Photo By Chelsey Suarez-Pierce | This U.S. Marine Corps mixed media graphic illustration spreads awareness of the...... read more read more
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Native to the Marianas archipelago, including the Marianas and Caroline Islands, the Mariana Fruit Bat—known in CHamoru as Fanihi—has experienced steep population declines over the last two decades. Habitat loss, invasive species spread, and human interference have made sightings of this once-common species increasingly rare. Of all the islands in the region, Guam—with the largest landmass and forested areas—now hosts the fewest Fanihi.
To better understand the behaviors and movement patterns of this threatened and sparse species, annual community-led surveys like the “Island-Wide Fanihi Count” play a crucial role. These events help document known roosting sites, feeding behaviors, and short-term movements to support conservation efforts.
On July 1, 2025, the Annual Guam Island-Wide Fanihi Count was conducted with the support of over a dozen government, local, and academic organizations. More than 75 observation posts were manned simultaneously from approximately ~0345 to ~0615 hours. Volunteers and professionals recorded critical data such as sighting duration, bat travel direction, and distance from the post—information that contributes to island-wide analysis.
At Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz’s Live Fire Training Range Complex, Marines, civilian staff, and members of the NAVFAC Marianas Environmental Team took part in the count. While no Fanihi were observed in this region, the event exemplified the ongoing collaboration between military personnel and environmental professionals. It also offered a moment for participants to discuss shared goals and the unique steps each organization can play in protecting the Fanihi.
Environmentally, the Fanihi plays a role in maintaining a diverse ecosystem, primarily through their germination ability – seed spreading property that allow for a variety of plant species to be introduced to a wide range of the island. This action supports forest regeneration and biodiversity, serving as an important ecological player. With decreased Fanihi activity, Guam faces slower seed dispersal and a corresponding reduction in native plant diversity.
Beyond environmental contributions, the Fanihi holds deep cultural and historical value to the island and its people. Traditionally hunted by ancient CHamoru communities, the fruit bat was considered a delicacy, especially when stewed in coconut milk. The Fanihi represents a living connection to CHamoru foodways, ancestral practices, and identity—making its protection an environmental and cultural necessity.
Now considered a “threatened with extinction” species, the Fanihi stands as a symbol for the need for unified conservation action. The annual count is not just about gathering statistics. It’s about raising awareness, bridging scientific study with indigenous knowledge, and encouraging community participation in environmental stewardship.
At Camp Blaz, protecting native species like the Fanihi aligns directly with the installation’s broader mission to preserve and enhance Guam’s natural resources. Through ongoing surveys, shared education, and strong interagency cooperation, both the military and the local community contribute to a future where the Fanihi can thrive once again.
To learn more about Fanihi work at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, please visit:
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/935286/marine-corps-base-camp-blaz-enviromental-team-conducts-mariana-fruit-bat-survey
To learn more about environmental and cultural stewardship at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, please visit:
https://www.mcbblaz.marines.mil/Environmental-Program/
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.13.2025 18:38 |
| Story ID: | 542499 |
| Location: | DEDEDO, GU |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The Mariana Fruit Bat: Guam’s cultural and environmental bridge, by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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