Pokhara, 5th September, 2006: Training was organized at Institute of Forestry (IoF) from 1 to 5 September, 2006 by Bat friends, a newly formed club at Institute of Forestry, Pokhara.

The main objectives of this program were to give the technical knowledge to students as well as to make students aware that bats are important part of ecosystem rather than the symbol of witch and to strengthen the students towards research of bats.

The program was supported by ComForM (Community Based Natural Forest and Tree Management in the Himalaya), CBEC (Center for Biodiversity and Environment Conservation), BHSS/BCMC (Bindhabasini Higher Secondary School/Bat Cave Management Committee), ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and NATURE (Nepal Action Trust for Utility Resource and Education). It is probably the first training organized in Nepal to foster technical knowledge to the students regarding bat capturing and handling technique.

Dr. Luis Ruedas, a Fulbright Scholar to Kathmandu University from Portland State University and Mr. Pushpa Raj Acharya (M.Sc. zoology, TU), a young bat researcher were the main resource personnel in the training. They mainly taught trainees about chiroptera (bats), bats of Nepal and field survey techniques about bats.

During the field training on 3­^rd, 4^th and 5^th September, 2006 two species Hipposideros armiger and Rhinolophus macrotis were recorded for the first time in Pokhara valley. Total 6 species were recorded from Banpale danda situated within the premises of IoF using an ultra sound detector. 11 species of bats were previously recorded from Pokhara Valley out of 52 bat species recorded in Nepal. Now the number of bats species in Pokhara valley can be assured as 13. However, if such survey is conducted in the valley more number of bat species can be recorded.

Training organized has made the students of IoF capable of capturing and handling bats. Thus, this training will support the conservation of bat through research and awareness activities.

For more information, please contact Rajesh Rajchal, Coordinator, Bat Friends, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara. Email: batfriends@mail.com