Wing Ecomorphology and Flight Performance of Bats in Pisan Caves, Kabacan, North Cotabato, Philippines

This research was conducted to study the functional morphology of the wings and flight performance of bats from Pisan caves, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines. This was carried out using mist netting method and measurements of mass (M) and basic wing components that include wing span (B), wing area (S). Flight parameters such as aspect ratio and wing loading were computed from the values of wing component and predictions were made using aerodynamic principles. A total of 48 individuals representing eight species were studied. Results showed that Emballonura alecto, Myotis hors fieldii, and Pipistrellus javanicus have an average wing loading and low aspect ratio that indicate an intermediate speed in flight and exceptional maneuverability that is appropriate for catching moving prey in a cluttered environment. High wing loading and low aspect ratio were noted in Cynopterus brachyotis,Eonycteriss pelaea, Hipposideros diadema, Rhinolophu sarcuatus and Rousettus amplexicaudatus. These values indicate that these bats though fast flyers, have poor maneuverability in terms of flight performance. The study suggests that wing morphology of bats affects flight performance and habitat selection which implies that maintenance of the habitat leads to the stability of the species population.

 

Keywords - Bats, Pisan caves, wing morphology, flight parameters, habitat selection