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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Roosting ecology, diurnal behaviour and threats of the Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors
Diljeet Singh
Abstract
The study on the Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius (Temminck, 1825) was
conducted from October 2025 to January 2026 in the Kangra district of Himachal
Pradesh, India. The research was carried out at two primary sites, Kotla and
Jassur, during the autumn and winter seasons to establish baseline data on habitat
preference, diurnal behaviour, population dynamics and environmental threats.
Using the direct roost count method, observations were recorded during the
daytime (08:00 - 17.30). Data revealed a higher population during autumn
compared to winter across both sites. The bats occupied an average of 23
roosting trees. Kotla colonies exclusively utilized Eucalyptus tereticornis (n=11; mean height: 27.9 m, range: 25–30 m;
mean DBH: 35.4 cm, range: 22–42 cm), whereas Jassur colonies occupied both Eucalyptus tereticornis (n=6; mean
height: 31 m, range: 28–35 m; mean DBH: 61.2 cm, range: 52–71 cm) and Populus deltoides (n=6; mean height:
23.8 m, range: 20–26 m; mean DBH: 44.6 cm, range: 42–47 cm). Individual tree
occupancy ranged from 6 to 52 individuals. Activity levels fluctuated
significantly throughout the day. Inactivity (resting) peaked in the early
morning (80%), while active behaviours were most prevalent during late morning
(45%), followed by late and early afternoon. The most frequent activities
observed were body movements, followed by wing movements, locomotion,
vocalisation and social agonism. Resting and wing stretching were more frequent
in winter, while wing flapping was more prevalent in autumn. Regarding posture,
the majority of bats (75%) hung by their feet (one or both), while the
remainder utilized various combinations of both feet and hands. The average
duration of activities—such as grooming, posture changes, flapping, stretching,
crawling, flight, vocalisation, fighting, courtship and elimination—-varied
from 2 -150 seconds. The primary threats to bats in this region included
habitat destruction, human- or animal-induced disturbances, electrocution and
accidental injuries.
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Pages:77-85
How to cite this article:
Diljeet Singh "Roosting ecology, diurnal behaviour and threats of the Indian Flying Fox <i>Pteropus medius</i> in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India". International Journal of Zoology Studies, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 77-85
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