Bat Erosion as a Factor in Cave Formation

Abstract

I have read with much interest the communication by W. A. King-Webster and J. S. Kenny¹ in which it is suggested that roosting bats can play a considerable part in cave excavation where the rock is soft. In particular, reference is made to the existence, in the roof of a limestone cave in Mt. Tamana (Trinidad), of bell-shaped cavities ranging in depth from 3 ft. to 6 ft., and in diameter at the mouth from 1½ ft. to 2½ ft., and which are used by sleeping bats. The suggestion is made that the habit of the bats of alighting at the lower edge of the bell and then jostling upwards into a central position, by continuation over innumerable years, has led to the excavation of these cavities, with maximum removal of rock at the mouth of the bell.