Strengthening the Protection of Critical Cave Roosts within Cross River National Park

| By Adora Onyile

The gap between performing a patrol and understanding the specific ecological requirements of a species can impact the quality of data collected. A ranger who can operate a GPS device is essential; a ranger who understands why a specific cave enclave is a priority habitat is even more effective. This understanding guided the recent training we conducted with rangers from Cross River National Park, focused on the conservation of cave-dwelling bats and their habitat across the region in partnership with Cross River National Park (CRNP).

CRNP ranger monitoring bats in a cave ©SMACON

We began with a baseline assessment: an unbiased look at how rangers view bats individually and culturally within their local communities. This was a critical step. Rangers operate within communities where longstanding beliefs and customs shape how people interact with wildlife. By understanding these cultural perspectives, rangers are better equipped to navigate community relations during patrols. Recognizing these local values allows for more effective engagement when searching for caves or identifying new roosting sites.

The endangered Short-tailed roundleaf bat (Hipposideors curtus)

Juvenile Short-tailed roundleaf bat (Hipposideros curtus) at the entrance of a cave ©SMACON

The technical portion of the training focused on the Short-tailed Roundleaf bat (Hipposideros curtus). As a range-restricted bat, its survival depends on very specific conditions, such as undisturbed environments. Rangers learned that curtus is a shy, often isolated species. Unlike other bats that form large, loud colonies, curtus is typically found in smaller cave enclaves. This is because their specific roosting requirements prioritize humidity and protection from larger predators over social density. Understanding this behavior guides rangers to search in "non-traditional" cave structures that might otherwise be overlooked.

Technical Skills and Field Safety 

CRNP rangers learning the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment ©SMACON

The training balanced theory with hands-on skills. Rangers were trained in:

• Cave Approach Protocols: The "dos and don’ts" of entering a cave to minimize species disturbance. 

• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): The correct use of gear to ensure both ranger safety and the prevention of cross-contamination. 

• Digital Tools: The use of GPS devices, range finders for cave measurements, and Personal Digital Assistants for real-time data collection.

• Active Monitoring: The use of bat detectors to record acoustic data, allowing rangers to identify species presence even when bats are not visible.

Rangers searching a cave for bats ©SMACON

Want to support these rangers in the field and help keep bats in their caves? 

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