Diversity of Fruit Bats (Pteropodidae) in Baganihan, Marilog Forest Reserve, Marilog District, Southern Philippines

Abstract

Marilog Forest Reserve is one of the priority areas on conservation by the conservation international as it is recognized as an important biodiversity area. It is known to its cold ambience, zero visibility fogs and big resorts built along the main road. Thus, the study was conducted to determine the diversity, ecological and conservation status of fruit bats in the area.  The selected areas for this study are Sitio Maharlika (Site 1) and Sitio Puting Bato (Site 2) of Brgy. Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City. The two selected sites were described in terms of vegetation and habitat type. Site 1 (Sitio Maharlika) composed of a patch of secondary forest approximately 300 meters from the main road which is disturbed due  to agricultural activities such as abacca and strawberry plantations. Site 2 (Sitio Puting Bato) is also a secondary forest but with lesser disturbance which is more likely due to its farther distance from the main road.  Fruit bat species were assessed using mist-nets following standard protocols with a total of 104 net nights. Fruit bat inventory and assessment revealed 7 species with a total of 249 individuals captured. One species were listed as threatened (Megaerops wetmorei), 2 endemic species in the Philippines (Haplonycteris fischeri and Ptenochirus jagori) and 1 species restricted only in Mindanao (P. minor). Diversity index was higher in site 2 with H’ index of 0.736 compared to site 1 with H’ index of 0.698 which can be correlated to comparable disturbance between 2 sites. Based on the results, the 2 study sites of Brgy. Baganihan is home to various fruit bat species with high species endemicity. Thus, conservation measures are highly recommended to conserve and protect the fruit bats and also the other wildlife in the area. Keywords : Biodiversity, species composition, diversity index, threatened and endemic species.