June 2025 Bat Count | Sulu Garden Foundation

Home > Bats of Miag-ao > Bat Count > June 2025 Bat Count

Surveys of Fruit Bats in Miag-ao

2025

June 2025

The second bat population count survey for the year 2025 was conducted last June in coordination with the MENRO-Miagao and DENR CENRO-Guimbal. The first day was focused on pre-assessment activities, including identifying and marking roosting trees, conducting interviews, and documenting various factors critical for ensuring accurate data collection. The identified roosting spots were separated into seven (7) areas (Table 1). The next day, the team carried out the actual bat count and recorded notable findings. The last day was dedicated for verification and checking of additional roosting trees.

Summary

A total of one hundred and thirty (130) roosting trees were mapped out within the town center of Miagao with twenty-two (22) species and three (3) unidentified trees (Table 2). The total bat count population recorded was at six thousand one hundred forty two (6,142) representing a 13.11% increase in comparison to the March 2025 count. The highest count was recorded on a Rain Tree (Samanea saman) in Area A, while the least count was one (1) in different plants from different areas: 2 Niyog (Cocos nucifera), 1 Mahogany (Mangifera indica), and 1 newly recorded roosting tree Baguilumbang (Reutealis trisperma).

Table 1. Areas with Identified Roosting Trees (as of June 2025)

AREA	NO. OF TREES	LOCATION
A	14	Roosting Site (near Plaza)
B	10	Cor. Mueda St., Legaspi St.
C	5	Vineyard, Wellness Center
D	5	JMQ Styles, Nonato St. to shortcut to Sapa Steel Bridge
E	30	Sapa-Bolho Steel Bridge
F	64	Hinolan St. to Brgy. Sapa under original Bubog tree
G	2	Municipal Hall
*Total*	*130 trees*

Bats

Figure 1. Summary of all bat counts (2021-2025).

Starting in September 2021, the fruit bat population exhibited a significant count of 7,392 bats—the highest recorded across all years. In 2022, counts were conducted in January, March, and September, with averages of 3,593, 5,989, and 5,355 bats, respectively, showing a fluctuation in population numbers throughout the year. Notably, January 2023 marked a strong rebound with an average of 6,531 bats, followed by a slightly lower count of 6,101 bats in May of the same year.

The November 2024 count saw a noticeable drop to an average of 4,220 bats, potentially reflecting environmental or seasonal impacts such as when the bat roosting trees within the town plaza and Santos Tomas de Villanueva, commonly known as the Miagao Church were felled. However, the first two surveys for 2025 in March reported a recovery, with an average of 5,430 and 6142 bats, respectively, indicating positive growth compared to the previous November.

Table 2. Distribution of the Bat Population among different trees around Miag-ao town center (as of June 2025)

Area	Tree No.	Roosting Tree	Scientific Name	Family	Bat Count	Latitude	Longitude	Remarks	Geographic Origin
A	1	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	18	10.64078	122.2357		Naturalized
A	2	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	10	10.64072	122.2359		Naturalized
A	3	Neem	Azadirachta indica	Meliaceae	2	10.64068	122.2359		Naturalized
A	4	Narra	Pterocarpus indicus	Fabaceae	30	10.64063	122.2359		Native
A	5	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	38	10.64069	122.2357		Naturalized
A	6	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	26	10.64072	122.2357		Naturalized
A	7	Palawan Cherry	Cassia grandis	Fabaceae	46	10.6407	122.2359		Naturalized
A	8	Rain Tree	Samanea saman	Fabaceae	449	10.64076	122.2359	With strangler fig	Naturalized
A	9	Alim	Melanolepis multiglandulosa	Euphorbiaceae	2	10.64055	122.2358	New	Native
A	10	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	125	10.64054	122.236		Naturalized
A	11	Samlague	Tamarindus indicus	Fabaceae	273	10.6405	122.2361		Naturalized
A	12	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	46	10.64054	122.2362		Naturalized
A	13	Balete	Ficus sp.	Moraceae	145	10.64059	122.2361	New	Native
A	14	Rain Tree	Samanea saman	Fabaceae	117	10.64059	122.2361	New	Naturalized
B	15	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	46	10.64014	122.2359		Naturalized
B	16	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	1	10.63995	122.236		Naturalized
B	17	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	1	10.63997	122.236		Naturalized
B	18	Balete	Ficus sp.	Moraceae	5	10.64	122.2359		Native
B	19	Lanete	Wrightia pubescens	Apocynaceae	45	10.64001	122.2359		Native
B	20	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	87	10.63993	122.2359		Naturalized
B	21	Santol	Sandoricum koetjape	Meliaceae	34	10.63994	122.2358		Native
B	22	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	105	10.64	122.2358		Naturalized
B	23	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	3	10.63987	122.2358		Native
B	24	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	1	10.6399	122.2357		Native
C	25	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	16	10.63916	122.2364		Naturalized
C	26	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	9	10.63918	122.2364		Naturalized
C	27	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	136	10.63921	122.2365		Naturalized
C	28	Mangga	Mangifera indica	Anacardiaceae	27	10.6391	122.2365		Naturalized
C	29	Mangga	Mangifera indica	Anacardiaceae	25	10.63905	122.2369		Naturalized
D	30	Narra	Pterocarpus indicus	Fabaceae	40	10.63902	122.2355		Native
D	31	Narra	Pterocarpus indicus	Fabaceae	79	10.63909	122.2355		Native
D	32	Gmelina	Gmelina arborea	Lamiaceae	17	10.63893	122.2354		Naturalized
D	33	Gmelina	Gmelina arborea	Lamiaceae	13	10.63895	122.2355		Naturalized
D	34	Gmelina	Gmelina arborea	Lamiaceae	28	10.63898	122.2354		Naturalized
E	35	Mangga	Mangifera indica	Anacardiaceae	26	10.6392	122.2352		Naturalized
E	36	Gmelina	Gmelina arborea	Lamiaceae	35	10.63923	122.2351		Naturalized
E	37	Gmelina	Gmelina arborea	Lamiaceae	29	10.63914	122.2352		Naturalized
E	38	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	36	10.63924	122.2349		Naturalized
E	39	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	6	10.63924	122.2349		Naturalized
E	40	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	11	10.63912	122.2348		Naturalized
E	41	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	15	10.63924	122.2349		Naturalized
E	42	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	22	10.63925	122.2348		Naturalized
E	43	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	38	10.63927	122.2348		Naturalized
E	44	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	37	10.63928	122.2348		Naturalized
E	45	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	42	10.63928	122.2348		Naturalized
E	46	Kapok	Ceiba pentandra	Malvaceae	110	10.63933	122.2348		Naturalized
E	47	Rain Tree	Samanea saman	Fabaceae	41	10.63942	122.2348		Naturalized
E	48	Talisay	Terminalia catappa	Combretaceae	49	10.63939	122.2349		Native
E	49	Mangga	Mangifera indica	Anacardiaceae	16	10.6393	122.2348		Naturalized
E	50	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	13	10.63934	122.2351		Naturalized
E	51	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	175	10.63936	122.235		Naturalized
E	52	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	32	10.63936	122.235		Naturalized
E	53	Artocarpus sp. ^A	Artocarpus sp.	Moraceae	205	10.63934	122.2351		Unidentified
E	54	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	59	10.63939	122.2349		Naturalized
E	55	Lanete	Wrightia pubescens	Apocynaceae	16	10.63942	122.235		Native
E	56	Talisay	Terminalia catappa	Combretaceae	69	10.63941	122.235		Native
E	57	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	2	10.63941	122.235		Native
E	58	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	1	10.6394	122.235		Native
E	59	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	4	10.63938	122.235		Native
E	60	Balete	Ficus sp.	Moraceae	218	10.63932	122.2348		Native
E	61	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	35	10.6395	122.235		Naturalized
E	62	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	62	10.63951	122.2349		Naturalized
E	63	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	26	10.6392	122.2351		Naturalized
E	64	Banaba	Lagerstroemia speciosa	Lythraceae	32	10.63964	122.2349		Native
F	65	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	83	10.64001	122.2352		Naturalized
F	66	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	208	10.64008	122.235	Formerly identified as Tisa	Naturalized
F	67	Kapok	Ceiba pentandra	Malvaceae	43	10.63978	122.2351		Naturalized
F	68	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	58	10.63977	122.2352		Naturalized
F	69	Samlague	Tamarindus indicus	Fabaceae	78	10.63984	122.2349		Naturalized
F	70	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	2	10.63963	122.2351		Native
F	71	Durarog	Ficus variegata	Moraceae	92	10.63999	122.2348		Native
F	72	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	20	10.64003	122.2347		Native
F	73	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	73	10.64	122.2347		Naturalized
F	74	Kaimito	Chrysophyllum cainito	Sapotaceae	35	10.64003	122.2347		Naturalized
F	75	Mangga	Mangifera indica	Anacardiaceae	63	10.63999	122.2347		Naturalized
F	76	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	19	10.64002	122.2347		Naturalized
F	77	Kawayan	Bambusa sp.	Poaceae	4	10.64002	122.2346		Unidentified
F	78	Kawayan	Bambusa sp.	Poaceae	7	10.64002	122.2346		Unidentified
F	79	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	39	10.64009	122.2345		Naturalized
F	80	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	99	10.64008	122.2345		Naturalized
F	81	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	43	10.64008	122.2346		Native
F	82	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	41	10.63994	122.2347		Naturalized
F	83	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	16	10.63995	122.2346		Naturalized
F	84	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	11	10.64	122.2346		Naturalized
F	85	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	5	10.64013	122.2346		Native
F	86	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	53	10.6393	122.2348		Naturalized
F	87	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	23	10.64022	122.2346		Native
F	88	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	2	10.64023	122.2347		Native
F	89	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	4	10.64023	122.2347		Native
F	90	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	38	10.6402	122.2346		Naturalized
F	91	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	13	10.6402	122.2346		Naturalized
F	92	Alim	Melanolepis multiglandulosa	Euphorbiaceae	65	10.64018	122.2347		Native
F	93	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	36	10.64019	122.2347		Naturalized
F	94	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	47	10.64022	122.2347		Naturalized
F	95	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	26	10.64022	122.2347		Naturalized
F	96	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	79	10.64023	122.2347		Naturalized
F	97	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	23	10.6402	122.2348		Native
F	98	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	23	10.6402	122.2348		Native
F	99	Neem	Azadirachta indica	Meliaceae	59	10.64016	122.2348		Naturalized
F	100	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	61	10.64018	122.2348		Naturalized
F	101	Lipote	Syzygium polycephaloides	Myrtaceae	197	10.64014	122.2348		Native
F	102	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	1	10.64033	122.2347		Native
F	103	Santol	Sandoricum koetjape	Meliaceae	117	10.6402	122.2347		Native
F	104	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	12	10.64034	122.2347		Naturalized
F	105	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	24	10.64038	122.2346		Naturalized
F	106	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	9	10.6404	122.2346		Naturalized
F	107	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	3	10.64037	122.2346		Naturalized
F	108	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	19	10.64036	122.2347		Naturalized
F	109	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	2	10.64031	122.2347		Naturalized
F	110	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	3	10.6403	122.2347		Naturalized
F	111	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	4	10.64031	122.2346		Naturalized
F	112	Unidentified 1 ^B	–	–	12	10.6403	122.2346		Unidentified
F	113	Niyog	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae	9	10.6403	122.2346		Native
F	114	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	22	10.6403	122.2346		Naturalized
F	115	Samlague	Tamarindus indicus	Fabaceae	13	10.64017	122.2347		Naturalized
F	116	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	3	10.64016	122.2349		Naturalized
F	117	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	29	10.64019	122.2344		Naturalized
F	118	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	43	10.64023	122.2344		Naturalized
F	119	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	37	10.64012	122.2344		Naturalized
F	120	Kawayan ^C	Bambusa sp.	Poaceae	3	10.63992	122.2345		Unidentified
F	121	Unidentified 2 ^D	–	–	53	10.64028	122.2344		Unidentified
F	122	Artocarpus sp. ^A	Artocarpus sp.	Moraceae	125	10.64028	122.2344	Adjust; right under Bubog	Unidentified
F	123	Artocarpus sp. ^A	Artocarpus sp.	Moraceae	19	10.64023	122.2344	Adjust; right under Bubog	Unidentified
F	124	Unidentified 3 ^E	–	–	61	10.64028	122.2344	Adjust; right under Bubog	Unidentified
F	125	Mangga	Mangifera indica	Anacardiaceae	41	10.64023	122.2341		Naturalized
F	126	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	22	10.64012	122.2344		Naturalized
F	127	Talisay	Terminalia catappa	Combretaceae	112	10.64012	122.2344	Adjust; beside Mahogany ^	Native
F	128	Baguilumbang	Reutealis trisperma	Euphorbiaceae	1	10.63974	122.2347		Native
G	129	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	32	10.6404	122.2352		Naturalized
G	130	Mahogany	Swietenia macrophylla	Meliaceae	16	10.64038	122.2352		Naturalized
Total					6142

Roosting Trees

^ALocals referred to as Tipolo, associated with Artocarpus blancoi, but due to leaf shape mismatch, it is identified only at the genus level as Artocarpus sp.
^{B, D}Unidentified roosting trees in Area F
^CBamboos are difficult to identify to species level especially at vegetative state
^EUnidentified species near the dead “original” roosting tree

A total of 22 various tree species were recorded with three other unidentified trees. Thirteen species were present in the previous bat count last November 2024, namely Artocarpus sp., Balete (Ficus sp.), Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Durarog (Ficus variegata), Gmelina (Gmelina arborea), Kaimito (Chrysophyllum cainito), Kapok (Ceiba pentandra), Kawayan (Bambusa sp.), Lanete (Wrightia pubescens), Lipote (Syzygium polycephaloides), Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), Mangga (Mangifera indica), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Niyog (Cocos nucifera), “Palawan Cherry” or Pink shower tree (Cassia grandis), Rain Tree (Samanea saman), Samalague (Tamarindus indica), Santol (Sandoricum koetjape), and Talisay (Terminalia catappa).

Three additional tree species were identified for this month, namely Alim (Melanolepsis multiglandulosa), Baguilumbang (Reutealis trisperma), and Neem (Azadirachta indica)

In comparison to previous counts, this effort demonstrated an enhanced level of precision in identifying roosting tree species. By employing morphological diagnostic characters, researchers were able to achieve greater accuracy in species identification. While this approach is the most practical and immediate method in the field, the best method for definitive identification would involve genome studies of the trees. If opportunities arise in the future, more extensive genomic-level identification can be conducted to provide deeper insights and further validate findings. This methodological refinement underscores the importance of detailed analysis, contributing to a more robust understanding of roosting patterns and tree species interactions.

The tree is referred to by locals as Tipolo, associated with Artocarpus blancoi, but due to a mismatch in leaf shape, it is identified only at the genus level as Artocarpus sp.

This photo was submitted to the Facebook Plant ID group, “Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines” (CDFP), which was founded by the creators of the website with the same name. CDFP serves as an invaluable checklist that catalogs the native, naturalized, and invasive vascular plant species of the Philippines.

Accordingly, many members of the genus Artocarpus are difficult to differentiate without the fruit or flower. However, leaf shape may point to the species Artocarpus sericicarpus or commonly known as Gumihan.

Figure 9. Fruiting twig (left), leaf and infructescence (right) of A. sericicarpus. Photos by Celine Murillo.

Figure 10. Fruit bats roosting (left), leaves and male inflorescence (right) of the Artocarpus tree observed in Area E.

One roosting tree previously recorded has also been confirmed to be Lipote or Baligang (Syzygium polychepaloides).

Figure 11. Flower buds (top left), leaves (top right), and infructescence (bottom). Photos by P.B. Pelser & J.F. Barcelona, and Wikimedia

Figure 12. Flower buds, leaves, bark, and overall plant habit of the tree observed in Sapa. Plant is surrounded by Epipremnum pinnatum, commonly known as tibatib in the Philippines.

The data provided highlights the composition of roosting trees for fruit bats in Miag-ao. Notably, a significant portion of the roosting trees comprises non-native (or naturalized) species such as Mahogany and Kaimito, which dominate the landscape compared to native species like Niyog or Balete.

This indicates that fruit bats are highly adaptable, utilizing available resources based on canopy structure and abundance. In addition, the presence of non-native mango seeds adds an interesting layer to the ecological narrative. Both observations suggest that fruit bats not only utilize non-native trees for roosting but also forage on non-native fruits, playing a role in their dispersal. This highlights the adaptability of fruit bats to a changing landscape influenced by human activity, such as the introduction of non-native tree species and cultivated plants.

Figure 13. Roosting tree composition (%).

However, the dominance of non-native species raises ecological concerns, as native trees, which usually support a broader range of biodiversity, are underrepresented. This shift may reduce the ecological interactions needed for a balanced and resilient ecosystem. The prevalence of non-native trees could also be the result of historical planting trends, such as the introduction of species for economic purposes like timber production. While these trees provide roosting opportunities, their dominance may lead to habitat homogenization, potentially outcompeting native tree species and reducing biodiversity. Over time, this may threaten the stability and sustainability of roosting sites.

To address these concerns, conservation efforts should not only focus on reintroducing native trees but also encourage planting native fruiting species that can provide both roosting and feeding opportunities for fruit bats. This would help restore the natural ecological balance while maintaining the bats’ role as vital seed dispersers.

Sulu Garden Foundation is actively addressing these challenges through its Re-Greening of Panay project. This initiative employs innovative methods, such as seedball technology and drone-assisted dispersal, to reforest large areas with native tree species. By focusing on native biodiversity, the foundation aims to restore ecological balance and mitigate the effects of deforestation. Community collaboration and cutting-edge technology are central to this effort, ensuring that native trees, including fruiting species, are prioritized for both ecological and conservation benefits. Community education and long-term monitoring further enhance the success of these strategies, creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for generations to come. To learn more, click HERE.

As of June 2025, the fruit bats are more congested to the Western part of the town center near the dead Bubog (Sterculia foetida) tree where the bats initially roosted. Refer to our interactive map for data visualization:

Map

Future Plans

Here are potential future plans to enhance the bat conservation efforts in Miagao:

Regular Surveys: Conduct bat counts every two months to clearly show the trends in population dynamics and other seasonal variations.
Juvenile Monitoring: Monitor and observe development of juveniles and their implications on future bat counts. The team can also develop protocols on fallen juveniles observed during surveys.
Future Initiatives on Dietary Analysis: Investigate dietary preferences of fruit bats through droppings or tracking the trees they feed on during night migrations.
Data Integration: Use advanced tools for data collection, such as drones for monitoring, GPS tracking for migration patterns, and genome analysis for bat and tree species data.
Future Collaborations: Connect with bat experts on investigating bat ecology and health, local government units on legislations and regulations, and other organizations for monitoring and conservation initiatives.
Public Awareness Programs: Collaborate with local communities to educate about the ecological roles of fruit bats and the benefits of their conservation, utilization of the potential of guano in agriculture, and mainstreaming local bat information and efforts.

Gallery

Presented by: Kim Alunan and Angela Magarzo, Staff Biologists

Special thanks to the MENRO-Miagao staff—John Paul Nonato, Joeffrey Mondia, Ariel Naldoza, Jevee Netumay, Denver Nofre, and For. Isidro Mosura Jr.—DENR-CENRO-Guimbal staff—Jojie P. Gereza and Armin Halili—and Barangay Sapa Secretary Jeremia de la Peña for their invaluable assistance and contributions.