Bats are the second most diverse mammalian order, with approx. 120 species found in India and 52 species known from the Western Ghats. Habitat fragmentation and encroachment of natural habitats are among the major threats affecting bats population and diversity in a region. Despite their tremendous importance (pollination and seed dispersal) in forest and agricultural ecosystem in Northeast India, bats have been largely neglected in this region. The ecological studies and assessments of bat diversity and conservation status should be given priority.
Indonesia was known for the largest species number of bat species with approx. more than 170 species throughout the archipelago (Mickleburgh, et al., 2002). This is only one country in South East Asia. A 3 km square area on Malaysia has known to have more than 50 species Microchiropteras and this is regarded underestimated so I think the maximum number of bat species in South East Asia is still on the loose.
As well as being very important for pollination and seed dispersal bats are extremely useful for the control of insect populations and in particular pests (see Leelapaibul et al., 2005; Wanger et al., 2014 for Thailand).
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