Abstract

• In Myanmar the Indian flying fox, (Pteropus giganteus) is found in forested habitats and near the urban areas. We have learned roosting and habitat preference of the Indian flying fox at central dry zone Myanmar. Conserving a species depends on an understanding of its habitats requirements. Studied were made on (Site I) for a period of five months extending from October 2015 to February 2016 and (Site II) from October 2016 to February 2017. Direct roost count method was counted to estimate the population size of the colony. At the study Sites I total number of 146 trees (above 5 m) were observed. Among them, numbers of 13 trees were rested roost site by the flying Fox. Out of 13 trees, four trees of Tamarind (Tamarindus india) and one tree of Rain tree (Samanea saman) were rested the study period. The highest number of flying foxes were recorded in October 2015 (854 bats) and the lowest numbers were in February 2016 (716 bats). In the vicinity of the study site (Site II) had 25 trees (above 5 m). At the study Site II, there were six trees of Bombox ceiba (kapok). The highest numbers of bats were observed in February 2017(976 individuals) and the lowest numbers were in November 2016 (261 individuals).Thus, P.giganteus preferred to roost on tall and large tree, close to paddy fields and stream. Seasonal shifting pattern from one roost tree to another increase and decrease in bats were observed in study area. Habitat destruction and diverse threats to species in the sites were recorded in these areas.