore and the implications that may have on the bat populations in the region of Southeast Asia. They also expressed concern that due to damage to the habitats of these mammals, they will face a decline in biodiversity and density that may surpass 40% by 2100. To conserve this precious asset in Pakistan, it is imperative to know the status of the different bat species found in this region. This study was conducted to formulate a checklist of bats from different regions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Further studies need to be carried out in order to find the different populations of bats in other parts of the country and apt measures need to be taken to conserve their numbers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five National parks from Azad Jammu and Kashmir were surveyed for the species of bats present (Dhirkot National Park, Pir Lasura National Park, Pir Chanasi National Park, Banjosa National Park and Tolipir National Park). Pir Lasura National Park is located in the western side of the great Himalayan range near the Line of Control, including areas of altitudes more than 1900 m above the sea level. This area was surveyed from June-July 2009. Banjosa National Park is placed in the thick forests at an altitude of some 1,800 m above sea line in the Pir Panjal Range. This area was surveyed from May-June 2009. Dhirkot is a relatively small town and hill station located at a distance of some 24 km from Kohala, the Gateway to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The study in this area was conducted in February 2008. The study in Pir Chanasi was carried out during April-May 2010. The TNP area mainly comprises of south facing slopes of the Tolipir part of the Pir Panjal Mountain Range.
First a general survey of the ground was conducted. The area was surveyed for possible indicators (feces, sounds) reflecting the presence of bats. Other methods included camera surveillance and interviews of indigenous people. Background information on all the possible species from this area was taken from (Roberts, 1997(Roberts, , 2005a(Roberts, , 2005bKazmierczak, 2000;Grzimek b, 2002Grzimek c, 2002Grzimek d, 2002Grzimek e, 2002Grzimek f, 2002Grzimek g and 2002Grewal et al., 2002).     (Barlow, 1997). Local sightings of this species of bats were 8% in BNR, 6% in DNP, 10% PCNP, 18% in PLNP and 13% in TNP. Global status of this species according to IUCN is LC.

Eptesicus serotinus (Common serotine) is an insectivorous bat. Its breeding season is
November to April. Local sightings of this species of bats were 8% in DNP and 12% in PCNP. Global status of this species according to IUCN is LC Megaderma lyra (Indian false vampire) has a carnivorous diet and feeds on large vertebrates. Local sightings of this species of bats were 8% in BNR, 6% in DNP, 20% in PLNP and 14% in TNP. Global status of this species according to IUCN is LC.
Plecotus austriacus (Grey long eared bat) is a summer breeder. Local sightings of this species of Bats were, 2% in DNP. Global status of this species according to IUCN is LC.
Myotis muricola (Dark whiskered bat) feeds on micro-lepidoptera. Local sightings of this species of bats were 1% in DNP, 7% PCNP and 8% in TNP. Global status of this species according to IUCN is LC.

Family Hipposideridae:
Hipposideros fulvus (Trident leaf nosed bat) is an insectivorous bat. Local sightings of this species were 48% in BNR. Global status of this species according to IUCN is LC.

Family Pteropodidae:
Rousettus leschenaultii (Fulvous Fruit Bat) feeds on the nectar of the Silk Cotton flowers. Local sightings of this species were 11% in DNP, 18% in PLNP, 14% in TNP. Global status of this species according to IUCN is LC.

Family Rhinolophidae:
Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser horse shoe bat) is insectivorous. Local sightings of this species were 11% in TNP. Global status of this species according to IUCN is LC and its population is decreasing globally.

Family Miniopteridae:
Miniopterus schreibersii (Common Bent Wing Bat) is adapted to hilly or mountainous area, and hibernates in winter. Local sightings of this species were 8% in TNP. Global status of this species according to IUCN is NT and its population is decreasing globally.

CONCLUSION
From the study conducted, 10 species of bats belonging to 5 families were found accumulatively in the five national parks. In Banjosa Nationnal Park (BNP), Indian false vampire, Gilgit tubed-nose bat and Himalayan piperstrelle presented equally rare sightings in the area. There were four bat species present at BNP. Dhirkot National Park had the highest diversity of bats (7 species), Pir Chanasi and Pir Lasura National Parks both had four species each. Tolipir National Park had six species of bats. The habitats of these bats need to be protected to conserve their population.