Safeguarding Biodiversity Below the Surface.

The Nature Conservation group is dedicated to studying and protecting cave habitats to preserve their unique flora and fauna. Their efforts focus on conducting research projects to highlight the ecological importance of caves, expanding protected cave park areas, and ensuring proper management of these environments. Strategies include securing funding for conservation initiatives, identifying and fencing off high-density cave regions, promoting reforestation, and collaborating with organizations like STINAPA and Echo. Additionally, the group aims to share research findings through scientific publications and advocacy efforts to strengthen cave protection measures.

On Going Projects and Participation:

Reproductive cycle and cave use dynamics of bat maternity cave at Bakuna

This project determined the life cycles of two species of insect-eating bats on Bonaire by studying cave use in the Bakuna area, where no prior research had been conducted. Monthly captures over 12 months identified three bat species and revealed patterns of cave use, reproductive conditions, health status, and parasite load. Fecal samples were analyzed for contaminants. The study identified the cave as a maternity site, providing crucial data for the conservation and management of these bat populations.

 

Physical protection of bat maternity chambers

Bat populations on Bonaire are threatened by uncontrolled cave visits, which impact their daily and maternity roosts. Female bats on Caribbean islands give birth to one offspring annually, and some species may roost in the same cave, making them vulnerable to disturbances. These disturbances, especially during the reproductive period, can result in high mortality of pups and juveniles, leading to significant population declines. To protect bat mothers and their pups, the project is constructing stainless steel barriers at the five known bat maternity chambers on Bonaire. Additionally, informational signs detailing the reproductive cycles of each species will be placed near the barriers.

Protecting caves from direct vehicle access

Caves are highly vulnerable to contamination due to limited interaction with the external environment, causing pollutants to accumulate and persist longer. Therefore, efforts must be made to maintain cave environments as pristine as possible. Light and noise pollution, often caused by uncontrolled cave visits, will be addressed in the strategic plan. While not all visits are damaging, they can lead to irreversible harm, such as the destruction of speleothemes, removal of archaeological objects, and damage to ancient inscriptions. Additionally, uncontrolled visits have resulted in high bat mortality, particularly during lactation, and pose risks to human safety.

S.I.C.O.M. Recognition For 2 Bat Maternity Roosts on Bonaire

A.I.C.O.M. and S.I.C.O.M. are international designations that provide recognition for bat conservation areas, which can be used to secure local legal protection for priority roosts. On Bonaire, two unprotected caves serve as the sole maternity chambers for at least two insect-eating bat species, making them eligible for SICOM status. To support the application, the project will map the physical characteristics of these caves and conduct bi-monthly population estimates over two years using harp traps and mist nets at the cave exits. This will help assess the life cycles of the species and their usage patterns.

Future projects and proposals:

CARIBSS welcomes the community to propose new projects and ideas for nature conservation in Bonaire’s caves, we’d love to hear from you!

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to share your ideas, explore funding opportunities, or collaborate on grants to bring your vision to life. Together, we can protect and enhance Bonaire’s cave ecosystems for future generations.

got some skills and want to collaborate? Looking to donate?

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