IMPACT OF FRUIT BATS (Rousettus leschenaulti AND Cynopterus sphinx) IN THE TROPICAL ECOSYSTEM OF TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Fruit bat diversity available in the ecosystem of Tirunelveli District is important for pollinating flowers and seed dispersal. Two common megachiropterans Rousettus leschnaulti (fulvous fruit bat) and Cynopterus sphinx (greater short-nosed fruit bat) interacting in different agro and tropical forest ecosystem of Tirunelveli district has been selected as study animals for this impact analysis. Various food selections, processing strategies, the economical and ecological importance of bat dependent plants have provided a glimpse on the fruit bat’s bio-agent role in the ecosystem. Identification of left outs from the feeding roosts, observations with video recording and mist-netting in the foraging areas is the documented data for fruit bat–plant interdependence. Their species specific dietary preferences immensely help to retain the community structures and long time survival of specific taxa in the ecosystem. In spite of their special role they have attracted little recognition under Indian government legislations and policies. The documented species specific impact and ecosystem services of R. leschnaulti and C. sphinx in the Tropical ecosystem is the field proof data which can be of use to revise the status of fruit bats under Schedule V, Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.