Bat lane in PU: Home to birds of night

Chandigarh: As the sun sets over Panjab University's enchanting Bat Lane, a curious sight unfolds in front of Ankur Preparatory School. The lane is home to the largest known bat colony in the Tricity, where black and brown Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) gracefully reside. Unseen by many city residents and even some campus residents, these black and brown creatures venture out only after sunset. During the day, they create an almost gothic spectacle by hanging motionless from treetops, covering their eyes with their magnificent wings. According to a few university workers, the nocturnal creatures have been living on the campus for generations.“I have been visiting PU since my father used to work here. Later, I also started working in the university. It's as if these bats never left PU. They have been here for ages,” a worker at the university said. Dr Archana Chauhan of the department of zoology explains why the university is a viable habitat for the bats. “These bats are highly selective about their nesting and roofing grounds. The tall trees, particularly the berry-producing ones, serve as the perfect nesting and roofing grounds for the bats, with eucalyptus being a common preference,” she said.Around sunset, the bats take flight in groups, demonstrating their frugivorous behaviour as they feast on fruits and nectar from flowers. Contrary to popular belief, the bats do not feed on the blood of animals or humans. Before dawn, they return to their favourite perches on tall trees, creating a melodious chatter that resembles that of birds.Similar bat colonies are also found in isolated areas like Chhatbir Zoo. However, rapidly shrinking habitats pose a serious threat to their population. Dr Archana dispels myths surrounding bats, highlighting their intriguing and often misunderstood nature. With over 100 bat species in India, these night-dwellers have captured the attention of researchers, including those at the National Institute of Virology, who visited Panjab University during the Covid pandemic to study potential infections they might carry. However, the result is unknown and has not been made public.