Preliminary Assessment of Chiropteran Fauna within Kayam Forest (Inocarpus fagifer) in Barangay Pagatpatan, Butuan City, Philippines

Abstract

Bats conservation studies in Butan City particularly within Kayan Forest are poorly studied and not even documented in the place. This study was purposely conducted to document and identify bats species in the unique forest. Diversity and assessment were conducted in different strategic locations along the portion of the lower Agusan River particularly in a well-known Kayam Forest (Inocarpus fagifer) in Butuan City, Philippines. The bats’ assessment was made through the mist-netting captured-and-release method for species identification and composition. Morphometrics was used for the validity of species taxonomic identification up to the species level. A total of four (4) species of bats were identified within the Kayam forest comprising 15% of the total known Mindanao bats and 10% of known Philippine bats, respectively. Among the identified bat species, Ptenochirus jagori was the most abundant species accounting for 57% of all total bats recorded followed by Macroglossus minimus and Cynopterus brachyotis with both obtained 19%. The species Ptenochirus minor was the rare species observed. Of all species, two (2) Philippine endemic were recorded, and these are Ptenochirus minor and Macroglossus minimus. Both endemic species were encountered within the Kayam forest vegetation. Initial results revealed that the Kayam forest could provide a suitable environment for all identified species of bats. Considering the recorded endemic species, this study provides preliminary information to the local government for their proper implementation, conservation, and protection of this unique local vegetation.