Summer heat proving fatal for bats

Metro India News | MAHABUBNAGAR

Hundreds of bats belonging to a rare species are dying due to the severe summer heat in Komatipalli village of Inugurthy mandal in Mahabubabad district. The nocturnal creatures, which have made the village their home for generations, are unable to withstand the extreme temperatures and are falling from trees.For decades, thousands of bats have been roosting on the large banyan and peepal trees near the Lakshminarayana Swamy temple on the pond bund in the village.

Despite widespread superstitions and negative perceptions about bats in society, the residents of Komatipalli have consistently protected these creatures, ensuring no harm comes to them. This harmonious coexistence has allowed the rare species to continue thriving in the area. In response to the rising summer heat, the bats recently shifted from the temple’s banyan tree to the trees on the pond bund. However, the intensified heat over the past two days has proven fatal.

Dozens of bats have already perished, with their numbers steadily increasing. Villagers recalled that when a similar crisis occurred in the past, officials and donors stepped in promptly, installed coolers and sprinklers near the roosting trees, creating artificial cooling that helped save the remaining bats. However, no such proactive measures have been taken this year, leaving the bat population vulnerable. Residents fear that without immediate intervention, the colony could face a major threat to its survival.

Speaking to reporters, Komatipalli Sarpanch Maddela Bikshapati said that despite the many misconceptions people have about bats, no one in the village has ever disturbed them. He expressed concern that due to severe summer, dozens of bats have died in the last two days and urged the government to respond immediately and take steps to protect this rare species.