Bat Conservation Strategy In Duasudara Mountain Nature Reserve As Ecotourism Potential Of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sulawesi is a geologically complex island with unique fauna, including significant bat populations. This study aimed to identify bat species diversity, endemism, conservation status, and recommend conservation strategies in the Gunung Duasudara Nature Reserve. The research, conducted from May to August 2018 using mist nets across seven vegetation types, recorded 15 bat species with 475 individuals. Notable species include Acerodon celebensis, Boneia bidens, and Thoopterus nigrescens, categorized as near threatened by the IUCN. Newly discovered species M. tailiniensis, R. tangkokoensis, and T. tailiniensis exhibit distinct characteristics. The study's analyses suggest that maintaining the Nature Reserve’s status is crucial for its development as a center for education, research, and ecotourism, emphasizing the need for supportive regional policies and stakeholder involvement to ensure sustainable conservation efforts.