Distribution of the poster ‘Cave-dwelling bats of Pisan Caves, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines’ with the village chieftain and co-official. The local government have agreed to have a meeting and consultation on the status and conservation management plan for bat caves in the area

Despite of this noteworthy result, continuous anthropogenic activities imperils bat population in caves. Hunting and unregulated tourism and cave entry were among the pressures to cave and bats. Community discussion revealed that bats were hunted for food and trade in local households. Hunters prefer to harvest large roosting bat species such Rousettus amplexicaudatus, Eonycteris spelaea and Hipposideros diadema because they are abundant and their meat are then sold at a very low-price compared to known price in other areas. All caves were visited for tourism and other leisure activities such as spelunking and camping. Unregulated tourism in caves contributes to the pressures in cave sites. Presence of extensive vandalism in walls, damaged structures, and lighting use inside caves were evidence of bat cave mismanagement. The vulnerability of caves to encroachment is associated with the accessibility to cave where sites with large openings and near human settlements are heavily exploited. Another factor contributing to this mismanagement was the poor community understanding of the presence of cave bats and the ecological services they provide. A series of conservation education programs in the community and training of students for future cave bat studies was spearheaded in cooperation of the conservation group of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mindanao with the hope to escalate cave bat understanding and appreciation that will lead to their protection.

With the information on hand, strengthening the started efforts and forging partnership with various stakeholders is an essential next-step forward to conserve the threatened population of cave bats in south central Mindanao. Coordination and presentation of results and conservation concerns in caves were steered among the local government unit and the environmental office of the village. Recently, with the new leadership of the village chieftain, we agreed to meet various stakeholders of the village that includes the tourism officers, ethnic indigenous groups, farmers, cavers, and communities residing near the caves to discuss the wealth (bats), conservation concerns, and management plan to create a sustainable cave system that will benefit the bats, the ecosystem and the people.

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE POSTER FROM OUR PHILIPPINE OUTREACH PAGE

Krizler C. Tanalgo was a grantee of the SEABCRU Small Grant for Southeast Asian Students 2012

The main objective of this programme was to increase awareness level regarding the importance of preserving and conserving the environment and to give exposure to the students about the threats facing the flora and fauna of Tasik Chini. This programme focused on the biology and the importance of bats in the ecosystem. The programme was attended by 131 primary school students from S.K. (FELDA) Chini 3 & 5, the S.K. (FELDA) Chini 2 and the S. K. Tasik Chini. Various activities were conducted in this programme which included workshops, quizzes, poster making contest and 3D model of bat’s habitat using recycled materials.

The participants were divided into eight groups and quizzes were conducted to determine the comprehension level of the participants towards information transferred. The participants really enjoyed the quizzes and they scored high marks. Drawing of posters and making 3D Model of bat’s habitat appealed to the participants’ creativity and the really enjoyed it. The presence of the bat mascot during these activities is among the highlights of the programme. The mascot’s role in a short sketch via a conversation on comparison of the bat’s anatomy and ecology with humans also enhanced the awareness level of the participants about bats. The students also had the opportunity to observe bats more closely in the exhibition hall and information displayed dispelled their negative perceptions of bats.

In addition a questionnaire was also distributed among the participants to determine their level of knowledge and awareness before and after attending the awareness programme. The programme was very successful in increasing participants’ understanding level of bats and the importance of bat conservation, particularly in Tasik Chini. At the end of the programme, prizes were awarded to each winner of the quizzes, poster drawing and making of 3D Model of the Bat’s Habitat.

MATERIALS DEVELOPED FOR THIS PROJECT CAN BE DOWNLOADED ON THE MALAYSIAN OUTREACH MATERIALS PAGE 

The Clarin Group of Islands Wilderness Area is a protected area composed of five islands shared between the Municipalities of Tubigon and Clarin in Bohol Island, central Philippines. One of the two islands belonging to Tubigon is Cabgan Island featuring extensive mangroves, roosting colonies of endemic and threatened Philippine Duck Anas luzonica and the colony of flying foxes.

Like many rural communities in the country, opportunities to improve the local economy in Tubigon are limited. After the earthquake that struck the island in 15 October 2013, people had difficulties recovering from the massive destruction and daily quest to meet basic needs is always a struggle.

The Local Government of Tubigon in partnership with Grassroots Travel, recognized the ecological and social values of bats and their habitats but also the economic opportunities and “ecotourism” importance that flying foxes or bats can bring to the region. It may not be the ideal way but it is good enough reason for habitats to be protected locally. This would be an opportunity for Tubigon to get a share of the recovering tourism industry of Bohol, and offer another unique ecotourism tour option for the island. The Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (PBCFI) in turn provided simple bat identification training workshops, basic bat ecology and simple bat monitoring activities.

We believe that for a conservation endeavor to succeed, local stakeholders should be the lead group in putting forward the local conservation agenda and in generating benefits from protecting natural resources. A strong partnership with municipal government coupled with activities that enhances the local capacity of communities would be more effective in addressing conservation issues. By providing a background on conservation, importance of natural habitats, endemic wildlife as well as potential activities that promote the welfare of the forest and wildlife as well as provide long-term economic benefits to the people would be a step closer in influencing perceptions of local inhabitants in developing eco-tourism activities e.g. batwatching. The proposed training was designed to train local communities to identify bats in their municipality and to act as local bat guides in the area.

Training Fishermen as Batmen

A group of 39 fishermen and women from the fishing village of Macaas, Tubigon town in Bohol Island, Philippines were trained in basic bat ecology, bat identification and monitoring last 23-26 March 2014. Of the 39 participants five were Barangay Health Workers (BHW), five were members of Macaas barangay council including the barangay captain and the rest were fishermen and members of the Peoples Organization. The training was funded by the Local Government of Tubigon in partnership with Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. and Grassroots Travel.

The roost site in Cabgan Island is already functionally protected, where Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus and Island Flying Fox Pteropus hypomelanus colonies are tolerant of human presence and can be seen at a close distance. This can be developed as “showcase” sites with a locally – driven education and awareness program to draw visitors and tourists to the sites and learn about these bats.

The ecotourism project incorporates local support for roost-site protection and the Local government units are taking the lead develop in identifying select sites as protected sanctuaries that will double as high-value educational and tourism venues. Local tour guides, typically already employed to show visitors unique wildlife and forest areas near the community, were trained specifically to answer questions about the fruit bats and the need for bat conservation in the Philippines.

Batwatching Lecture-Workshop

The training started with lectures of bat diversity in the Philippines, importance of bats, basic bat ecology and use of equipment. Participants were given the chance to practice and handle equipment e.g. binoculars and spotting scopes. Effort was made to make sure that each participant was given a chance to familiarize themselves to the basic parts of the equipment after which they were then taken to the field to try using the equipment and see the roosting colonies of bats.

Learning the basics of bats and bat ecology and importance in the Philippines

Participants in the field learning how to spot their bats

Bat Guiding Practicum

Participants engaged in one of the exercises given by Sherry Paul Ramayla where they have to match the image (head and tail) of different families of bats.

At the end of three days of lectures and field activities, the participants will conduct their first-ever guided tour taking volunteer tourists from the municipality and their village. Invited guests will rate their conduct and performance and will be the basis for their final evaluation.

We will be closely monitoring the progress and development of this batwatching tour on its impact on the lives of the people of Macaas and Tubigon, the economy on the locality as well as on the welfare of the wildlife in the area including that of the bats, the threatened and endemic Philippine Duck, shellfishes and mangroves.

Lisa ready for action!

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Paguntalan
Director for Field Operations
Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc.
Email: lmjpaguntalan@pbcfi.org.ph; lisamariep10@yahoo.com
www.pbcfi.org.ph

After the competition in 2011, this team was disbanded. Two years later, in 2013, they decided to show the video again as one of their activities in the Young Voices for Conservation competition organized by Treat Every Environment Special (TrEES) in partnership with AFFINBANK . Their team the Eco-Preneurs, Young Voices for Conservation, won a Special Merit Award in the competition for their work in bat conservation in their school.

At the same time Ching Ching and Shan Shan made another video about bats for the Green Film Competition 2013. They won the Grand Prize. Their video SOB (Save our Bats) can be watched at this link http://www.anugerahhijau.my/ or here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ksc0ba28M.

Recently, the team was given a small grant to carry out an innovation related to the conservation of bats in their school. A newly formed team has set out to design a new bat house which simulates the attic. They have fixed a web cam to the bat house to monitor it for the duration of six months. So far no bats have yet to enter the house.

It is never an easy route for Madam Chan and the students of SMK King George V in making their school a bat and eco-friendly environment, as well as spreading the love of nature among the local society.  Their determination, passion, enthusiasm and creativity on this goal have turn the impossible to possible, and created a sustainable future for the local society. Their quest in the conservation of bats has become a passion and more students will join in the effort in the years to come.

For the superstitious, there may be nothing scarier than the flying foxes of the Philippines, whose 2-meter wingspans make them the largest bats in the world!

In keeping with the near-global fear and mistrust of nocturnal animals, Philippine flying foxes (fruit bats) are linked with many of the eerie spirits that haunt their nights.

Most closely resembling a flying fox is the Manananggal of the Philippines

Most closely resembling a flying fox is Manananggal (left). This aswang (Filipino for vampire-like creatures) is a woman by day, but at night her torso detaches in the middle. The upper half grows bat wings allowing her to fly through the night in search of her preferred source of nourishment: the unborn fetus. According to the myth, Manananggal lands on the roof of a home and drops her long, needle-thin tongue into the belly of a pregnant woman in her sleep.

This evil, mythological creature shares the distribution of flying foxes in Southeast Asia under the monikers Manananggal (Philippines); Pennangalan (Malay); Leyak (Balinese); Kuyang (Dayak); Palasik (Indonesia); Krasue (Thai); Kasu or Phi-Kasu (Lao), Ab (Khmer).

Evening departure of thousands of flying foxes could send the superstitious running for cover

Although not as explicit as Manananggal, most aswang in the Philippines have characteristics of flying foxes. Tik-tik and Wak-wak are similar to Manananggal, but said to be black birds and are named, respectively, for their “tik-tik” nocturnal calls and the “wak-wak” sound of airy flapping wings, both of which are recognizable sounds made by flying foxes at night. Tiyanak is in the form of a human baby, but has fangs and sharp claws and flies away as a black bird. Capre and Tikbalang take on different animal forms, yet are found in fig trees at night with red reflective eyes like fruit bats.

Pteropus vampyrus (by Masteraah via Wikimedia Commons)

However, not all myths about flying foxes are negative. Across their wide distribution, flying fox meat is believed to be distinctively clean and nutritious with medicinal properties supporting the elderly and people with asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

In addition, scientific research has shown these amazing creatures are vital to human survival. As pollinators and seed dispersers, flying foxes are essential for maintaining natural forests, often the only source of fresh water, air, and timber and non-timber forest products. Flying foxes are also known to pollinate hundreds of agriculturally important crops for the region.

Many thanks/terimah kasih banyak/muchas gracias to Michael and Caroline Schöner for increasing the accessibility of this wonderful story. If any one would like to add another language to the collection, please go ahead.

Now in English, Malay and Spanish

Although our study on the bat – pitcher plant – interaction is far from being finished the children story is mainly based on our researches that we conducted between June and July 2009 and have been published under the title:

Grafe, T. U., C. R. Schöner, A. Junaidi, G. Kerth & M. G. Schöner (2011): A novel resource-service mutualism between bats and pitcher plants. Biology Letters 7: 436-439.

The idea and the text are from Caroline and Michael Schöner, the drawings have been done by Claudia Spitzkopf and Robin Schöfer, a twelve year old girl who was totally fascinated by this story. We also like to thank Tigga who kindly reviewed the story. Of course, you are all invited to use our story in order to familiarize children with the fascinating world of bats. However, we want to remind everyone that interactions like this are fragile. The bats and the pitcher plants occur in highly threatened peat swamp forests which are often converted e.g. into palm oil plantations. With stories like this we hope to increase the awareness of future generations that the diversity of our world is rich but also endangered.

Note from Tigga:

“Pitty and Batty” can be downloaded from the Brunei Outreach Materials Page; meanwhile, below are some of the wonderful illustrations as a taster.

Caroline and Michael are working with colleagues to translate this into Malay. If anyone would like to translate into another language we’d love to hear from you. 

In 2001, at the age of 44, and after spending 30 years working as a petroleum geologist, I made the life-changing decision to delve into the world of Southeast Asia’s wildlife. I soon launched Ecology Asia, which was one of the earliest websites to share information about Southeast Asia’s vertebrates.  The objectives of the website are :

1.  To increase awareness of Southeast Asia’s lesser known vertebrates within the general public.
2.  To place in the public domain my own images of rare, newly-found or undescribed species of potential interest to researchers.
3.  An easily-navigable, advertisement-free, non-profit website with fast-download, which displays images and factsheets in a manner which illustrates the glorious diversity of the regions vertebrates. All images are taken in natural habitats.

Through Ecology Asia, I receive emails and queries from a diverse group of people.  For example, I receive emails from children who have photographed a vertebrate in their neighbourhood and wish to learn more. And I receive emails from serious researchers who have spotted an unusual or undescribed species on my site.

As I slowly build Ecology Asia I expand my own skills and knowledge of the natural world.  Through Ecology Asia I have shared my images with numerous publications including most recently ‘Mammals Of Southeast Asia’ (Shepherd, 2012)  and Squirrels Of The World’  (Smithsonian Institution, 2012 ).  My  most recent triumph was the rediscovery of the rare Hairy-nosed Otter Lutra sumatrana in Peninsular Malaysia.

Given the huge diversity of bats in Southeast Asia, my own collection of bat images and factsheets is fairly modest but I am sure that researchers will enjoy looking at what I have seen. I am always on the lookout for roosts as I explore the region’s forests and other habitats.

Click here to see my bat pages :  http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/bats.htm

… and I hope you enjoy my website, not only the bats !

Nick Baker

Singapore

Kingston, T., Juliana, S., Nurul-Ain, E., Hashim, R. & Zubaid, A (2012). The Malaysian Bat Conservation Research Unit: From a national model to an international network. Malaysian Applied Biology, 41(2): 1–10.

Please contact me at tigga dot kingston at ttu dot edu for a pdf, or find the article on my Researchgate page.

You can find it on the Malaysian outreach page .