Endangered 'golden bat' rescued in Jeju after cave reopening

A rare red bat, known locally as the 'golden bat,' has been rescued in Jeju, South Korea, after being found in a state of exhaustion within the popular Manjanggul Cave.

The critically endangered species, a symbol of the island's unique biodiversity, was discovered near the entrance of the lava tube by a cave management employee. The bat appeared weak and had been observed lingering near the entrance for several days before the employee contacted the Jeju Wildlife Rescue Center.

Following its rescue on July 15, the bat underwent examination at the center. While no physical injuries like fractures were detected, veterinarians determined the bat was severely dehydrated and exhausted. It received a nutritional injection and was allowed to rest.

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Red bats are strictly nocturnal and highly averse to light. They inhabit caves where stable temperatures, high humidity, complete darkness, and a quiet environment are maintained. They are a key indicator species for cave ecosystems.

After regaining its strength, the red bat was successfully released back into its natural habitat in Manjanggul Cave on July 16. The cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its stable temperature and humidity, making it an ideal habitat for the nocturnal and light-sensitive species.

However, the bat's distress is suspected to be linked to the recent reopening of Manjanggul Cave after a 2.5-year closure for maintenance due to rockfall risks. The influx of tourists, seeking refuge from the summer heat in the cave's cool environment, may have disrupted the bat's sensitive ecosystem. Experts note that light, noise, and changes in temperature and carbon dioxide levels can induce stress in bats, particularly during their hibernation and breeding seasons. This incident underscores the delicate balance between tourism and wildlife conservation in protected natural areas, emphasizing the need for ongoing ecological monitoring and management.

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Tourism, with its associated lighting, noise, subtle temperature changes, and shifts in carbon dioxide concentration, can cause stress to bats' physiology and behavior. The impact can be even greater during hibernation and breeding seasons. Globally, scientific conservation management, including protecting core habitats, controlling access, and minimizing lighting, is recommended for tourist caves.