Footage of one of the largest remaining colonies of bats in Thailand emerging on the full moon.

From the site where David Attenborough once came to observe and document the evening migration of what may be one of the largest remaining populations of Wrinkle-Lipped, Free-Tail bats (Tadarida plicata) from their roost in a cave where temple grounds have been built.

The Wat Khao Chong Pran temple complex has grown elaborately, thanks to income from collecting and selling guano (utilized as an agricultural fertilizer) from the caves as well as, presumably, income from visitors and viewers.

the bat population has been in decline in recent years. Guano collection reflects a decrease in population of between 12%-26%, though documentation of amounts is affected by collection for sale purposes.

One woman who grew up here said the bats used to flow out in 4 distinct columns, where now there is only 1 and noticeably less bat dense than in previous years. Today, the emergence runs for about half an hour starting at sunset and they fly to the southeast. Se say the population is 100,000+, though that may be old information.

Theories for the cause of population decline are variable and seasonal. Are the bats dying off, finding new places to live, or just not coming out of the cave? If the population is declining s it due to parasites, scavengers, fungi or bacteria, or human intervention?

One group suggested clearing tree growth from near the cave mouth would help. Others say the reduced vegetation expose the columns to more wind and greater challenges emerging to feed.

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"Khao Chong Phran Non-hunting Area (KCP NHA) in Ratchaburi Province has possibly
the largest colony of T. plicata in Thailand and probably receives the highest number of tourists
who visit to watch the evening emergence. This has been estimated by local Royal Forest
Department (RFD) staff (pers. comm.) to be around 100,000 people per annum. This paper
presents some initial findings focusing on the practicalities of possible techniques for monitoring
the T. plicata colony at KCP NHA with recommendations for necessary improvements and
alternatives considering the eventual aim of finding a technique that can be used at all sites."

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Human influences, in varying proximity are likely related. Some as universal as pesticide use poisoning their food supply, or more direct indictments citing the neon and flood lights as well as blaring loudspeaker and sprawling pavement on the temple grounds disturb the bat population.

However, there has not been enough quantifiable data nor steady research to draw any evidence based conclusions. Of 18 sites across the country, only 1 has been studied and the methods are questionable.

Our lack of comprehension notwithstanding, it's an incredible phenomenon to witness! Be respectful, inquisitive, and invested.

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