Phulbani: The sight of a bat was as common as that of a bird in Kandhamal at one time. They could be seen sleeping on the trees during day time. Now, such a sight is rare.
With its huge trees, dilapidated houses and caves in the hills, Kandhamal used to be safe haven for bats. For the suitable environment for them. There used to be a population of them in Daringibadi, Raikia, Kotagada, Belaghara and Tumudibandha areas. Phulbani too, had it share of bat population..
According to media reports, their population in all these areas has been dwindling rapidly due to deforestation and shortage of food in what remains of the forest. Add to this indiscriminate hunting of bats. The most common method is to poison them and trap them before killing.
It is believed that bat flesh has medicinal properties is panacea for many chronic diseases such as asthma and arthritis. Besides, some people also eat their flesh. The hunters sell them locally at a cost of Rs 500 each and export them for Rs 1000 or more per bat, the reports added.
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