THE RELATIVE ABUNDANCE AND SPECIES DIVERSITY OF BATS IN SELECTED BARANGAYS WITHIN THE RAJAH SIKATUNA PROTECTED LANDSCAPE IN THE PROVINCE OF BOHOL.
(Abstract and Chapter 1)
Abstract
This study was conducted as an attempt to provide additional information about the species of bats present in the province of Bohol. It specifically aimed to determine the relative abundance and species diversity of bats in selected barangays within the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL). The different sampling sites were barangays Anonang and Lantang, Valencia, Bohol and Bugang Sur, Bilar, Bohol. In terms of the degree of disrturbance, these sites were classified as slightly to severely disturbed due to the presence of man-made trails, agricultural areas and even human dwellings. The forest cover of the sites was also determined. Mist netting was used in capturing bat species in the different sampling sites. Harp traps were also used as supplements to capture insect bats.
A total of 14 species in 9 genera and 4 families of bats were captured.
Cynopterus brachyotis (common short-nosed fruit bat) had the highest relative abundance with 58.69% based on the total number of individuals captured in all sites, since it is capable of adapting to different environments.
Ptenochirus jagori (musky fruit bat) and
Rousettus amplexicaudatus (common rousette), respectively came next in terms of relative abundance. Anonang has the highest species diversity at 0.67, followed by Lantang with 0.54 and Bugang Sur with 0.44. The good forest cover in all areas is one great reason of such diversity. The overall species diversity is relatively high at 0.59. Lantang is the highest in terms of species endemism with 45.5%. This is because Lantang is the least disturbed among the three sites. This study suggests that the forests of the sampling sites are still capable of supporting diverse bat species. However, if these forest areas are not conserved and are further disturbed, there will be possibity for these bat populations to decline.
Nature and Importance of the Study
Bats constitute one of the largest adn most widely distributed groups of mammals in the world. They are unique among mammals in their mastery of true flight, which is a fundamental evolutionary step that opened the way to an entirely new and largely unoccupied part of the environment at least 55 million years ago (Hill and Smith, 1985). Another distinctive characteristic of most bats is their ability to navigate with echolocation. Today, there are 1,111 different species of bats in the whole world. This is almost half the number of species of mammals. Of this number, 73 are found in the Philippines, and 26 are in Bohol (Pamaong, personal communication, 2005).
Bats are animals that humans usually take for granted, Their importance to the environment has not been emphasized, and people have been misinformed by their true nature and value. They were also a constant subject of bad superstitions and folklores. Some species feed on commercial fruits in orchards and because of this they are hunted and killed, which is one of the causes in the decline of bat population. In reality, bats are harmless when not provoked.
Most of Bohol's forest lies in Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL). Study and assessment done in the late 70's showed that a major portion of the then Rajah Sikatuna National Park (now RSPL) was comprised of natural forest, with several natural and scenic attributes which are considered potentials for eco-tourism, educational and scientific use (Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Incorporated 2005, unpublished). However, since 2000, there were only a few scientific studies carried out including those focusing on bats (Pamaong 2006, pers.comm.). This urged the researchers to conduct a study in order to provide additional information about the species of bats present in the province particularly within the RSPL. Determining the relative abundance of the captured species of bats will help find out whether a particular species is common in the area or not. This study will be essential for providing a basis in the conservation of bats in the RSPL or Bohol in general.
The study attempts to provide additional information on the relative abundance and species diversity of bats particularly in the three barangays within the RSPL. This study will also provide baseline information on the different species of bats living in the study area. Government agencies as well as Non-government organizations can use the information generated from this study as a basis for future surveys and conservation efforts on bats.
Objectives:
Generally, this study aimed to determine the relative abundance and species diversity of bats in three barangays within RSPL. Specifically, this study aimed to obtain the following:
1. Identify the captured bats if possible to the species level,
2. Compare the relative abundance and species diversity of bats in all the study areas,
3. Describe the habitat where the bats were captured in terms of vegetation, extent of the forest cover, elevation and degree of disturbance, and
4. Identify the endemic species in the area.
Scope and LImitations
The study was conducted in barangays within the Rajah SIkatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL) that was not yet surveyed by the SOil and WAter Conservation Foundation Inc. (SWCFI). Three barangays were chosen and the study was carried out from October to November 2005. The sampling period lasted for at least one week for each site. Sampling sites were selected based on the extent of forest cover secondarily on the vegetation, elevation and degree of disturbance.
This study focused primarily on the determination and comparison of the species diversity and relative abundance of bats in the three barangays. Bats were identified if possible to the species level. Bat endemism and species richness were also determined. DUe to time constraints and lack of facilities, other aspects related to the biology of bats such as behavior and reproduction were no longer included in the study.
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