Potential and Regeneration of Tree Species Used as Roosting Habitat by Sulawesi Fruit Bats Acerodon celebensis in Jenetaesa, Maros Regency
Rusyda Khalida Ruslan(a), Risma Illa Maulany(a)*, Nasri Nasri(a), Putu Oka Ngakan(a)

1 Laboratory of Forest Conservation and Ecotourism, Forestry Faculty, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia 90245
*E-mail : risma.maulany[at]unhas.ac.id

Abstract

Sulawesi fruit bat (Acerodon celebensis) is one of bat species that is endemic to Sulawesi Island. Fruit bats have many roles in the ecosystem where they act as seed dispersing agents, natural pollinating agents of flowering plants, and assist in forest regeneration. The purpose of this research is to identify tree species used as roosting habitat and their potential regenerations as roosts for A. celebensis in Jenetaesa, Maros Regency. This research was conducted for 3 months (May-July) in 2018 by firstly identifying roosting tree species on the roosting site followed by surveying potential roost trees in 230 subplots. The results showed that in an area of 11.5 ha there were 234 individuals consisted of 56 trees, 11 bamboo clumps, 72 poles, 49 saplings, and 46 seedlings in a total of 15 subplots. Regeneration of A. celebensis roosting trees in an area of 11.5 ha is classified as low with a total of only two tree species were found on every growing stages.

Keywords: Acerodon celebensis, Roosting Trees, Roosting tree potential, Tree Regeneration

Topic: Biodiversity and Climate Change