Goa is bats about world heritage bid

Goa is seeking to add a new Unesco world heritage site to India as it seeks a special status for a forested area that is home to a rare bat.

The Indian state of Goa is seeking Unesco World Heritage Status on the grounds of its situation as the only refuge of a rare species of bat.

Giant Indian Mastiff bats are only found in the forests of Western Ghat, located in the state.

The submission to Unesco has argued this makes the area eligible as its natural heritage is of value to all humanity – the definition that has to be satisfied for the status to be granted.

Visitors taking flights to Goa may be very interested in the wildlife of the region and wish to visit the forests of Western Ghat themselves.

Unesco World Heritage also applies to cultural and historical sites and this status already applies to the Churches and Convents of Goa.

Built during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, these structures date from Portuguese colonial times and are accredited with introducing the Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque styles of art to Asia.

By Nicholas Scott