Giant Fruit Bats

Minutes away from the WIN Rescue Center is a very important giant fruit bat colony. Two species of bats occupy this colony – Golden-Crowned Flying Fox (an endangered species) and Malayan Giant Fruit Bat. This year-round colony shrinks and expands through the seasons, with over 10,000 resident bats at its height. Every year a small number of bats arrive at the Rescue Center, victims of accidents with automobiles and motor bikes. But the greatest influx of bats occurs during pupping season which occurs in May and June. When baby bats fall from their mothers, they are rarely if ever reunited. So every year for these 2 months, WIN conducts a search and rescue effort to find fallen baby bats.

WIN is fortunate to have members of the local indigenous tribe, the Aetas, as part of our staff. In fact, the Rescue Center is located in the Aeta’s ancestral domain. The Aetas are a hunting and gathering culture that know the forest and its residents far better than anyone. So, during pupping season, the WIN Aetas create subtle pathways through the dense forest below the bat colony. Then every morning they lead WIN staff on a Search and Rescue mission to locate and rescue fallen baby bats. With their close relationship with the forest, they are masters at hearing fallen bats, then locating and retrieving them, oftentimes by climbing trees or navigating dense underbrush.

Due to the amazing skills of our Aeta brothers, WIN has rescued and rehabilitated over 40 baby bats. We are committed to continuing this effort every year.