HYDERABAD: Indiscriminate fogging activity, green-slaughter and overwhelming lighting from commercial complexes has forced bats in the city to wander out during the day time, say environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts of the city.
Bats that were not visible for most parts of the day have been sighted in certain places during the day due to irreparable damage done to their habitat.
“There is an impact that the electromagnetic radiations from cell phone towers have on these bats. But we have seen a decline in the number of insectivorous bats that are present in urban agglomerations. We are seeing that there is a considerable decline in their population,” Dr. C. Srinivasulu, a professor of Osmania University told Deccan Chronicle.
Adding that the damage done to these nocturnal mammals is not just limited to the glitzy parts of the city, but even in places like Sainikpuri, KBR Park and a few other areas are witnessing a decline in their population.
“Another reason why bats are actively keeping away from well-lit areas is because of their instincts. Under such lights, they are easily spotted by their predators—owls,” he said.
As it turns out, there are a number of bats that are spotted in tourist places like the Golconda Fort and the Qutub Shahi Tombs. These places are aloof of heavy human population and artificial lighting.
“Bats are usually noticed in places that have a lot of trees which bear fruits,” said Navin Sigamany, of the Hyderabad Walking Company. As it turns out bats in Delhi, bats have made heritage structures like Qutub Minar among others their roost as there is minimal light pollution.
There are a number of bats in the city that are insectivores, and since the insects are being driven away by the fogging activities, the bat population is moving to locations where there is nourishment is available.
