Thank you very much, hon. Member. Now, Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) the of the question, I am informed that the National Parks and Conservation Service that has been carrying out surveys on the Mauritius fruit-bat population since 2006. Although, the local bat population has increased from 22,000 in 2006 to around 132,000 in 2020, it has remained stable over the last five years. The most recent survey undertaken in November and December 2025 recorded approximately 120,000 bats across the island. As regard part (b) of the question, I am informed that the last culling exercise was conducted by the previous government in November and December 2020 whereby 1,160 Mauritius fruit-bat were killed. Madam Speaker, the House will note that the Mauritius fruit-bat is listed as endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species and is one of the last remaining native mammals surviving in the Republic of Mauritius. As regards part (c) of the question, it is a fact that the Ministry has to respond to legitimate concern of farmers regarding damages caused by bats. A grant of 50% is offered by Government and the cost of anti-bird nets to cover a maximum of five trees for backyard and 60 tree for orchards. An amount of Rs22.5 million has been disbursed by the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute to 2,976 beneficiaries under the Fruit Protection Scheme over a period of November 2024 to March 2026. I am advised that these nets have proven to be an effective means of control against the damages caused by fruit-bats. Nonetheless, following complaints received from planters, other measures such as ultrasound devices and the use of repellents are being envisaged to deter and mitigate caused by bats to fruit crops. Thank you.

All right? Okay! Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes! LATE MRS Y. B – 3-YEAR-OLD GIRL & 7-MONTH-OLD BABY BOY – SAFETY & PROTECTION