Potential and regeneration of tree species used as roosting habitat by Sulawesi fruit bats Acerodon celebensis in Jenetaesa, Maros Regency

Abstract

Sulawesi fruit bat (Acerodon celebensis) is an endemic fruit bat species of Sulawesi Island. Fruit bats have many important roles in the ecosystem where they act as seed dispersing agents, natural pollinating agents of flowering plants, and assist in forest regeneration. The purpose of this research is to determine their potential roosting tree species and their regeneration for A. celebensis in Jenetaesa, Maros Regency. This research was conducted for 3 months (May-July) in 2018 by initially identifying roosting tree species on the roosting site followed by surveying potential roost trees in 11.5 ha with the employment of 230 subplots. The results showed that in the area observed, the Sulawesi fruit bat has utilized 142 individuals of 21 tree species as roosting tree. Of 230 plots, there were a total of 234 individuals of 56 tree species found. However, based on species recorded to be used by the bats, only 56 individuals of 9 tree species and 11 bamboo clumps were found as potential roosting trees. Regeneration of A. celebensis roosting trees in an area of 11.5 ha was classified as low with only 7 species found and 32 individuals in average on each of growing stages.