Morphometrics and Ecology of Order Chiroptera in Selected Caves of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Luzon, Philippines

Grace  B. Vinarao,; Jane  G. Cabauatan,

Morphometrics and Ecology of Order Chiroptera in Selected Caves of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Luzon, Philippines

Discipline: Ecology, Morphology, Bio-Diversity

Abstract:

This study was conducted to identify the bat species inhabiting in selected caves of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP), Luzon, Philippines through their morphometric characteristics, determine the current conservation status of bat species in the study sites, and recommend possible conservation, protection and maintenance of these species in the selected caves. A total of 24 bat species were identified from the selected sites. These species belong to six families namely: Pteropodidae (2), Emballonuridae (2), Molossidae (1), Vespertilionidae (5), Hipposideridae (5), and (9). Furthermore, the conservation of identified species of bats was categorized based on the IUCN Red list (2010). Majority of the species were categorized as least concern. Three out of the 24 species were near threatened. Two species were categorized as data deficient. Only one species is unknown. In line with the possible threat to bats, it was found out that the major factors that greatly affect their way of living and their population were destruction of their habitat and the rampant hunting of people for them. Result of the study could be subject to in depth molecular assessment. Rigid execution and implementation of the laws and policies concerning the protection of species in the wild should be done by the Government and other concerned agencies to help prevent their extinction.