Assam: Banyan tree in Moran becomes shelter for endangered bats; here's the story

Moran: Locals of Moran in Assam have been pleasantly surprised to see a 60-years-old Indian banyan tree becoming a place of refuge for endangered bats who have made it their home.

Although these bats have been driven close to extinction, they have found a place of shelter in the mighty tree which they have made their own. Locals say that the bats have been residing in this tree for 20-25 years.
This majestic tree, located in Tilow Nagar close to the National Highway 37 that links Moran and Dibrugarh towns in Upper Assam, has become a topic of discussion among the locals.

Countless bats in the region have now made this very old Indian banyan tree their own home. Passing people cannot help but stare at the clusters of bats dangling from the branches of the mighty tree. A rare sight indeed!

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Tourists -- from India and abroad -- have also taken note of this tree and shutterbugs have been known to click this rare phenomenon with glee.
Meranwhile, the locals too are getting used to the racket made by scores of bats hanging on the tree.

"Our days begin with the sounds of made by the bats. Honestly speaking, we have grown accustomed to it and are now even starting to grow fond. However, people get scared when they create a din early in the morning. It scares kids," a local told us.

The tree, now home to a sizable number of bats, is also something of a local landmark. Locals are now urging for the conservation of this tree that is located quite close to the Santoshi Maa temple along the NH-37.

"The tree has become famous because it is sheltering the bats; and under no circumstances do we want it to be damaged or chopped off. The government should make arrangements to conserve it," said a local.

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