Bat species in selected caves of Marinduque Islands, Philippines.

Date

4-2011

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Wildlife Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Aurora V. Lacaste

Abstract

MACASAET, JOSEPH PAOLO A. Bat species in selected caves of Marinduque Island, Philippines. University of the Philippines. Los Banos. B.S. Biology Major in Wild life Biology

Adviser: Prof. Aurora V. Lacaste

ABSTRACT Nine caves, distributed among six municipalities of Marinduque were surveyed to identify bat species. and correlate relationship between case physical parameters and bat species occurrence. A modified transect-walk method with mist-netting at constant speed throughout the length of the cave was done. Cave dimensions (length, entrance size. number of entrances. chamber width. and chamber height) were measured as well as the temperature and relative humidity at cave entrance, and dark zone of each of the cases. Twelve species were identified. six of which were new island records. namely Ernballunura alecto. Hpposideros, diadema, Megaderma spasma, Rhinolopus arenal arcuatus R. philippinensis, and R. virgo. Most of the species are insectivorous (92%). including one probable new species of Rhinolophid. Caves that were proximal to each other showed high species similarity but no clear pattern was determined. The relationship between cave dimensions and bat species richness is relatively high (species-environment correlation= 0.99 and 0.95). suggesting that specie, richness in cases is highly correlated to increasing cave dimensions. Results also show that longer cave, tend to have low temperature and high humidity. both of which are aspects of case microclimate and are essential for but survival. Further exhaustive studies to understand the relationship between bat species and their case habitats are recommended.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS