Get to Know Boracay Island's Bats

Booking an accommodation in Boracay Island usually means enjoying days spent on the white sand, and nights of bar- and party-hopping. That is, if you're dead set on never losing sight of the beach during your tropical vacation. But if your schedule allows for a short exploration further in and around the island, you will see a different side of Boracay — one that is home to different species of bats, also known as kabog in the local tongue.

Boracay Bats

Three species of fruit bats roost in the island, and all these are endangered not only in the Philippines but worldwide. These are the large flying fox, common island flying fox, and golden-crowned flying fox. While they stay in Boracay during their inactive hours, most of the fruit bat population head to the northwest Panay peninsula, located some 40 km from the island, to feed once darkness falls. It is estimated that 95% of the forest cover in this portion of the country came from seeds scattered by fruit bats. Insect-eating bats, on the other hand, are responsible for keeping the island's mosquito population under control. On the average, a bat can consume 3,000 mosquitoes in 1 night. Insect-eating bats are smaller than fruit bats.

Roosting Areas

Much like how tourists stay in different resorts and hotels in Boracay whenever they visit, bats also change their roosting areas depending on the time of the year. During the 'amihan' or the season of the northeast wind, bats usually stay in an area between Puka Beach and Shangri-La. The 'habagat' or monsoon season sends the bats inland. Some can be found on the hill in Puka Beach and Ilig-iligan. Fruit bats and insect-eating bats can also be found in the Bat Cave on the western tip of Boracay. Visitors can ask a local guide to lead them to the cave in exchange for a small tip. A PHP 200 entry fee must also be paid to the family who owns the area where the cave is located.

Conservation

Friends of the Flying Foxes or FFF is an NGO that aims to protect the bats, and the environment of Boracay Island and nearby areas. In a 2011 interview, the organization expressed concern for the rapidly declining bat population. While the group cannot pinpoint the exact reason behind this, they said that it is possible that the bats aren't getting the rest they need from their usual roosting spots. And since bats are bio-indicators, the population decline suggests a stressed ecosystem. Residents and guests of the accommodations in Boracay can keep track of the bat population and the organization's efforts through FFF's Facebook page.

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