Report Release of State of India’s Bats Held at ZSI, Shillong :
March ,26 – 2026 :
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), North Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong, in collaboration with Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Bat Conservation International (BCI) hosted the release of State of India’s Bats 2024-25 on 25 March 2026. The report is a collaborative output of 34 bat researchers from 27 different organisations. The programme saw the participation of 70 attendees, including researchers, policymakers, forest officials, academicians, students and members of the local community including the Rangbah Shnong of Risa Colony to highlight the importance of bat conservation in India.
The event was graced by Shri Harish Chandra Chaudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest. Smt. L. J. Syiemiong, IFS, Deputy Inspector General of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shillong, was the Guest of Honour, while Dr. Ashiho A. Mao, Vice Chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, attended as the Special Guest.
The programme began with a welcome address by Smt. Jennifer Lyngdoh, Scientist-E and Officer-in-Charge, NERC, ZSI, Shillong, followed by the formal release of the book. Dr. Rohit Chakravarty of NCF and BCI presented an overview of the report, highlighting key findings, existing knowledge gaps and the need for evidence-based conservation strategies for bats in India.
The invited guests emphasised the ecological importance of bats and the urgent need to strengthen research, awareness and conservation efforts for these often misunderstood mammals. The dignitaries appreciated the collaborative effort of researchers from across the country in bringing out this comprehensive report.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Uttam Saikia, Scientist-D of ZSI, Shillong and one of the contributors’ of the State of India’s Bats, followed by a visit to the exhibition and an interactive session. A formal press interaction was also held after the tea session.
