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BAT aims to provide young people with the opportunity to volunteer in a research-based project located in the Philippines; which makes an important impact towards bat conservation. Including the chance to work with local communities, sharing knowledge and providing opportunities. |
The project will start AUGUST 2012 with a limited intake of 10 bright and enthusiastic volunteers who will initiate the project. There is a requirement of at least 6 weeks commitment. If any volunteers show high level of commitment and can bring a lot to the project there is a chance that after 10 weeks they can become a coordinator, in which case there is no further charge.
Working under the umbrella and with aid of the AWF, this project has been established by Joe Fox; A young and dedicated Zoology student who has volunteered and acted as a head coordinator for AWF for the past year. With a passion and admiration for bats, he is committing the rest of his life to their preservation.
He started by volunteering for a South Lancashire Bat Group, where he first experienced bats in the wild. His passion then grew as he learnt just how important these intriguing animals are. |
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Links about Bats
The Philippines, made of over 7000 islands, may even be considered as the most megadiverse country in terms of land density and density in flora and fauna. Unfortunately, the species in the Philippines are considered among the most threatened in the world. Bats populate a large portion of that list of threatened animals. Home to 74 different species of bats, many endemic and equally threatened. There is a real need for the promotion of conservation. That is why the Bat Action Trust Is working in the Philippines in order to change the outcome of bats and the important biological systems they hold in place.
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The Project:
Based in the Island of Luzon, just below the capital Manila, the project base is in a bat diversity hotspot. The base is a traditional Filipino stilt house next to a lagoon. Located in a tranquil part of Laguna. During the week time at the base will be spent: |
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Working in the field collecting data
This will be done in the form of carrying out field surveys in different key locations and habitats (Forests, caves, over lakes etc).
Using bat detectors to identify species, echolocation, population size/dynamics, distribution, behavior and habitat studies There will also be times where harp trapping is used. This is trapping the animals to study them closely; carrying out more in-depth research on physiology, species studies, size and health studies, echolocation and acoustic studies.
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Entering collected information onto the database
Aiming to make a long-term database which can be accessible for research.
Carrying out research
With the opportunity to aid PhD research and collaborate with local NGOs to make a larger impact.
Raising awareness
Bats are referred to as Key Stone species, which means they are very important to the environment they live in. They affect multiple factors and biological systems. They are also called Indicator species meaning that since they are susceptible to change and can be used to measure the impact of negative effects on wildlife. That is why we must raise awareness in order to make protect these animals and make a sustainable difference. This is done by working with local NGOs and communities; providing educational materials.
At the weekend there will be a wealth of opportunities to explore the islands and get involved in:
- Spelunking – exploring pothole caves (ECO friendly)
- Surfing
Wind surfing
Scuba Diving – with PADI and Project Aware
- Sailing
- Canoeing
- Rock Climbing
- Forest Excursions
- Island hopping
- Learn Filipino, Spanish or Chinese
- Get involved in numerous festivals and experience the amazing Filipino culture.
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Community
Working with local NGOs and within the community there is a chance to make a difference. Getting them involved in conservation while improving the local economy for those living in poverty.
For this project we are looking for passionate, dedicated, serious and moral people. AWF has determined to show make a fair difference. Projects are ethical and function on positive values. Volunteers must be able to apply skills and show a level of willingness to work. There is no room for volunteers who are after a vacation and are only concerned with the needs of themselves. There is a real chance to gain invaluable experience, meet incredible people and be part of something that will make a real difference.
Costs
The idea is to make this opportunity available to everyone and to encourage people to commit to the project; which is needed for the project to succeed to a high standard. The costs structure will be £110 for the first 10 weeks then there is an opportunity for volunteers to stay for free after then if commitment is shown. If needed there are more opportunities for those who show exceptional dedication.
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