Catalogue of Chiroptera in the Collection of the Zoological Survey of India: Megachiroptera (Part I)

The Order Chiroptera comprises of bats. The bats are unique among living vertebrates having ability to fly and this peculiar feature sets them apart from other mammalian groups.  Next to the Order Rodentia, the Order Chiroptera comprise the second largest order of mammals in number of species and possibly exceed all other group of mammals in overall abundance.  The Order Chiroptera comprises of two Sub-orders.  Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera are readily distinguished by their different morphological characteristics and behavioral peculiarities – exhibiting a dietary diversity which is not found among other living mammals.  The bats belonging to the suborder Megachiroptera includes the fruit-eating bats.  The other suborder Microchiroptera includes the insect-eating bats.  The present assignment includes the specimens of bats in the collection of the zoological Survey of India available in the Headquarter only.  The part I-Megachiroptera includes the fruit-eating bats belonging to the family Pteropodidae.  The Registered specimens of bats belonging to the suborder Megachiroptera only were considered for the volume of Part I.  The ensuing publication of the volume Part II will deal with the Registered specimens of bats belonging to the suborder Microchiroptera is expected within a very short time.