Bats’ best friend: Dhemaji resident turns land into safe haven for winged creatures

Guwahati: Amid growing concern over wildlife habitats, a dedicated resident from Assam’s Dhemaji district has taken remarkable steps to protect bats by transforming his property into a safe haven for these creatures.Bolen Pegu (47), working tirelessly with the help of his family for several years, has created an oasis for these often misunderstood creatures.Hailing from Jonai town, Bolen recalled that his journey began nearly 35 years ago during his school days. His father, Punyadhar Pegu, had created a small jungle within their compound about 200 metres from their house and chose never to cut it down. It was during this time that Bolen first noticed bats starting to inhabit the area. What began as a small patch of greenery gradually expanded over the years as more trees were planted, turning into a thriving habitat.“We have over 20 bighas of land. Initially, there were only 10 to 12 bats, but over the years, more of these winged mammals began arriving at our place. We started feeding them fruits, though at times they also forage for food on their own during the night, as they rest during the daytime. Today, more than 18,000 bats are sheltered here,” Pegu said.Pegu’s journey, however, has not been smooth. He explained that his conservation efforts were often met with several challenges. People from nearby villages sometimes sneaked into the compound and pelted stones as the bats used to fly over their fields and occasionally feed on fruits, mostly bananas or vegetables, causing frustration among farmers. In some instances, the bats were targeted by poachers, not out of necessity but simply for sport.“Although we have not put any formal protective measures in place, we make sure to care for the bats when they give birth. We nurture and feed the newborns to ensure their safety and survival. In the future, we are planning to take up protective measures so that they can stay here safely,” Pegu said.Apart from this, Pegu emphasised the crucial role bats play in maintaining ecological balance. He said bats help control insect populations and also contribute to forest health by aiding in pollination and seed dispersal, which supports the regeneration and growth of vegetation.