March 2025 Bat Count Survey: Surprising Findings in Urban Roost Trends
Published March 21, 2024
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Sulu Garden Foundation (SGF), Inc., with DENR-CENRO Guimbal and MENRO Miagao, conducted a bat count survey last March 18-20, 2025. This survey was conducted not only to monitor the trend in the population of Island Flying Fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) but also to help us better understand their behavior and their impact on local ecosystems. The data collected from the survey brought fascinating insights on the bat population. Read more about the full report HERE.
A total of five thousand four hundred thirty (5,430) bats were recorded, a staggering increase of 28.67% from the 4,220 bat count of November 2024. The highest count of four hundred forty-nine (449) was recorded on a Balete (Ficus sp.) in Area A, while the least count was one (1) in different trees from different areas: 4 Niyog (Cocos nucifera), 1 Mangga (Mangifera indica), and 1 Lanete (Wrightia pubescens).
Roosting trees identified at genus level.
Juvenile bats, also called pups, were also observed during the survey. Some cling on their mothers while some are roosting on tree branches. There were also fallen ones, some of which were tragically deceased. Their presence not only indicates the growing number of their population but also a confirmation of their breeding season from February to April according to Ouillette (2006). Nevertheless, the bat population is still more concentrated near the original Bubog tree, located behind the Miagao Municipal Hall.
Fallen juvenile Pteropus hypomelanus (left) and mother bad with a pup clinging with her (right). Right photo by MENRO-Miagao.
Throughout the survey, 89 roosting trees were recorded, the majority of which are Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) with 30 trees. This highlights the bats’ ability to non-native tree species and fruits, but also adds an interesting layer to the ecological narrative.
The current increase suggests recovery, but long-term success relies on consistent conservation initiatives. Hence, SGF is planning to do more bat counts at least every two months before the year ends. Integration of different technologies will also be utilized through collaborative efforts with different organizations and research institutions.
Read more about the full report HERE.
About SGF
Sulu Garden Foundation is named after the Sulu Sea – the largest inland sea in the Philippines. Our mission concentrates on this sea and the provinces that surround it. These provinces have diverse cultures and religions, yet, they all share history and traditions. The foundation has various programs and activities focused on history and heritage, the arts, nature conservation, research and development, and community.
