Batty in Samal
2008 June 24
Most people that know about Samal Island are aware of it’s beautiful resorts. But also worth visiting are the Bat Caves of Monfort. Right there on Samal Island is the largest known population of Geoffrey Rousette Fruit Bats. Reported to be 1.8 million of the little guys. These are just one of the species of bats there, totaling an estimated 5 million.
Unlike most things regarding Samal, there is quite a bit of information available about the bats. There is even a website dedicated to them, The Bat Sanctuary of Samal Island. There have been recent articles about them, expeditions to study them, and lots of photos and videos are available.
These are fruit bats, and therefor a benefit to the eco system. They help keep the insect population down, don’t bother crops because they eat the waste, and evidently are the primary seeder of Durian, among other fruits and spices.
If you get a chance to go to Samal Island, or are visiting Davao, take some to time visit this interesting piece of the island. I know I will on my next trip.
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