Bat species in selected caves of Marinduque Islands, Philippines

Date

2011

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Aurora V. Lacaste

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Abstract

Nine caves, distributed among six municipalities of Marinduque were surveyed to identify bat species, and correlate relationship between cave 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 entrances and dark zone of each of the caves. Twelve species were identified, six of which were new island records, namely Emballonura alecto, Hipposideros diadema, Megaderma spasma, Rhinolophus 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 species richness in caves is highly correlated to increasing cave dimensions. Results also show that longer caves tend to have low temperature and high humidity, both of which are aspects of cave microclimate and are essential for bat survival. Further exhaustive studies to understand the relationship between bat species and their cave habitats are recommended.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Document Type

Thesis

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