Bougainville hosts scientists in rare bat research visit

Bougainville is playing host to 20 leading scientists from around the globe this week, in a rare visit aimed at studying the island’s unique bat species.

The delegation, fresh from an international research conference in Cairns, Australia, is focusing on the preservation of mammals, particularly flying foxes, across the Pacific and worldwide.

Bougainville, along with Vanuatu and parts of Australia, was chosen as a key site for their week-long field expedition.

The scientists will travel to Kunua District, where they will be hosted by the Kunua Conservation Network, led by Dr Junior Novera.

He says Bougainville’s forests are home to several unique flying fox species, offering researchers a rare opportunity to document and understand the island’s rich biodiversity.

A highlight of the visit will be a cultural exchange with students at Ubuko Primary School in Kunua, giving young people the chance to meet and interact with the visiting experts.

Dr Novera, who welcomed the group at Buka Airport yesterday, says this is the first time Bougainville has hosted such a large delegation of international scientists - an event that he hopes will shine a global spotlight on the region’s wildlife conservation efforts.