Daily Current Affairs : 14-August-2023
In the intricate tapestry of India’s diverse wildlife, the nectar and fruit-eating flying fox, scientifically known as Pteropus giganteus, holds a unique place. This remarkable creature, often considered a nuisance due to its orchard raids, has been discovered to be a diligent protector of the environment, dedicating a significant 7% of its day-roosting time to this vital task. In this essay, we will delve into the intriguing world of the Indian flying fox, exploring its characteristics, ecological importance, and its unexpected role as an environmental sentinel.
The Mighty Flying Fox: An Overview
The Indian flying fox, the largest bat species in the country, is a remarkable creature that has captured the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it plays a crucial role as a keystone species, impacting its environment far beyond its numerical abundance. This term, “keystone species,” signifies a species that exerts an outsized influence on its surroundings, shaping the composition and dynamics of entire ecosystems.
Ecological Significance: Guardians of Plant Diversity
The flying fox may appear to be a mere fruit eater, but it is a pivotal player in the intricate web of nature. It engages in the essential ecological process of seed dispersal, helping propagate various plant species across tropical systems. This role is what makes it a keystone species, as its actions reverberate through the ecosystem, affecting the types and populations of numerous other species that depend on these plants.
Exploring the Lives of Flying Foxes
- Nocturnal Wonders: The Indian flying fox is primarily active during the night, when it embarks on foraging journeys in search of ripe fruits, particularly mangoes and bananas, and nourishing nectar.
- Huge and Magnificent: Among the largest bats globally, the Indian flying fox’s impressive size adds to its captivating aura. It spans the Indian Subcontinent, dwelling in countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and even Tibet.
- Roosting and Vulnerabilities: Most of these bats spend a significant portion of their lives roosting during daylight hours, congregating in colonies. Their status as external roosters makes them susceptible to predators, disturbances, and environmental factors like heat and light.
Environmental Vigilance: A Surprising Role
The recent study revealing the flying fox’s role as an environmental guardian sheds light on its additional significance. The bat’s 7% of day-roosting time spent in vigilance showcases its adaptability and commitment to its ecosystem’s welfare. This newfound aspect adds to its reputation, solidifying its place as a species that extends beyond its surface characteristics.
From Vermin to Guardianship: Conservation Status
Historically, the flying fox faced challenges due to its raids on orchards, leading to its categorization as a vermin under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. However, recognizing its ecological importance and role as a disease vector capable of transmitting viruses to humans, it was upgraded to Schedule II, thereby granting it a higher degree of protection.
Important Points:
- The Mighty Flying Fox: An Overview
- Native to the Indian subcontinent, the flying fox is a keystone species with outsized impact on its environment.
- Its role as a keystone species shapes ecosystems and affects other species.
- Ecological Significance: Guardians of Plant Diversity
- The flying fox is vital for seed dispersal, helping propagate plant species in tropical systems.
- Its actions influence the composition and populations of other species in the ecosystem.
- Exploring the Lives of Flying Foxes
- Nocturnal behavior: Active at night, it forages for ripe fruits like mangoes and bananas, and feeds on nectar.
- Impressive size: Among the world’s largest bats, it spans countries across the Indian Subcontinent.
- Roosting and vulnerabilities: Spend daylight hours in colonies, exposed to predators, disturbances, and environmental factors.
- Environmental Vigilance: A Surprising Role
- Recent study unveils flying fox’s role in environmental protection during day-roosting.
- 7% of day-roosting time spent on vigilance highlights its commitment to ecosystem welfare.
- From Vermin to Guardianship: Conservation Status
- Historically considered vermin due to orchard raids, it was listed under Schedule V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
- Upgraded to Schedule II due to ecological importance and potential disease vector status, granting higher protection.
Why In News
A recent study has revealed that the largest bat species in India, known by the moniker of a cunning canine from folklore, dedicates approximately 7% of its daily roosting hours to displaying remarkable environmental awareness. This finding underscores the intriguing balance between nature and adaptation within this remarkable species.
MCQs about The Environmental Role of India’s Largest Flying Fox
-
What is the role of the Indian flying fox as a keystone species?
A. It preys on other animals to maintain balance.
B. It controls insect populations in ecosystems.
C. It impacts its environment significantly beyond its abundance.
D. It is a nocturnal pollinator of flowering plants.
-
What is the primary purpose of the Indian flying fox’s nocturnal foraging?
A. Hunting insects for food.
B. Seeking shelter from predators.
C. Gathering nectar and ripe fruits.
D. Migrating to different habitats.
-
Why was the conservation status of the Indian flying fox upgraded from Schedule V to Schedule II under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972?
A. Due to its role as a disease vector.
B. Because of its small population size.
C. To allow it to be hunted for sport.
D. To encourage its breeding in captivity.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
