EPIC is spearheading an important bat monitoring and conservation project that aims to better understand local bat populations and protect their remaining habitats in the face of mounting environmental pressures. Bats are important because they are pollinators, serve as natural pest controllers, and they represent the only native mammal found on Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.
One of the island’s primary roosting caves, located at Billy Folly, has recently been abandoned by the bats, which is likely due to illegal harvesting of bat poop, called guano. The EPIC team found physical evidence of human disturbances in the cave, including trash and tools used for guano removal. While this practice is highly disruptive to the bats and harmful to the environment, it is currently not illegal in Sint Maarten. In addition to signs of past human activity, the abandoned cave showed evidence of rats and nesting birds, which may also have contributed to or followed the bats’ departure.
To gain understanding about what led to the bats abandoning the cave, camera traps were installed during April 2025 at two locations including at the original, now abandoned cave, and at the location where the bats are currently roosting. Camera traps are motion-activated to capture images in a short time frame, while preserving the battery, in outdoor field conditions. The monitoring revealed that there had not been any recent direct disturbances at the new bat roosting site, but it also showed that community members were aware of its location. A group of local hikers visiting the cave were documented by the camera (shown). While these visitors were respectful, their presence highlights the risk of potential future negative impacts to this native bat population from humans. In addition, the new cave where the bats are currently roosting, is much smaller and more exposed than the previous cave, which leaves the colony potentially vulnerable to other threats such as weather or predators.
This monitoring effort, led by EPIC Sint Maarten field biologist Colby Poerio, is focused on more than observation. It’s also about taking action to protect the bats in the future. Another project goal is to document these threats to native bats and their habitat and present it to the government to support legislative protections. Protections could include making guana harvest illegal or protecting the remaining cave habitats across the island. This is critical because many bat caves have already been lost to development, making the preservation of those few that remain urgent.
Through this project, EPIC is working to ensure these rare animals have safe places to live, which further supports the ecological balance and biodiversity in Sint Maarten. Special thanks to our donor, The Culture Fund, and to the Nature Foundation for loaning the camera traps. Your support made this vital work possible.