Protect the last known maternity roost for the Fijian Free-tailed Bat
- Common Name
- Fijian free-tailed bat
- Scientific Name
- Mops Bregullae
- Status
- Endangered
- Location
- Fijian Island of Vanua Levu
The Need
Nakanacagi Cave on the island of Vanua Levu, Fiji, is the only known roosting site for the endangered Fijian free-tailed bat (Mops bregullae). Protecting this site is crucial for the survival of this species, which is thought to be only 5,000 individuals and decreasing. Based on the best scientific data available, this single roost represents over 95% of the species’ global population. Growing threats to the site, such as increased use of an old logging road above the cave, pollution of the fresh water inside the cave from an old water pipe, and an increase in interest in cave ecotourism are putting the cave — and bats that use it — at risk.
Our Approach
BCI is working with multiple in-country partners and stakeholders to establish a community-endorsed national protected area that ensures the long-term protection of Nakanacagi Cave and surrounding area. Initial outreach and awareness programs with local communities, landowners, and government officials led to the determination that land purchase is the most effective method of protection. A land management plan, and the formalization of a nationally recognized protected area, will be produced through stakeholder meetings and workshops to ensure proposed conservation actions are achievable and fully supported by everyone influenced by them.
Our Impact
Activities to date have led to the purchase of the land and the creation of the Nakanacagi Cave Protected Area — the first newly created terrestrial area in Fiji for over ten years and the first ever protected area in Fiji for bats. The local farmers now have a water tower so are no longer dependent on water from the cave, local community members have been trained as site wardens creating additional employment, and a conservation management plan is due to be completed by Fall 2024.
About The Bat
The Fiji Team
Jon Flanders, Ph.D. – Director, Endangered Species Interventions
Dr. Jon Flanders is responsible for leading conservation initiatives that effectively address BCI’s global conservation priorities. With over 20 years of experience working on conservation projects across the globe, Jon recognizes the importance of partnerships in delivering social, environmental and economic benefits. Working with a range of organizations, from small non-profits to government departments he can strategically prioritize projects that balance conservation needs with sustainability.
Jon received his Ph.D. from the University of Bristol where he integrated investigations of the ecology, diet, and population genetics of the greater horseshoe bat to advance its conservation. Prior to joining BCI, Jon had worked extensively across Asia and Central America leading a variety of conservation-related research projects, as well as teaching workshops and outreach efforts for local researchers and students.
Jon is an Adjunct Professor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University and a Research Associate at the American Museum of Natural History.
Jason Corbett, M.S. – Director, Habitat Protection & Restoration
I’ve been happily working with wildlife since the tender age of 8 when an Emmy Award winning wildlife cinematographer moved in next door and hired my brother and I to work with him on his wildlife films for National Geographic, the BBC, Discovery Channel, etc.
Several jobs later I am ecstatic to be working hard on conserving a taxa I greatly admire, bats, and my favorite type of habitat on the planet; all things under the Earth. These dark spaces; caves, mines, cracks, crypts, ossuaries, sinkholes, cenotes, springs, and many others provide shelter, refuge, and critical habitat for many species of plants and animals.
By working to protect subterranean bats and their habitat, I’m able to help protect not only the amazing places they call home, but also all of the other plants and animals that need these spaces. It is hard work but I love it!
Kevin Pierson – Chief of Conservation & Global Strategy
Kevin Pierson is the principal conservation leader, manager, and planner for Bat Conservation International (BCI). He is responsible for the vision, oversight, planning and implementation of a comprehensive conservation program that charts a path for growth in BCI’s conservation impact and global conservation reach.
Kevin comes to BCI with over 15 years of extensive nonprofit experience as a conservation strategist, fundraiser, and advocate. Kevin is an inspirational leader with strong expertise in identifying and implementing steps to achieve BCI’s mission including clarifying ideas into fundable programs, raising funds, and managing for results.
Email: kpierson@batcon.org
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Key Collaborators
- Nakanacagi Village
- National Trust of Fiji
- NatureFiji-MareqetiViti
- University of the South Pacific