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International Journal of
Entomology Research
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VOL. 7, ISSUE 7 (2022)
Roosting and reproductive behaviour of lesser mouse-tailed bat, Rhinopoma hardwickii (Gray, 1831)
Authors
Shaktivardhan Singh, Pawan Kumar Misra, Sanjay Kumar Bharti, Vadamalai Elangovan
Abstract
Rhinopoma hardwickii, was a small sized free tailed bat, found in arid and semi-arid regions. The present study was designed to understand the roosting and reproductive behaviours of R. hardwickii. A total of 15 roost sites were recorded from seven districts of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The colonies of R. hardwickii were found in monuments, abandoned buildings, temples, and caves. Rhinopoma hardwickii sparsely roosted during summer while clumped during winter season. Male and female preferred to roost together, but lactating female roosts separately at the time of lactation. A total of 62 social and general behaviours recorded and the general behaviours were most frequent across the season while social behaviours occurred in specific months. They undergone breeding once in a year (February to March) just after winter dormancy, and after three months of gestation a single pup was given during June - July. Pups weaned from mother after two months of lactation. The results of current study reveal that R. hardwickii prefer to live in monuments, caves and abandoned building, they change the roosting behaviour according to seasons, and undergo mating during spring and parturition at monsoon when insects are abundant. Thus, the roost sites need to be protected to conserve this ecologically significant species.
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Pages:103-113
How to cite this article:
Shaktivardhan Singh, Pawan Kumar Misra, Sanjay Kumar Bharti, Vadamalai Elangovan "Roosting and reproductive behaviour of lesser mouse-tailed bat, <em>Rhinopoma hardwickii</em> (Gray, 1831)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 7, Issue 7, 2022, Pages 103-113
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