Species Richness of Bats in Liceo de Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines

The study determined the diversity of bats in the campus of Liceo de Cagayan University, Philippines. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the bat species richness, determine the basic morphometric, and conservation status of bats. To answer these problems, the researchers used the mist netting method. Two species of bats belonging to one family were captured inside the campus. These species were identified as fruits bats (Ptenochirus jagori (Peters, 1861)) and flower bats (Macroglossus minimus (E. Geoffroy, 1810)). The total number of species in the study area represents about 2.7% of the 74 bats species presently known in the Philippines. The collected species were fixed and stored in 70% ethyl alcohol for further study. Photographs of these species based on the present collection are provided. In conclusion, the presence of non-endemic species implies the area is heavily disturbed. Nonetheless, the trees inside the school can still support a variety of bat fauna.

 

Keywords: Bats, Species richness, LDCU, Mist netting