Q. Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement-II : The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  • Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Indian flying fox
  • The Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius), also known as the greater Indian fruit bat, is a species of flying fox native to the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is a keystone species causing seed dispersals of many plants in tropical systems.
  • Appearance:
    • Indian flying fox is characterized by its large size and fox-like facial features.
    • Usually displays a dark brown, gray, or black body, often with a distinct yellowish mantle (typical of Pteropus genus).
    • Males are generally larger than females.
  • Geographic Range:
    • Indian flying fox occurs in tropical regions of South Central Asia, from Pakistan to China, and as far south as the Maldive Islands.
  • Habitat:
    • These animals can be found in forests and swamps. Large groups of individuals roost in trees such as banyan, fig, and tamarind. Roosting trees are usually in the vicinity of a body of water.
  • Conservation Status:
    • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix II
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule II
  • Negative Impact:
    • Indian flying foxes considered as vermin cause extensive damage to fruit orchards, and are therefore considered pests in many regions. They may also be responsible for spreading disease, particularly the Nipah virus, which causes illness and death in humans.
  • Diet: 
    • They maintain a frugivorous diet, supplementing it with insects as well as flowers, containing juice and nectar.
  • Threat: 
    • Being external roosters, the flying fox is exposed to predators and disturbances apart from environmental indicators such as heat and light.
Indian flying fox