In a significant move toward the conservation of bats, one of India's most misunderstood mammals, the country’s bat researchers have released the "State of India's Bats" (2024-25) report. This marks the first comprehensive national study on the status of bats in the country. The report was prepared over two years by 36 expert researchers from 27 institutions, including the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), under the leadership of the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Bat Conservation International (BCI).

The regional launch of the report was performed by Dr. Kannan C. S. Warrier, Director of the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Dr. P. Balakrishnan, Head, Department of Wildlife Biology, KFRI, emphasised the necessity of this national compilation during the release. The event featured a technical briefing by KFRI researchers and report contributors Nithin Divakar and Sreehari Raman, followed by a special screening of "Leaf Architects," a documentary showcasing the intricate home-building behaviours of bats in Costa Rica.

To read complete report: State-of-Indias-Bats.pdf