Pokhara, 5th September, 2006: Training was organized at Institute of
Forestry (IoF) from 1 to 5 September, 2006 by Bat friends, a newly
formed club at Institute of Forestry, Pokhara. The main objectives of
this program were to give the technical knowledge to students as well
as to make students aware that bats are important part of ecosystem
rather than the symbol of witch and to strengthen the students towards
research of bats. The program was supported by ComForM (Community
Based Natural Forest and Tree Management in the Himalaya), CBEC
(Center for Biodiversity and Environment Conservation), BHSS/BCMC
(Bindhabasini Higher Secondary School/Bat Cave Management Committee),
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and NATURE (Nepal Action
Trust for Utility Resource and Education). It is probably the first
training organized in Nepal to foster technical knowledge to the
students regarding bat capturing and handling technique. Dr. Luis
Ruedas, a Fulbright Scholar to Kathmandu University from Portland
State University, Prof. Shree Prasad Dhaubhadel (Institute of
Forestry, Pokhara) and Mr. Pushpa Raj Acharya (M.Sc. zoology, TU), a
young bat researcher were the main resource personnel in the training.
They mainly taught trainees about chiroptera (bats), bats of Nepal and
field survey techniques about bats. During the field training on 3¬rd,
4th and 5th September, 2006 two species Hipposideros armiger and
Rhinolophus macrotis were recorded for the first time in Pokhara
valley. Total 6 species were recorded from Banpale danda situated
within the premises of IoF using an ultra sound detector. 11 species
of bats were previously recorded from Pokhara Valley out of 52 bat
species recorded in Nepal. Now the number of bats species in Pokhara
valley can be assured as 13. However, if such survey is conducted in
the valley more number of bat species can be recorded. Training
organized has made the students of IoF capable of capturing and
handling bats. Thus, this training will support the conservation of
bat through research and awareness activities.