Biophysical conditions of caves in Mabinay, Negros Oriental assessed for ecotourism promotion. One form of ecotourism is caving and this is being developed on the island of Negros specifically in Mabinay, Negros Oriental. The increase in the number of untrained cave explorers visiting the caves of Mabinay prompted the municipality to develop easy means of access to the caves. Walkways and pathways were constructed for the visitors, however, the construction of such structures were not subjected to an environmental impact assessment.

Tababa et al. (NSCA) undertook a study in November 2006 to determine the conditions of the caves in terms of their viability as ecotourism destinations. The study also determined impacts, on the cave environments as a result of infrastructure development and cave visits.

Findings

• Five caves were promoted for ecotourism in Mabinay, Negros Oriental and were visited by the researchers. All were utilized by bats as roosting sites but were disturbed by hunting and cave activities.
• At least 11 species of bats were found in the study areas.  These include five species of bats belonging to the suborder Megachiroptera (fruit bats) and six species belonging to the Microchiroptera (insect eating bats).
• The cave habitat with the most number of bat species observed is Mambajo cave (nine species) while Crystal and Pandanihan caves had the least number of species observed (1 species each with few individuals).
• Three adjoining caves out of five caves were identified as ideal caving destinations for moderate cavers.
• One cave was recommended for extreme caving activities and another one was a  special cave destination for bat  habitat viewing.
• The study  recommends improving the current cave tourism program. This includes  promoting cave habitat protection in caves known to be inhabited by important species of bats such as Mambajo 1 cave.  This was used to be inhabited by the rare Negros barebacked fruit bat and is  presently inhabited by thousands of nectar-feeding bats. Advocacy for legislation of local policies that will protect cave habitats and promote conservation of bat species was also recommended. This  should  include full implementation of the Wild Life Act and Cave Laws.

Source:Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development.  Highlights 2007