Animal ethics
Fieldwork was carried out under the Philippine Government Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (now Biodiversity Management Bureau) permit no. 2010–197, issued following approval from the Philippines National Wildlife Management Committee. The latter is responsible for assessing applications for the use of wildlife for scientific research in accordance with the Philippines Rules and Regulations on the Conduct of Scientific Procedures Using Animals. The permit approved the defined study procedures for capture, handling, sample collection, and release of bats, including Acerodon jubatus, listed as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Philippine National List of Threatened Wild Fauna. All procedures reflect current best practice, minimising stress and discomfort, and reducing the risk of injury, mortality, and interference to natural behaviour. Local approvals were obtained from the Protected Area Management Board of Biak Na Bato National Park, the Municipality of Doña Remedios Trinidad, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.