ABSTRACT The Indian flying fox, Pteropus medius , inhabits the lowlands and mid‐hills of Nepal, where it faces significant threats from anthropogenic disturbances that lead to roost collapse or colony relocation. In Jhapa district, eastern Nepal, only two colonies, one in Kerkha and another in Jhapa Bazar, had been documented prior to our study period, although consistent monitoring has been lacking. Our study aimed to identify additional roosting sites in Jhapa, monitor seasonal fluctuations in colony size over 3 years (2019–2021), and analyze roosting preferences. We recorded 13 colonies, of which eight were active and five were abandoned, based on our surveys and local reports. Active colonies exhibited a decline in colony size, particularly during winter, followed by gradual growth in spring, peaking in summer or autumn, indicating a winter migration pattern. Our findings suggested that larger colonies prefer roosting sites with widespread groves that offer better protection from human disturbances, and prefer the greatest distances from the electrical transmission lines or paved roads. Furthermore, P. medius favors a diverse range of tree species characterized by large diameters and tall heights, rather than showing a specific species preference. These insights highlight the need for systematic long‐term monitoring of this species, given its significance in both epidemiology and human dimensions. We recommend using our monitoring approach for long‐term conservation efforts, including maintaining secure roost sites in Jhapa by planting site‐specific preferred trees, conserving existing large and tall trees, and mitigating disturbances such as tree harvesting and hunting through targeted conservation awareness initiatives.
Bhattarai et al. (2025) studied this question.