Pipistrellus tenuis.

Bats in Sibuyan Island, in general, are poorly known. They are one of the most diverse mammals in the Philippines yet are among the undervalued organisms despite the fact that they provide various ecosystem services (i.e. pollination, seed dispersal and natural pest control). In this project, we are employing a combination of various conventional (i.e. mist netting) and contemporary (i.e. bioacoustics) techniques to document the bat fauna of the mountain, particularly within the protected area. With the rate of discovery of species in the country, it is expected to document novel species to the island.

The distribution of bats, like other mammals, is influenced by various environmental and physical factors. A high mountain such as Mt. Guiting-Guiting (2,050masl) represents various habitat types that vary across an elevational gradient. In this project, we will explore the influence of various environmental and physical factors vis-à-vis changes in elevation on the distribution patterns of bats. These information are important in identifying areas utilized by bats that need to be conserved or protected. This will also give light to various aspects of the ecology of bats.

This project also hopes to engage local people from various government and non-government organizations and universities in conducting research and conservation activities for the protection of unique bat fauna and their habitats. Collaboration with local university will be established to strengthen research programs on bats that hopefully will result to publications in reputable scientific journals.