Abstract
Species Diversity of Bats in Clarin River, Misamis Occidental, Philippines
Magdalene Mae L. Del Socorro, Marie Rosellynn C. Enguito,
Emmarie F. Mapi-ot
Bats display indispensable role in the balance of the ecosystem, from
pollinating flowers and eating pest to dispersing seeds of plant species that
depend entirely on bats for distribution. Bats are present in almost all habitats
ranging from seaside, caves, mountains, and rivers. Clarin river is one of the
freshwater bodies draining from the biodiverse Mt. Malindang that hosts a
large number of flora and fauna. Riparian fauna along Clarin River is not yet
assessed which is the main objective of this study. Bat fauna along the
upstream, middle stream and downstream of Clarin river was assessed through
mist netting to provide baseline data on the species composition and
distribution of bats in the area. Ten species of bats were documented in the area
of which four are endemic. The highest relative abundance was observed in
upstream with a value of 39.38% and the highest species diversity was
recorded in the midstream with diversity index of H’ = 1.748. The results of
the study may provide baseline data on the species composition and
distribution of bats in the area that can be used by the local government and
other agencies in conserving bats.
KEYWORDS: abundance, ecosystem, endemic, fauna, freshwater
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