SEABCRU research priorities were identified during a two hour forum at the First International South East Asian Bat Conference in May 2007. Over 70 people attended the forum, and contributions came from both established bat researchers and students.
The priorities identified were as follows:
1. Taxonomic Network
The taxonomy of many bat species in SE Asia is uncertain, yet most species cross multiple borders. Consequently there is a need to coordinate taxonomic effort across South East Asia. Proposed steps to do so were suggested:
- Collate data on collections across the region
- Establish loan protocol
- Travel grants to visit collections
- Taxonomic workshop on Java – training + “bring and buy”
2. Flying Fox Conservation Prioritization
As elucidated by many presentations in the conference and two of the forums, flying foxes (species of Pteropus and Acerodon) are under severe hunting pressure in many parts of South East Asia. Yet data on distributions, populations and hunting are few. Priority actions were as follows:
- Initiate and coordinate long-term monitoring of Pteropus colonies across region
- Assessment of impact of hunting and bushmeat trade
- Revision of Old World Fruit Bat Action Plan (IUCN Chiroptera Specialist Group)
3. Cave-dependent Bat Conservation
Many bat species in the region are dependent on large cave systems (primarily karst) as permanent roosts. Such caves support assemblages exceeding 10 species and numbering several millions of individuals. However, limestone extraction to provide the cement industry, and disturbance at caves by tourists and cave-swiflet nest collectors is having a major impact on populations and diversity. Resolutions:
- Develop cave management recommendations that recognize scientific, cultural/religious and economic values of caves AND provide for protection of bats
- Assessment of impact of hunting and bushmeat trade
4. Forest-dependent insectivorous bats
Insectivorous bats of the rainforest interior are highly dependent on intact stands of forest. Insect populations are regulated by climatic factors and as a consequence, these bats are predicted to be highly susceptible to the effects of global climate change. Resolution:
To establish a network of long-term monitoring sites, based on the Malaysian Bat Conservation Research Unit protocol in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia.
A publication based on the findings of the SEABCRU Research Priorities forum held at the 1st International Southeast Asian Bat Conference is now available online:
Kingston, T. (2008). Research priorities for bat conservation in Southeast Asia: a consensus approach. Biodiversity and Conservation. DOI: 10.1007/s10531-008-9458-5 http://www.springerlink.com/content/b6516306312l687k/
