Superstition takes toll on bat numbers
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Daltonganj:
Though traditionally considered a bad omen, bats have encountered an
unlikely enemy — witchcraft. According to a local superstition in and
around Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), amulets made from bat bones protect
the children in the area from black magic.
The belief has led to widespread hunting of bats in the region, drastically bringing down their population.
"There are many superstitions prevalent in the region involving bats. This has taken a toll on their population. Talismans made from bones of bats are in high demand. They are supposed to ward of evil spirits. The oil extracted from bats help treat rheumatism and joint pain," said Anil Kumar Mishra, DFO (core) of PTR.
In the recently held bhoot mela in Palamu's Chhatarpur block, the use of bat bones to ease the labour pain of pregnant women was on display. It is believed that the bones of a bat, when attached to a cow's tail, controls labour pain.
"Though I can confirm that the bat population is under threat, we cannot ascertain the level of damage at the moment as most of the species' natural habitat falls outside the core PTR area," said Mishra.
There are 109 species of bats found in India but only 34 are covered under the wildlife protection act, said forest officials.
The belief has led to widespread hunting of bats in the region, drastically bringing down their population.
"There are many superstitions prevalent in the region involving bats. This has taken a toll on their population. Talismans made from bones of bats are in high demand. They are supposed to ward of evil spirits. The oil extracted from bats help treat rheumatism and joint pain," said Anil Kumar Mishra, DFO (core) of PTR.
In the recently held bhoot mela in Palamu's Chhatarpur block, the use of bat bones to ease the labour pain of pregnant women was on display. It is believed that the bones of a bat, when attached to a cow's tail, controls labour pain.
"Though I can confirm that the bat population is under threat, we cannot ascertain the level of damage at the moment as most of the species' natural habitat falls outside the core PTR area," said Mishra.
There are 109 species of bats found in India but only 34 are covered under the wildlife protection act, said forest officials.
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