Flying fox rescued
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 19 2025: The Pambei led UNLF rescued and handed over one Indian flying fox, also known as fruit bat to People for Animals (PFA), Manipur, today.

A press release issued by PFA said that the bat species was once heavily hunted for its meat in Manipur.

Saying that that the Indian flying fox bat species was viewed as a pest or vermin and as a result, killing it was not considered a punishable offence in the past, the Organisation added that the bat species was listed under Schedule II of the amended Wildlife Protection Act in 2022, providing it with legal protection to ensure their survival for generations to come.

PFA went on to state that the bat species plays a vital ecological role in pollination and seed dispersal by consuming fruits and then depositing the seeds, often in new locations.

Appealing to the people to not hunt the bats for meat as the same is a punishable offence, it added that handling and consuming bat meat can also pose a risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases, which can jump from animals to humans.

PFA said that the rescued bat will be released back into its natural habitat once it has regained its strength and is deemed fit for release.

The bat was rescued by the cadres of Pambei led UNLF at Yaithibi Camp in Thoubal.

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