Distribution and roosting ecology of the lesser mousetailed bat, Rhinopoma hardwickii Gray, 1831 (Chiroptera: Rhinopomatidae)

Abstract

The mouse-tailed bats belong to family Rhinopomatidae face serious threat due to habitat destruction. A study on distribution, roost selection and reproductive behaviour of the lesser mouse-tailed bat, Rhinopoma hardwickii (Gray, 1831) was carried out in Uttar Pradesh as the state holds good number of historical monuments and natural caves suitable for survival of R. hardwickii. The individuals of R. hardwickii were characterized by long free tail, well developed muzzle like snout of pig, connected ear pinnae and hairless lower abdomen. The distribution of R. hardwickii was observed in dry and rocky regions of Uttar Pradesh. The roosts of R. hardwickii found in historical monuments, abandoned buildings and natural caves. The average temperature (29.8 ± 2.0 ^°C) and relative humidity (63.6 ± 4.2 %) did not fluctuate among the roosts. The colony size was ranged from 120 to 930 individuals. The bats occupied the surface of wall and attics solitarily during summer and clustered during winter. Rhinopoma hardwickii shared roost with R. microphyllum (Brunnich, 1782), Taphozous nudiventris (Cretzschmar, 1826) and Hipposideros fulvus (Gray, 1838). The individuals of R. hardwickii undergone mating during February-March and the gravid females gave birth during June-July. The study suggests that R. hardwickii preferred arid region wherein monuments, abandoned buildings and natural caves abundant, as they offer suitable conditions and reduced disturbance for their survival. Thus, the monuments which harbour R. hardwickii need to be protected without much renovation and human disturbances.