Vulnerability Assessment of Cave Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) of Central Visayas, Philippines

The caves in the Philippines are habitats for bat species but are threatened by anthropogenic activities. This study assessed the vulnerability of cave bats in three KBAs (Key Biodiversity Areas) of Central Visayas: Mt. Bandilaan in Siquijor (13 caves), Mabinay, Negros Oriental (12 caves), and Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape in Bohol (31 caves). The study was conducted between February 14 to September 20, 2019. Field survey methods included mist-netting at the cave entrances and direct observations of roosting sites in each cave. Of the 56 caves surveyed, 36 caves were inhabited by bats. A total of 16 cave-dwelling bat species belonging to 7 families were recorded. Five species are Philippine endemics (Hipposideros obscurus, Hipposideros pygmaeus, Ptenochirus jagori, Rhinolophus inops, and R. rufus) and three Near-threatened species (H. lekaguli, M. schreibersii, and R. rufus). The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) was adopted to determine priority sites for conservation. Two cave sites (Cang-anhao in Siquijor and Mambajo in Mabinay), inhabited by relatively high bat populations, were determined high priority levels. We urge the concerned agencies to strengthen conservation measures in these caves. Prevailing threats included treasure hunting, bat hunting, guano extraction, land conversion, locals’ illegal entry, graffiti, among others), and tourism activities.

Keywords: Cave, chiropteran, extraction, forest, karst, limestone, threats