其他知识库

Green spaces in synanthropic environments are known to provide suitable habitats for wildlife species; however, these green spaces also influence the dynamics of bat populations, especially due to their sensitivity to habitat fragmentation, which has conservation and ecological implications. Currently, there is still limited information on bats' habitat associations in green spaces, hindering our understanding of their ecological requirements. This study aimed to determine the habitat association and local range distribution of bat species in the green spaces of Davao City, the largest city by land area in the southern Philippines, employing conventional mist-netting techniques. We recorded a total of 3,674 bat individuals, representing 17 species belonging to six families, of which five are Philippine endemics. We examined three habitat types of green spaces (i.e., synanthropic, forest, and subterranean). Synanthropic habitats harbored most bat individuals, which constituted 52% of bats observed, followed by forests (40%), and subterranean (8%). Some bat species showed strong habitat affinity: Rousettus amplexicaudatus in synanthropic habitats, Cynopterus brachyotis in forests, and Rhinolophus arcuatus in subterranean habitats, especially caves. Similarities in species composition were observed between synanthropic and forest habitats, whereas subterranean species displayed specialized niche dependence. The results of this study further revealed that bat species prefer to utilize their natural habitats but are more abundant in human-altered landscapes or synanthropic habitats. Prioritizing the protection of bats' remaining natural habitats in urban green spaces is thus highly recommended.