[RESEARCH NOTE]
Philippine Journal of Science
152 (5): 1847-1850, October 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 23 Mar 2023
New Distribution Record of Golden-crowned
Flying Fox Roost (Pteropodidae: Acerodon jubatus)
in Timaco Hill, Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines
Cromwel M. Jumao-as1*, Florence Roy P. Salvaña1, Andrie Bon A. Flores1,
Sittie Janiffah M. Eril1, Ralph Francis A. Yabut1, Cathleen Angelie C. Abler1,
Maria Elena N. Tanabe1, Zandra C. Amino2, and Cherie Cano-Mangaoang1
1Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics,
University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato 9407 Philippines
2College of Teacher Education, Cotabato State University,
Cotabato City 9600 Philippines
*Corresponding author: cmjumaoas@usm.edu.ph
[Download]
Jumao-as C et al. 2023. New Distribution Record of Golden-crowned Flying Fox Roost
(Pteropodidae: Acerodon jubatus) in Timaco Hill, Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines. Philipp J Sci 152(5): 1847–1850.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.05.25
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.