Though our group reluctantly headed for Bangkok and flights home on November 25, Surapon, Teresa Nichta and I remained at Khao Chong Pran for two final days of interviews with Wisuthanathkun and other monks, the local school principal and community members. Teresa, assisted by her videographer fiancé, Hugo Zesati, was able to shoot outstanding documentation, including spectacular slow-motion video of the wrinkle-lipped bat emergence.
During the two-day extension, we were particularly pleased to film teachers and students who one-day-per-week wear colorful bat shirts in recognition of the bats’ support.
A comprehensive study of the full economic impact of restoring this one bat cave is urgently needed. Caves and their bat populations are being lost at alarming rates throughout much of Southeast Asia without anyone even noticing! Little is likely to change till more humans and their governments recognize bat caves as potentially key resources.
Acknowledgements
This trip would not have been possible without the invaluably volunteered leadership planning and daily guidance of Daniel Hargreaves, expertly assisted in the field by Daniel Witbey. Also, local guides, Pongsanant P’Kwang, and Kop, were superb. We are deeply appreciative.