Summary of the Article on Pint of View Lecture Featuring Bats

The article revolves around a lecture conducted by Rohit Chakravarty at the Pint of View event on August 24, 2025, in Bengaluru. The event is inspired by a similar series in the United States known as "Lectures on Tap," aiming to discuss scientific topics in an informal yet engaging setting.

• Event Details:

  • Date: August 24, 2025
  • Context: Part of Pint of View, which encourages informal discussions on scientific subjects.
  • Organizer: Harsh Snehanshu and Shruti Sah, with Meghna Chaudhary involved technical background.

• Speaker Introduction:

  • Rohit Chakravarty is a bat project manager with associations to Nature Conservation Foundation and Bat Conservation International.
  • He shared personal anecdotes, emphasizing the non-threatening nature of bats based on his childhood experience rescuing a fruit bat.

• Content of the Lecture:

  • Chakravarty discussed the diversity of bat species, their diets, life expectancy, and their behaviors.
  • Highlighted the social behavior of vampire bats sharing food during scarcity, and how Rodrigues fruit bats exhibit midwifing behaviors.

• Historical Insights:

  • Spoke about Lazaro Spallanzani's 1794 discovery of bats using echolocation, further validated by Donald Griffin’s work on ultrasonic sounds.

• Personal Discoveries:

  • Rohit recounted his research expeditions in locations from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the Himalayas.
  • He announced the discovery of a new species, the Himalayan long-tailed myotis, in the Western Himalayas extending into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

• Ecological Significance:

  • Stressing the ecological importance of bats, he noted their role in pollinating agave plants, vital for tequila production, and their contribution to the ecosystem, especially for mangrove preservation against natural disasters.

• Conservation Concerns:

  • Addressed the threats to bat populations, citing the near extinction risk facing the Kolar leaf-nosed bat due to granite mining.
  • Provided safety advice for humans while coexisting with bats, recommending to:
    • Maintain distance and avoid handling bats.
    • Avoid consuming fallen fruits that might be contaminated by bats’ saliva.
    • Keep distance from bat droppings to mitigate health risks.

• Conclusion and Future Events:

  • Chakravarty concluded by asserting the responsibility of scientists to raise awareness about neglected species.
  • The next Pint of View lecture is set for September 7, 2025, focusing on textiles, memories, and history with fashion researcher Niyati Hirani. Upcoming lecture details can be accessed through their social media channel (@pintofview.club).

The article combines educational content about bats with a cultural initiative aimed at fostering community interest in science, combining an accessible format with rigorous scientific discussion.

Key Points:

• Rohit Chakravarty is a notable bat researcher.
• Pint of View aims to make science discussions more accessible.
• Echolocation discovered by Spallanzani in 1794 was confirmed by Griffin later.
• Human-bat coexistence requires awareness and safety measures.
• Upcoming events continue to promote community engagement in scientific topics.

Summary

The Nilgiri mountains, located in the Western Ghats of India, are recognized as a critical biodiversity hotspot characterized by a rich tapestry of endemic species such as the Nilgiri pipit and Nilgiri laughingthrush. In a recent study published in Global Change Biology, researchers led by Vijay Ramesh examined the impact of land-use changes over the past 170 years on the bird populations of this region. The study collated historical bird data collected by British ornithologists in the late 1800s alongside contemporary surveys.

Key Findings:

• The researchers utilized historical specimens preserved in natural history museums and conducted field surveys at 42 previously studied sites to assess the changes in bird diversity.
• They discovered a staggering 90% reduction in the relative abundance of grassland birds, with species like the Nilgiri pipit and Malabar lark experiencing the most significant declines.
• The extent of grasslands in the Nilgiris dropped dramatically by 80%, from 993 square kilometers in 1848 to just 201 square kilometers in 2018.
• Conversely, 53% of forest bird populations remained stable over the last century. This stability resulted from the conversion of grassland habitats to woodlands and forests due to anthropogenic influences and climate change, thereby providing alternative habitats for forest-dwelling species.

Ecological Implications:

• This study highlights that grasslands are often overlooked in conservation efforts, with a predominant focus on forest conservation. Associate Professor V.V. Robin pointed out that the perception around grasslands must shift to recognize their ecological significance.
• The methods employed in the study underscore the importance of combining historical data with modern ecological analysis to understand biodiversity shifts comprehensively.

Role of Natural History Museums:

• The research relied heavily on historical collections from natural history museums, which serve as vital repositories of biodiversity data.
• Pritha Dey, a moth biologist, emphasized the role of these museums in preserving historical species records essential for taxonomic identification and conservation research.
• The study utilized statistical models such as the Field Abundance—Museum Abundance (FAMA) method to estimate species population changes by comparing historical and modern specimens.

Challenges in Biodiversity Research:

• Issues surrounding museum access include outdated infrastructure, lack of funding, and bureaucratic obstacles.
• Sushma Reddy noted ongoing debates about the ownership and responsibility of international museums regarding specimens collected from countries like India.
• The reliance on archival resources is hindered by complications in accessing and digitizing these historical materials, particularly in maintaining equitable sharing of biodiversity resources.

Important Points:

• Location: Nilgiri mountains, Western Ghats, India.
• Research Publication: Study published in Global Change Biology on September 3, 2025.
• Study Focus: Impact of land-use changes on bird diversity over 170 years.
• Historical Data: Utilized specimens from the Victorian era and conducted field surveys.
• Grassland Decline: 80% reduction in grassland area; 90% decline in grassland bird abundance.
• Forest Bird Stability: 53% of forest bird populations remained stable due to habitat conversion.
• Conservation Awareness: Need for recognition of grasslands in conservation efforts.
• Natural History Museums: Essential for biodiversity research, preserving historical species data.
• Challenges: Access to archival materials is complicated by institutional obstacles and funding issues.

On September 2, 2025, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department conducted a one-day workshop alongside the inaugural meeting of the Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation (TNRRF) at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in Vandalur, Chennai. This initiative is aimed at enhancing raptor conservation efforts and supporting research endeavors within the state of Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights:

• Significance of Raptors: Raptors, also known as birds of prey, play a crucial role as indicators of ecosystem health. The global situation for these species is concerning, with approximately 18% at risk of extinction and numerous populations declining due to various threats.

• Threats Faced: In Tamil Nadu, raptors are increasingly subjected to habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution from power lines, and illegal trade. Important raptor habitats within the state include the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and coastal wetlands.

• Government Initiatives: On July 9, 2025, the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order (G.O.) that allocated ₹1 crore from the Endangered Species Conservation Corpus Fund for the establishment of TNRRF, reflecting the state's commitment to biodiversity and conservation.

• Foundation Objectives: The TNRRF will focus on several key areas:

  • Conducting species surveys and tracking migratory patterns of raptors.
  • Implementing rehabilitation programs for endangered species, such as eagles, vultures, and hawks.
  • Developing conservation strategies and community outreach initiatives to raise awareness and educate local populations regarding raptor conservation.

• Guidelines and Expert Contributions: During the workshop, the TNRRF logo was unveiled, and the Wild Animal Carcass Management Guidelines were released. Experts, including Ranjit Daniels from Care Earth Trust and Sanjeev Menon from the State of India’s Birds Partnership, provided valuable insights on raptor conservation issues and identified various threats to these avian species.

Conclusion:

The establishment of the Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation and the associated workshop signify a multi-faceted approach towards raptor conservation in Tamil Nadu. With government backing through financial support and a strategic plan focusing on research, community involvement, and education, it aims to address the pressing threats faced by raptor populations and promote healthier ecosystems in the state.

Important Bullet Points:

• A one-day workshop and inaugural meeting of the Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation (TNRRF) took place on September 2, 2025.
• The workshop was held at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation in Vandalur, Chennai.
• Raptors serve as key indicators of ecosystem health but are facing significant global threats.
• In Tamil Nadu, 18% of raptor species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution, and illegal trade.
• The Tamil Nadu government allocated ₹1 crore for TNRRF from the Endangered Species Conservation Corpus Fund as per the G.O. on July 9, 2025.
• TNRRF's objectives include species surveys, migration tracking, and setting up rehabilitation programs for endangered raptors.
• Presentations from experts during the workshop addressed conservation challenges and strategies.
• The event emphasized the importance of community outreach and education in raptor conservation efforts.

Summary of the News Article on GLOF Risks in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir

On September 2, 2025, a report from the Disaster Management Plan for Kishtwar (2024-25) highlighted the vulnerability of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir to Glacial Retreat and Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). This concern follows the tragic event on August 14, when at least 65 civilians died due to a GLOF in Chisoti village, which marked the district’s first major incident of this nature.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Causal Factors: The report attributes the increase in GLOFs to the retreat of glaciers, a consequence of global warming, leading to the formation of new and expanding glacial lakes, which are held behind unstable moraine dams.
• High-Risk Areas: The report specifically identifies the tehsils of Padder, Machail, Dachhan, Marwah, and Warwan as the most affected due to their proximity to glacial lakes.
• Infrastructure Threats: Key infrastructure including roads, schools, hospitals, and government buildings in the aforementioned areas are at significant risk from potential flooding.
• Impact on Hydroelectric Projects: The ongoing hydroelectric projects, such as those under Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPPL Limited), are highlighted as being particularly vulnerable to GLOFs, which could disrupt operations and exacerbate flood risks downstream.
• Environmental Concerns: The Kishtwar High Altitude National Park faces potential ecological disruptions, habitat loss, and threats to biodiversity due to GLOF events and contamination of water sources, which could negatively impact public health.

Statistical Insights:

• The region features a total of 197 glacial lakes, which constitute 36.08% of all such lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, covering approximately 392.64 hectares.
• Notably, around 90.86% of these lakes are smaller than 5 hectares, while larger lakes (over 5 hectares) are relatively rare.

Preparedness and Recommendations:

• The report underscores the urgent need for proactive measures, which include:
  • The establishment of early warning systems (EWS) to anticipate climatic conditions that may trigger GLOFs.
  • Regular monitoring and assessment of glacier behavior using satellite-based technologies.
  • Enhancing community education on GLOF risks and providing training for emergency responses, including simulation drills to ensure preparedness.

Seismic Risks:

• The Kishtwar district lies in a seismically active region (Zone IV), which increases the vulnerability of moraine dams to collapse during seismic events, compounding the GLOF risk.

In conclusion, the report outlines the critical situation regarding climate-induced GLOF threats in Kishtwar, necessitating immediate attention and action to safeguard both the local population and vital infrastructure.

Important Points:

• Date of Incident: August 14, 2025.
• Victims: 65 deaths, over 100 injuries, and 33 missing.
• Key Areas Impacted: Padder, Machail, Dachhan, Marwah, Warwan.
• Infrastructure at Risk: Hospitals, schools, roads.
• Hydroelectric Project Threats: Operations could be disrupted by GLOFs.
• Glacial Lakes Count: 197 lakes, with 90.86% smaller than 5 hectares.
• Urgent Actions: Establish early warning systems, community training, satellite monitoring.
• Seismic Risk: Kishtwar located in Zone IV adds to vulnerabilities.

The findings convey the urgent need for measures to mitigate these risks, protect natural resources, and prepare local communities effectively against this climate change-induced threat.

Summary of the Discovery of a New Tuber Species in Kerala

• Discovery: Researchers from Kerala have identified a new edible tuber species, named Dioscorea balakrishnanii, in the Western Ghats region specifically within Wayanad district.
• Naming: The species is named after V. Balakrishnan, an environmentalist and current secretary of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, in recognition of his contributions to biodiversity conservation.
• Local Significance: The tuber, locally known as ‘chola kizhangu’ among the Kattunayikar tribes, is noted for its excellent flavor when cooked and holds potential in addressing food security due to its low glycemic index.
• Research Team: The discovery was made by Pichan M. Salim from the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Jose Mathew from Sanatana Dharma College, and M.M. Safir from Kerala Agricultural University.
• Ecological Context: The Dioscorea balakrishnanii species was found exclusively in the sholas of evergreen forests and represents a part of the biodiversity found in the Wayanad region, which is rich in wild relatives of cultivated tubers.
• Relative Species: The research indicates the existence of 23 different forms across more than 14 species of tubers in Wayanad, including the newly described species, highlighting the region's ecological richness.
• Plant Family: The newly identified yam belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family, which includes commonly cultivated forms like kachil or kavat (purple yam).
• Observational Studies: Dioscorea balakrishnanii has been subject to observation over a decade, distinguishing male and female varieties along with documenting their floral differences.
• Conservation Importance: The discovery underscores the ecological significance of conserving unique ecosystems and emphasizes the medicinal potential of such wild tubers alongside their importance for food security.
• Biodiversity Implications: The findings suggest that the biodiversity within the Wayanad forests remains underexplored, indicating potential for further discoveries.

Key Dates and Publication:

• The research findings were published on August 31, 2025, in the scientific journal Species.

This discovery not only contributes to knowledge related to endemic species but also reinforces efforts towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources in the region.