The Preservation of the Bonin fruit bat (Pteropus pselaphon) The Pteropus pselaphon, also known as the Bonin fruit bat or Bonin flying fox, is on the

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1 Elena Cappy The Preservation of the Bonin fruit bat (Pteropus pselaphon) Abstract: The Pteropus pselaphon, also known as the Bonin fruit bat or Bonin flying fox, is on the brink of extinction. This critically endangered species has an estimated population of merely 300 individuals, collectively between the five islands of Ogasawara, Japan (Pteropus pselaphon). This small population size is largely due to the deforestation of the forests that the Bonin fruit bat inhabits. The destruction of these trees denies the bats of two major components that they need to live: food and shelter. The forests provide the flying fox with a supply of nutrients and a place for them to roost at night not found commonly elsewhere. The proposed design will expand upon the usefulness of the trees already growing in the area. This project fits with the ideals and mission statement of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. The project team is requesting a $ grant to save a vitally important and dwindling species from deforestation. Background Information: Pteropus pselaphon, or the Bonin flying fox, is a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List (Pteropus pselaphon). On one of the five islands the bats inhabit, the species was considered extinct during the 1970s, but they were rediscovered in 1986, and have been slowly increasing (Pteropus pselaphon). According to the IUCN database, the flying fox was declared vulnerable in 1996 and critically endangered in Their population is estimated to be less than three hundred individuals and 250 fully grown adults. The fruit bats small and fragmented population is currently decreasing on the Ogasawara Islands of Japan (Pteropus pselaphon). The main problems for these animals are the result of the loss of food and roosting areas, caused by deforestation and other harmful and disruptive human activities (Pteropus

2 pselaphon). Although the bat will eat fruit, nectar, pollen, petals, and leaves (Ogasawara Info), it most commonly feeds on a tree like plant named Pandanus boninensis (Brazil, M). Unfortunately, the growth of the plants that supply these fruits has been hindered by deforestation and typhoons (Ogasawara Info). The expansion of small villages and farms surrounded by netting has further damaged these food sources and the forest in general (Ogasawara History). This lack of this food source has made the animals resort to other measures by eating crops from farms. Inevitably, farmers retaliated to protect their fruit bearing trees by surrounding the trees with nets. However, the bats would commonly get caught in the nets when trying to feed on the trees. The bats would die, or farmers would shoot them (Ogasawara Info). The interruption of the food supply is compounded by deadly interactions with humans. Goals: The objective of this project proposal is to aid the Bonin Fruit Bat from being persecuted by the constant danger of deforestation. Logging in the Ogasawara Islands has caused many issues for the destitute bat. Not only has deforestation taken away roosting zones, but it has also limited the food supply as well. This plan will provide the Bonin Fruit Bats with both a place to sleep and a food supply. These positive outcomes will result in providing the bats with an environment that is more accommodating to their needs. The tentative assumption of the project is that the positive additions to the Ogasawara islands environments will help the population trend of the critically endangered species stabilize or even increase. Previous Solutions: Various methods have already been used to aid the fruit bats in different ways. The Bonin flying foxes were made a Natural Monument in 1969 under the Law for the Protection of

3 Cultural Properties in order to protect the bats from hunting (Pteropus pselaphon). However, this law doesn t stop the hunters and poachers; it just turns them into criminals. The bats are also being helped by monitoring of populations, measures against feral cats... and bat proof nets (Ogasawara Info). While this innovation helps to protect the bats from predators and farms, it does not address the problem of deforestation. This project will target both the bat s sustenance and shelter needs. Project Design: After careful consideration of the multiple ideas produced by a brainstorming period, one solution proved to be the most effective and efficient for the selected problem. The proposed apparatus will provide an artificial roosting area and access point to a food source for the Bonin fruit bats. A team composed of a structural engineer, an environmental safety engineer, and an aspiring student met to discuss the best way to fulfil these requirements. The contraption utilizes three main components: rope, PVC pipes, and pipe connectors. The rope will be tied securely around a tree trunk of a Pandanus boninensis, or another type of tree edible for flying foxes. Four-holed pipe connectors will be strung along the rope: two holes for the rope, one for the PVC pipe, and one for support on the lower part of the design. PVC pipes will be attached to the connectors, acting as artificial branches. It is completed by half centimeter holes drilled into the PVC pipes. This model provided the bats with both better access to a food source and a camouflaged resting place. Challenges: One of the main challenges of designing a tool to help the endangered Bonin Fruit Bat was to create something sustainable and durable. According to Ogasawara History, PVC pipes do not rust or corrode which will make the design longer lasting and sturdy. An anticipated

4 setback arose from the factor that the rope will rot, following prolonged exposure to moisture, thereby significantly decreasing the durability of the rope and the design. This issue was solved by intentionally selecting nylon rope instead of manila rope, because the nylon will not rot under the onslaught of harsh weather conditions. Another challenge encountered during the design phase of this project was that the bat couldn t grip onto the PVC pipe when it was trying to roost. Small holes will be drilled into the PVC pipe to remedy this issue by giving the bats footholds. This solution also coincidentally solves the problem of water collecting inside of the tube, since it essentially makes drainage holes. Cost, Manufacturing, and Distribution: For a design to be effective, it must be compatible with various real world budget constraints. This project utilizes a low cost approach to obtain maximum results by designing each individual unit help multiple flying foxes at once. There are 250 fully grown bats in the population. There is ample space for five bats to utilize one apparatus at the same time. Therefore, only 50 products need to be constructed and manufactured to support the entire population. Each individual unit costs $17.58, and the total price estimates to $879.14, as shown on the table below(home Depot). The units will be manufactured by the company that bestows the grant upon the project. The parts will be packaged into ready-to-assemble kits, which, upon arrival in the Ogasawara Islands, will be placed in the selected areas. The assembly will require basic knowledge of structural engineering or an instruction manual. Product # of units $ per unit Source Total $ 1 in x 10 ft PVC Home Depot Plain-End Pipe 1in. PVC 4-way Tee(4 pack) Home Depot

5 Everbilt 1/2in. X50ft. Nylon Rope Home Depot units($) unit ($) Timeline: After the proposal has been accepted and proper funding is secured, the fifty units will be produced. Then, the apparatuses will be shipped to the Ogasawara Islands and attached to the Pandanus boninensis trees throughout the islands. An analysis of the population will be done six months later to evaluate success of the project. Then, more design units will be made proportionately to the population growth. Purpose and Future Implications: Bats are a vital part of the ecosystem that need to helped. The implementation of this design will positively affect the species by providing them with an environment that is better suited to their needs. The alterations to the forests of the Ogasawara islands will ideally halt the decreasing population trend that thefruit bats is currently experiencing. An increase in the population of fruit bats is beneficial to the environment in many ways. According to (Why Bats Matter), fruit bats are essential pollinators in nature. Bats form a symbiotic relationship with the plants that they pollinate. Disturbing this intricate system can have severe consequences, said an article detailing the importance of bats in pollination (Why Bats Matter). An increase in the Bonin fruit bat population on the Ogasawara islands could therefore have a positive effect on pollination and biodiversity in the ecosystem. For the sake of the biodiversity and pollination of the Ogasawara Islands, donate money to save the Bonin fruit bats from deforestation.

6 Works Cited Brazil, M. Hanging Around the Threat of Extinction. Retrieved from Home Depot. (2000, September 23). Retrieved from homedepot.com Ogasawara History. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2016, from Ogasawara Info. Retrieved from P. (n.d.). Vision & Mission. Retrieved October 07, 2016, from Pteropus pselaphon (Bonin Flying Fox, Bonin Fruit Bat). (2008, June 30). Retrieved September 22, 2016, from Sustainability of PVC. Retrieved from Why Bats Matter. Retrieved from

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