Quibod MNRM, Alviola PAA, de Guia APO, Cuevas VC, Lit IL Jr., Pasion BO. 2019. Diversity and threats to cave-dwelling bats in a small island in the Southern Philippines. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity (in press). DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2019.06.001

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2287884X18303169

Abstract: More than 2,000 caves have been documented in the Philippines, yet cave research is very limited. Thisstudy was conducted to provide benchmark information on the diversity and ecology of cave-dwellingbats from Samal Island, a small island in the southern Philippines. Bats were surveyed from thirtycaves of varying physical features and disturbances. Fifteen species of bats were identified in the island;14 of which are new records for the island, increasing the island distribution of the identified bats in thecountry. The abundance of cave-dwelling bats varied from low to high density, with some caves esti-mated to harbor more than 10,000 individuals. Abundance and richness of cave-dwelling bats positivelyincreased with longer cave length, higher ceilings, bigger and multiple entrances, and presence of water.The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) revealed three high priority caves,12 medium priority caves and15 low priority caves, indicating the importance of standardized method in assessing cave disturbance.Traces of tourism and hunting were the most common disturbance factors. The results of this studyhighlight the need for fundamental data on the distribution, diversity, and ecology of cave-dweling batsin the Philippines.