SHORTNOSED FRUIT BAT

 SHORTNOSED FRUIT BAT

Local name: Nanu chamachidiyu 

Physical measurements & life cycle

Length : 20 cm (wing spread-40 cm)

Weight : 43 gm 

Gestation : 115-125 days (twice in a year)  

Litter size : 1

Life span : 4-5 years 

Distribution

This is a smaller bat that is almost uniformly dull grey brown or rufous coloured. It has divergent nostrils.

FOOD 

Herbivorous. It mostly consumes fruits (figs) of banyan trees and other fruits. It sips honey from flowers. 

Description 

Distributed over North Gujarat. It may also occur in other parts.

Habitat 

It is an inhabitant of dry deciduous forests.

Behaviour 

This bat lives in small groups, roosts in banyan trees, date- palm tree hollows etc. It moves from flower to flower to sip nectar, and thus plays helpful role in pollination.

Signs of presence

Noise while roosting. Also, half eaten fruits and seeds under the roosting tree.  

Though it occurs at many places like the flying fox, it is not easily seen/ detected owing to its solitary habits. It occurs either singly or only in small groups. It leaves its roost in the early evening in search of food. Apart from fruits, this species also feed upon the nectar of the flowers. Thus, this species plays a role in pollination.