Work with the local community surrounding Nakanacagi Cave in Fiji has the power to decide the future of Fijan free-tailed bats.
12.12.24
By Alyson Brokaw
250,000. That’s the estimated number of insects the bats of Nakanacagi Cave on Vanua Levu, Fiji consume in a single night. Tucked in amongst the crevices of this volcanic sandstone cave are roughly 2,000 to 7,000 Fijian free tailed bats (Mops bregullae). This cave is home to almost all of the Fijian free-tailed bats on the planet and is the only known maternity cave for this endangered bat. That means what happens in this cave, for good or bad, has the power to decide the future of these incredible animals.
Fijian free-tailed bats are one of only two species of insect-eating bat to live in Fiji (the other being the Pacific sheath-tailed bat, Emballonura semicaudata). With cute, dark eyes and wrinkled, flappy lips, they look a little like bulldogs, at least according to Siteri Tikoca. A PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide in Australia, a BCI Student Scholar and iTaukei (indigenous Fijian), Tikoca is the one who did the math on the free pest-control services provided by the caves’ bats. She hopes that having these kinds of numbers that can be used in discussions about the bats will help people see the connections between the bat and their own lives.
“We can only encourage local pride, ownership, and stewardship once we fully understand what surrounds us, the link to our identity and Vanua, and how we can live in harmony.”
Fortunately for the bats, the future of Nakanacagi Cave is in good hands. In 2019, BCI and the Rainforest Trust provided the funding for the National Trust of Fiji to purchase about 21 acres of land surrounding the cave, creating the opportunity to establish Fiji’s first Bat Sanctuary. This purchase was a critical first step in protecting the cave and surrounding tropical dry forests. Next was developing a management plan for the cave and the surrounding area, a process that was driven largely by the community via workshops, facilitated by the National Trust of Fiji, Nature Fiji MareqetiViti, BCI and other partners. The Nakanacagi Bat Sanctuary hit another major milestone this year when the completed management plan became part of the government record of Fiji. For Tikoca, this community-driven work is important, as is further understanding the natural history of these incredible bats. “We can only encourage local pride, ownership, and stewardship once we fully understand what surrounds us, the link to our identity and Vanua, and how we can live in harmony.” she says.
As part of the series to highlight endangered bats and the people working to protect them, Chris Gallaway of Horizonline Pictures visited the bat cave and village in July of this year with the team from BCI and local collaborators. While the bats may steal the show with their stunning acrobatics as they leave the cave, these films are also the story of conservationists at work. For Gallaway, coming in with a camera provides an opportunity to create space for those involved to reflect on the work and the emotional core of what they are doing and why. And then some moments are a surprise, even with a carefully planned ‘shot list.’ In talking about his experience, Gallaway recounted preparing for one of the filming nights. They were waiting with other villagers for the chief to arrive so they could request permission to visit the cave. “As we were waiting, the children started doing call and response chants and singing, creating these unplanned moments of spontaneity and joy,” says Gallaway. “It is these moments that truly help put the work in perspective, seeing these communities come together in support of bats and emerging as conservationists in their ways.”
Conservation is not and cannot be only about protecting animals, but also about supporting communities.
This emphasizes that conservation is not and cannot be only about protecting animals, but also about supporting communities. Places like Nakanacagi Cave are increasingly at risk from threats like climate change, particularly large tropical storms. In December 2020, tropical cyclone Yasa hit Nakanacagi Village hard, followed in 2021 by tropical storm Ana, with winds and flooding damaging farms and homes. In response, BCI redirected funds towards emergency supplies for the village immediately following the storm and are also contributing to rebuilding efforts within the community. These types of holistic efforts are increasingly important ̶ rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are predicted to result in stronger and more intense storms that could pose a threat to these islands. As Tikoca reminds us, “Conservation doesn’t work without people. The earlier we get them involved and encouraged to lead local stewardship, the better the chances we have of seeing success.”
When asked about what motivates her to be involved in bat conservation, Tikoca reflects on her own connections to the land and the threats she sees her communities facing. “I want to be part of the solution”, she says, “It starts with us. It must start with us.” In partnering with the Nakanacagi community, the goal is a sustainable and resilient future for both the Fijian free-tailed bats and their true custodians ̶ the people of Fiji.
