Roosting preference and relation of abiotic factors on population of Pteropus giganteus (Chiroptera: pteropodidae) in Ludhiana

A study was conducted for estimation of fruit bat, Pteropus giganteus population and its fluctuation with respect to seasonal changes at selected roosting site of village Katani Kalan, Ludhiana, during year 2018–19. Eucalyptus globules (87.3%) and mulberry (24.0%) were most preferred for roosting. Increasing trend of population from August-January and decreased trend from February-July were observed. Number of roosted bats was higher (944) during winter and lower (690) during summer months. Negative correlation of atmospheric temperature (r=-0.88) and positive correlation of relative humidity (r=+0.32) with bat population were observed. Atmospheric temperature (r=+0.89), sunshine hours (r=+0.38) and sunset hours (r=+0.99) showed positive correlation, whereas relative humidity showed negative correlation (r=-0.38) with time of emergence of fruit bats after sunset for foraging activity. Difference between sunset hours and time of emergence varied significantly during the whole year (21–35 minutes). Our study provides baseline information, which may be useful for policy makers for P. giganteus conservation program.