Bat Diversity in Imbak Canyon Conservation Area: Note on their Echolocation Calls and Ectoparasites

Abstract

Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA) is one of the conservation areas managed by the Sabah Foundation, which comprise of mixed vegetation forest landscape. A bat survey was conducted at ICCA from August 16^th to 26^th, 2017. A total of 141 individuals of bats representing 17 species were recorded from the eight nights of mist netting and harp trapping at various sites within the conservation area. Echolocation calls from 120 individuals of insectivorous bats representing 13 species were recorded, with 90% accuracy in relative amount. The captured bats were screened for ectoparasites from Order Diptera (91%), Mesostigmata (5%) and Ixodida (1%), and indicate that there is 66.7% prevalence. The results from the survey are paramount in enhancing information and knowledge on Bornean bats and their obligate ectoparasites.