Kolar Leaf Nosed Bat | UPSC |

Kolar Leaf Nosed Bat | UPSC | Why In The News ?

Bat Conservation Society which has been entrusted with drawing up a conservation plan for Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat. It has also been awarded a grant to conduct further research on this species of bats.

Kolar Leaf Nosed Bat | UPSC |
Kolar Leaf Nosed Bat | UPSC |

Conservation Initiatives :

  • Karnataka Government has notified the 30 acres around the caves as a protected area. 
  • Hence, any development work including construction of new infrastructure will need the permission of the National Board for Wildlife.

About Kolar Leaf Nosed Bat : 

  • It is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae .
  • It is found in only one cave in India, and its population is less than 200 individuals.
  • It is endemic to India and is currently only known from one cave in Hanumanahalli village in Kolar district, Karnataka
  • Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and caves.
  • Bats are vital for the ecology as they are pollinators, their main diet being nectar.
  • Bats also help in insect control and therefore, help in the protection of crops.

Read Also – The Great Indian Bustard | UPSC |

Protection Status:

IUCN Red ListCritically Endangered

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: It has not been accorded legal protection under the Act.

About National Board for Wildlife:

  • It is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Its roles is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country.
  • Primary function of the Board is to promote the conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
  • It has power to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries.
  • No alternation of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without approval of the NBWL.

Composition:

  • The NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister.
  • It has 47 members including the Prime Minister.
  • Among these, 19 members are ex-officio members.
  • Other members include three Members of Parliament (two from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha), five NGOs and 10 eminent ecologists, conservationists and environmentalists.

Source : The Hindu, Indian Express

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