Around 5,000 fruit bats were spotted by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) during its monitoring activity in Barangay Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani.

DENR-12 said the area is recognized as roosting site for two fruit bat species – large fying fox and island flying fox.

“These bats play a crucial ecological role in seed dispersal and pollination, making them key contributors to forest regeneration and ecosystem health,” DENR-12 said.

“The DENR- 12 through CENRO Kiamba emphasized that safeguarding bat populations is not only critical for biodiversity conservation, but also contributes to Sarangani Province's overall goal of sustainable environmental management, and strives to increase community involvement while also ensuring the survival of critical wildlife species in the region through coordinated efforts and enhanced environmental policies,” DENR-12 added.