Flying Fox Roost (Pteropodidae: Acerodon jubatus) in Timaco Hill, Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines

Abstract

Flying foxes are among bat species threatened with extinction due to anthropogenic activities. Conservation efforts have been employed to protect flying foxes thus, information on viable roosts is pertinent to their success. A population of an endangered Philippine endemic Acerodon jubatus, approximately 250 individuals, was recorded roosting on Terminalia microcarpa and Pterocarpus indicus in Timaco Hill of Barangay Kalanganan II, Cotabato City, Philippines. The Bangsamoro Parliament of Cotabato City has a pending resolution to declare Timaco Hill as a protected area to preserve its biodiversity. However, its Comprehensive Land Use Plan envisioned the area as a potential commercial and ecotourism site. The discovery of A. jubatus population in the area can boost ecotourism and increase the economic potential of the local community. However, ecotourism can be a source of disturbance that can potentially affect wildlife. Considering the economic and environmental benefits of ecotourism, it is highly recommended that the Local Government Unit come up with a comprehensive strategic development plan for Timaco Hill to fulfill the goal of ecotourism – to generate revenue from tourism for wildlife conservation and the community’s economic development.