A team of biologists and personnel from the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) conducted an investigation on a reported colony of bats in Barangay 30, Bacolod City.

The team identified tentatively the species to be the Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acerodon jubatus).

"Local residents mentioned to the NNNP team that the bats have previously resided there, appearing seasonally or at intervals, suggesting a migratory pattern," said a post of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) Negros Occidental. 

The team observed that the colony, estimated to include over 1,000 bats, has established a roost among the area's fruit-bearing trees.

In a report over GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas, the residents mentioned of spotting the flying foxes at "caimito" (star apple) and "lunok" (ficus or balete) trees.

"This behavior could be influenced by seasonal availability of food resources, changes in local habitat conditions, or disturbances in their usual roosting areas," DENR-PENRO Negros Occidental stated in the post. 

Further, it pointed out that the Golden-crowned Flying Fox is notable not only for its striking appearance, with golden fur on its head, but also for its role in forest ecosystems as a crucial pollinator and seed disperser," the post added.

The said species is considered endangered, and is protected under Republic Act No. 9147, referred to commonly as the Wildlife Act.

"Future efforts by the NNNP team may include monitoring the bat population to study their migration patterns, diet, and behavior, as well as engaging with the local community to foster appreciation for these unique, endangered animals," DENR-PENRO Negros Occidental also said. 

To recall, It was in 2020 when flying foxes start to roost at trees on a vacant lot in Barangay 30, but it was only recently that the unusual number was observed.