Observations on the Effect of Artificial Lights on Foraging Behaviour of Greater Shot-Nosed Fruit Bat, <i>Cynopterus sphinx</i> (Vahl, 1797) in Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Campus, Lucknow, India

Excess illumination from artificial lighting poses a serious hazard to nocturnal species, particularly flying nocturnal creatures. Bats possess excellent active flight with highly adapted limbs. All bat species are entirely nocturnal and have quite distinct feeding patterns and foraging strategies. Cynopterus sphinx is a medium-sized bat that feeds on ripe fruits, leaves, and floral parts available in foraging grounds on a variety of plant species and plays a significant role in pollination and seed dispersal. The study was planned to document the foraging behaviour of this species in artificially illuminated areas and dark areas with fruiting trees. The foraging behaviour was assessed from January to March 2024 by photographic and visual observations at different foraging trees in Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Campus, Lucknow. C. sphinx, foraging activity was found to be highly affected by street lights a very low number of bats visited fruiting trees closer to the light sources compared to dim lit foraging trees, while the highest number of bat visits was recorded in dark areas. C. sphinx avoided foraging in artificially illuminated areas by street lights, due to threats of predator attack, vision impairment, and disturbance of circadian rhythm which leads to detrimental health issues at regular exposure. Whereas in the dark foraging areas the feeding behaviour was observed highest. The priorities should be focused on the conservation of fruit bats, and minimizing the excess illumination of streetlights.