ILOILO CITY—As the fading sunlight gave way to the soft glow of street lamps, faint squeaks overhead mingled with the chatter of a small crowd pointing excitedly at silhouettes darting across the sky.

Students, scientists and conservationists were observing the flying mammals in their natural habitat in the first “bat walk” organized by the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (PBCFI) in the Visayas. It was part of the four-day 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium at the Central Philippine University (CPU) that opened last Aug. 12.

Beyond raising funds for biodiversity research grants, the bat walk was aimed at changing the public perception of bats from feared creatures to those belonging to a species vital for pest control, pollination, and ecological balance in urban ecosystems.

“It’s my first time seeing these species,” said Joe Merfurt Lama, 26, a participant from Western Mindanao State University who studies bats. “It’s very informative, and I can really use this knowledge for my future research.”

Among the species roosting on the CPU campus in Jaro District are the lesser false vampire bat (Megaderma spasma) and the black-bearded tomb bat (Taphozous melanopogon philippinensis).

Vital statistics

Ecology Asia describes the lesser false vampire bat as “a medium-sized bat with a head and body length of about 10 centimeters (3.9 inches), a wingspan reaching up to 30 centimeters (12 inches), and a forearm length of around 7 centimeters (2.8 inches).”

Typically weighing between 25 and 34 grams, it has pale grey to grey-brown or blue-brown fur, with yellowish veins sometimes seen when its wings are backlit. It primarily feeds on large insects such as moths and grasshoppers, but occasionally preys on small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, birds, and even other bats.

The black-bearded tomb bat measures 10–14 cm in head-body length and a wingspan of 30–35 cm, and weighs 20–35 g, according to Ecology Asia. It has dark brown to blackish fur and a characteristic black “beard” of throat hairs.

It feeds on moths, beetles, grasshoppers and other flying insects, which it captures in fast, high-altitude flight.

For the researcher Lama, the bat walk is a bridge to biodiversity awareness and not a mere novelty. “Especially in the Philippines, where bats often have a bad impression, this kind of activity promotes bat conservation,” he said.

PBCFI executive director Lisa Paguntalan-Marte took it further, saying that the bat walk would hopefully reshape how people understand the ecological role of the nocturnal creatures.

“Bats are important in insect control, pest control, and pollination—and people need to realize that we are actively sharing the urban habitat with them,” she said.

Since her student days, Paguntalan-Marte has been part of the foundation’s biodiversity symposium which she considers a vital space to connect research with action.

Inspiring the young

“Conducting research is not enough; it needs to be translated into conservation action,” said the 50-year-old PBCFI head. “The way to do that is to effectively communicate science and inspire younger generations.”

This year’s symposium, held in Panay for the first time since 1992, underscored that mission. It highlighted not only local conservation initiatives but also the collective effort of scientists, students, and communities working together for biodiversity.

During the hourlong bat walk that began at 6 p.m., Javica Faye Canag, community relations officer and the event’s organizer, carried a device that records bat calls to make monitoring easier and more accessible.” The participants leaned closer to hear the clicks and chirps echoing in the dark. 

The group had initially planned to hold the bat walk at the Iloilo Esplanade, a riverside park with winding pathways and green spaces ideal for eco-activities. But given the unpredictable weather, the event was moved to the CPU campus.

Philip Godfrey Jakosalem, 45, field operations director and a conservation biologist, took photographs, some of which he showed the participants while sharing his knowledge about bats.

“Insectivorous bats are key for pest control. Studies in Southeast Asia show that a single bat can eat 1,000 to 1,400 small insects per hour,” Jakosalem said. “We have at least 70 to 80 species of bats in the Philippines, making up the majority of our mammal diversity.”

Beyond pest control, bats provide ecological services. Their droppings constitute the natural fertilizer guano, which farmers use to enrich the soil. They also help regulate mosquito populations.

But bats are under threat from hunting, habitat destruction, cave exploitation, and disturbances at roosting sites, according to Jakosalem.

Bat conservation is not just for scientists but for everyone, he said, pointing out that the choice of trees to plant is important. “Plant native trees rather than exotics, as fruit bats feed on species like talisay,” he said. “Understanding bats’ habitats helps in proper management.”

‘Night Life in the Forest’

New graduate Mary Maphil Balaba said the bat walk reflects a personal journey that began in childhood. “I’ve always been fascinated with biodiversity and conserving species,” she said.

A grant recipient, Balaba presented her undergraduate thesis, “Night Life in the Forest: Species Diversity, Activity Patterns, and Habitat Preferences of Insectivorous Bats in Central Panay Mountains, Panay Island, Philippines” during the symposium. Her work won first place in a research presentation competition.

“The significance of my study will contribute to the designation of Central Panay Mountains as a protected area,” Balaba said.

Organizers announced that the bat walk was a “soft launch” of similar events planned in other Visayan cities such as Bacolod.