EPIC is leading efforts to monitor and protect the bat populations of Sint Maarten during 2025 are focusing on the Billy Folly cave system, one of the last remaining roost sites on the island. Bats are the only native mammals of Sint Maarten, playing a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control. However, their populations are declining due to habitat destruction, predation, human disturbance, and disease. Billy Folly provides refuge for four species: Natalus stramineus, Artibeus jamaicensis, Brachyphylla cavernarum, and Monophyllus plethodon, but this critical habitat faces increasing threats, including guano harvesting, invasive black rats, and human activity.

Through this project, EPIC aims to assess the status of the bat colonies, identify key threats, and develop conservation strategies. As part of the COastal REsilience Needs Assessment (CORENA) project, a rapid biological assessment revealed a concerning decline in previously recorded bat populations. To gain deeper insights, EPIC has installed 12 trail cameras at cave entrances to monitor bat activity, predation, and human disturbances. Over the course of one year, this data will be analyzed to understand seasonal trends and inform targeted conservation measures.

Beyond research, EPIC is committed to increasing public awareness of the ecological importance of bats. In collaboration with The Nature Foundation, educational programs are being developed to highlight the benefits bats provide and the threats they face. By engaging the community, this project seeks to dispel misconceptions and encourage responsible behavior around bat habitats.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to ensure the long-term protection of Billy Folly and its bat populations. The findings from EPIC’s research will guide conservation recommendations and advocacy efforts for habitat preservation. Individuals can support this initiative by contributing to EPIC’s conservation programs, spreading awareness about the importance of bats, and minimizing disturbances in roosting areas.