Morphometrics of the indian false vampire bat (Megaderma lyra) from district Jhelum, Pakistan

During the present study thirteen Megaderma lyra bats were observed roosting in dark, domed shaped room of Rohtas Fort, district Jhelum. Out of these, six specimens were captured from the roosting site, using hand net. All captured specimens were male. These bats were identified through their unique facial features, an erect and elongated nose-leaf, large oval ears that joined above the forehead and no tail. Mean head and body length of captured specimens was 80 mm, forearm length was 67 mm while average lengths of 3rd, 4th and 5th metacarpals were 51.73 mm, 55.17 mm and 60.42 mm, respectively. Mean skull length was 29.84 mm, breadth of braincase was 12.77 mm. Average Penis length of two specimens was 6.6 mm and total bacular length was 3.08 mm respectively. This is the first record of Megaderma lyra from district Jhelum.

Detection of hemoparasites in bats, Bangladesh

A cross sectional study was conducted (2010–2013) to determine the diversity of hemoprotozoa among bats of Bangladesh. Microscopic examination of blood smears (N=533; Pteropus medius (377), Rousettus leschenaultii (111), Megaderma lyra (45)) revealed 9% of bats (95% confidence interval CI: 7–12%) were positive for hemoprotozoa. The overall prevalence of hemoparasites among P. medius was 5% (n=20, 95% CI: 3–8%); where Babesia sp. was 3% (n=12, 95% CI: 2–5%) and Hepatocytis sp. was 2% (n=8, 95% CI: 1–4%). Moreover, 13% of R. leschenaultii were positive (n=14, 95% CI: 7–20%) where prevalence of Babesia sp. was 10% (n=11, 95% CI: 5–17%) and prevalence of Hepatocystis sp. was 3% (n=3, 95% CI: 1–8%). Twenty-nine percent (n=13, 95% CI: 16–44%) of M. lyra harbored hemoparasites, among which 20% (n=9, 95% CI: 10–35%) were Babesia sp. and 9% (n=4, 95% CI: 2–21%) were Hepatocystis sp. The study indicates bats remain important hosts for various zoonotic parasites and suggests further research.

Inventory of mammals in protected reserves and natural habitats of Tripura, northeast India with notes on existing threats and new records of Large Footed Mouse-eared Bat and Greater False Vampire Bat

Twenty-four species representing 21 genera, 16 families and 7 orders of mammals were recorded in the Tripura state, northeast India, from an inventory done from 2006 to 2012. Ten of these species were found in wildlife sanctuaries as well as in primary forests. Four species were recorded exclusively from the wildlife sanctuaries and ten species were recorded only from primary forests. Order Primates was the most diverse group represented by 6 species from 4 genera in 3 families. Frequency sightings data showed that 11 species were rare, 2 species were occasional, one species was frequent, and another 10 species were common. Two species, Large-footed Mouse-eared Bat, Myotis sp., and Greater False Vampire Bat, Megaderma lyra, are new records from the study area. Overall, 23 of the 24 species recorded are listed in the IUCN Red List, 14 species are listed in CITES, and 14 species are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Threats being faced by many of the recorded mammals from human encroachments are highlighted.