CSU Faculty-Researchers Collaborate with Flying Fox Conservation in Southeast Asia

Flying Fox conservation in Southeast Asia and the Philippines got a boost on a 6-day workshop to assess the results of flying fox hunting and trafficking studies in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines and the finalization of the Philippine Flying Fox Conservation and Management Plan 2022 - 2032. Flying Fox species in Southeast Asia are threatened by habitat loss and roost site disturbance, especially by hunting. Many Flying Fox species roost communally in trees during the day, which makes them an easy target for hunters.

The project: "Identifying and addressing factors contributing to flying fox trafficking in Southeast Asia" was funded by the USFWS International Affairs, and implemented by the Mabuwaya Foundation (lead), Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI), Caraga State University, UniversitiSains Malaysia, UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia - UKM, RIMBA, Tambora Muda and the Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit (SEABCRU) studied the motivations of hunters to hunt, sell and traffick flying foxes.

Dr. Sherryl L. Paz of the Department of Environmental Science and Dr. Petervir A. Paz of the Department of Communication and Humanities of the Caraga State University are in this project as research coordinators/consultants for Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Flying fox trafficking research. Pilot conservation projects were implemented to stop flying fox hunting through communication/education campaigns, the development of alternative livelihoods, and better law enforcement and protection. The lessons learned are used to refine conservation strategies for Flying Foxes in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The workshop is co-organized by the Biodiversity Management Bureau, Mabuwaya Foundation, Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI), and Caraga State University. Specifically, the first three days (July 1-3, 2022) were for the international workshop on finalizing the data analysis and project report, discussion on policy brief writing, and planning for the project's next phase.

The last three days (July 4-6, 2022) were spent for the 1st National Forum in Flying Fox Conservation which was participated by different representative across the country. The highlights of the said national forum were: a.) presentation of flying fox trafficking project findings and pilot conservation initiatives in Indonesia, Malaysia, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Negros, and Siera Madre; b.) presentation of flying dox monitoring and conservation initiatives per region c.) workshop on protocol development to eradicate flying fox hunting d.) workshop on the revision of the draft on Flying Fox Conservation Management Plan 2022-2032. JRDA/CoFES/pico