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Mass swarming of tens of thousands of common pipistrelles in front of hibernacula of the Carpathian Mountains suggests that bats may originate from a large catchment area. However, until now neither banding nor molecular data have resolved the geographic origin of common pipistrelles at these sites. Here, we measured the acoustic activity of bats and the stable hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H) in metabolically inert fur keratin of bats to infer the relative swarming activity and the putative summer origin of bats, respectively, observed in autumn at Erňa cave, one of the largest bat hibernacula in Europe. Swarming activity declined with decreasing ambient temperature during the early season, while it increased during colder days towards the onset of hibernation. Based on δ2H values, we deduced that about 50% of the animals did not have a local origin. Provenance of all but one of these migrants was identified as the Pannonian Basin, while a single long-distance migrant may have originated from the northern margin of the species' European distribution range. Modelling the variation in δ2H values of bats in response to sex, body condition and season suggested that, towards the onset of hibernation, males of low body condition were likely to be of distant geographic origin. Throughout the swarming season, females were mostly of local origin, yet towards the onset of hibernation, their body condition was not as variable as in males. We conclude that common pipistrelles observed at this mass hibernacula site are facultative migrants, which may undertake long-distance seasonal movements occasionally. At our study site, common pipistrelles are more likely to include long-distance migrants because of the mass occurrence of this species at this large hibernaculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bat survey in the Greek part of the Prespa basin in 2018-2020 confirmed, despite the limited methods used, its extraordinary importance for bat diversity. The study documented the presence of 22 bat forms (20 species) by acoustic surveys and a favourable status of some roosts including several nursery colonies. Three of the recorded species are here reported for the first time, Eptesicus nilssonii (the first record for Greece), Nyctalus lasiopterus, and Barbastella barbastellus, however, confirmation by a capture or direct observation of an individual is still needed. The collected data showed that bats do not avoid the urbanized parts of the study area and underlined the importance of old houses, churches, and ruins providing suitable roosting and foraging opportunities. The measurements of light pollution in villages revealed a high amount of light diffusion caused by the used type of shieldless luminaires. Heat maps of light intensity revealed a slightly higher bat activity in almost all villages in 2020, upon the situation in 2018. Bat passes were recorded not only in the peripheries of the highest illumination zones but also inside them, although some of the bat passes may belong to bats flying enough in the dark above the light levels of the installed lamps. The study provides application of mitigation actions for the Municipality of Prespa with the main aim to reduce the current level of the ALAN (Artificial Light At Night). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During several hours of acoustic survey of bats in Borgo Maggiore, San Marino, on 30 August 2020, foraging activity of at least six bat species was recorded. Five of them (Eptesicus serotinus, Hypsugo savii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. kuhlii, and Tadarida teniotis) are common and widespread across the Apennine Peninsula and are already known members of the bat fauna of San Marino. The sixth species, Nyctalus noctula, is here reported from this country for the first time and the bat fauna of San Marino increases to 18 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current climate changes have shifted the breeding and wintering ranges in Pipistrellus nathusii, similarly as in some other European bat species. Mainly the originally woodland species undergo the process of synurbanisation and occur more frequently in urban areas today. This short note describes two records of nursery colonies of P. nathusii from towns in eastern Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only thirteen records of four bat species belonging to three families have been known from the Bahrain Archipelago until now, Asellia tridens, Taphozous nudiventris, Pipistrellus kuhlii, and Vansonia rueppellii. Here the results of a short-time systematic survey of bats in Bahrain are presented. During an acoustic survey (15 bat detector sessions, ca. 190 km of car transects, ca. 17 hours of recordings in total), 456 bat call sequences were recorded that contained 12,051 particular bat call pulses. A majority of the recorded calls was represented by the calls of Pipistrellus kuhlii (96.1%), followed by Rhyneptesicus nasutus (3.5%), Otonycteris hemprichii (0.06%), and Taphozous nudiventris (0.01%). Combining the new and published data, 63 records (species / site) of five bat species are currently available from the Kingdom of Bahrain. While the occurrence of two species was confirmed (Taphozous nudiventris - 3 records, Pipistrellus kuhlii - 46 records), two species were discovered newly in Bahrain (Otonycteris hemprichii - 1 record, Rhyneptesicus nasutus - 8 records), one species was not recorded by the recent survey although certainly present (Asellia tridens - 5 records), and one species was suggested to be deleted from the faunal list of the country (Vansonia rueppellii). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats of four islands of the Dodecanese Archipelago (Astypalea, Kalymnos, Symi, Megisti) were studied for the first time. The bat fauna of these islands comprises eleven species and the faunas of the particular islands are composed of five (on Astypalea) to nine (on Symi) species. Three species of bats, Rhinolophus blasii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. kuhlii, were found in all four islands, two species, Hypsugo savii and Tadarida teniotis in three islands, and Eptesicus anatolicus and Plecotus kolombatovici in two islands. The remaining four species, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Myotis blythii, M. emarginatus, and Miniopterus schreibersii, are known from only one island each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the general role of bats and the tolerance of many species to urbanized areas is well known, the relationship between urban roosts and their surrounding landscapes having different degrees of naturalness still requires our attention, mainly in species that are the most adapted to human-made structures. We used extensive data from attic-dwelling bat surveillance conducted throughout Slovakia to assess species responses to the degree of naturalness of the landscape surrounding their anthropogenic roosts. Using generalized linear mixed-effects modelling, we found that some bats established their nursery colonies in either a habitat with a higher proportion of forests mostly at sub-mountain/mountain altitudes ( R. hipposideros , P. auritus , M. emarginatus ), or they preferred lowlands with a predominance of arable land ( E. serotinus , P. austriacus ). Furthermore, higher habitat heterogeneity and the proportion of grassland were positively associated with the occurrence of P. auritus ; however, negative associations with these habitat variables were found in E. serotinus . The predicted suitability of an area for bats to establish nursery colonies suggests the existence of two regions with different bat species composition in the study area: a region of the Pannonian Lowlands and a less urbanized mountain region of the Carpathian Mountains. Our study thus showed that landscape naturalness is a determining factor for roost-site selection by bats preferring anthropogenic roosts; however, some bat species did not express specific preferences according to the tested environmental variables, and other ecological traits in the evaluated species should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) in Albania is confirmed. Our findings are now the southernmost known records of the species on the eastern Adriatic coast, and officially present a new reptile species for the Albanian herpetofauna. The origin of these records is discussed; molecular investigation is needed for future evaluation of P. siculus populations in Albania and the western Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Savi's pipistrelle Hypsugo savii is a Mediterranean faunal element among the bats; it occurs in southern Europe, the Canary Islands, north-western Africa, most of the Mediterranean islands, in the northern part of the Middle East, in the Crimea, Caucasus, West Turkestan, and northern Afghanistan. The northern margin of its geographical range in Europe reaches the Pyrenees, Massif Central, southern Alps, Dalmatia, Balkan Mountains and southern Crimea, like that of other similar biogeographical elements. 2. Since the 1990s, Hypsugo savii started to be found in inland areas of southeastern Europe and in Central Europe as far northwards as in central Bohemia and southern Poland. These numerous new occurrences seem to be either 1) connected to environmental changes caused by the current climate change; 2) evidence of an intrinsic expansion process powered by the species' synanthropic tendency, including passive human-mediated transport; or 3) a reflection of the increase in field survey efforts. 3. Distributional data on Hypsugo savii from central and south-eastern parts of Europe were gathered and evaluated. 4. We provide a detailed review of all records available by the end of 2013. The assessment of temporal distribution of the data clearly shows an ongoing and relatively fast expansion of Hypsugo savii from southern to Central Europe, which represents a shift of almost 800 km northwards in the last 20-25 years. 5. Most of the records (65%) originate from urban habitats. This suggests that the synanthropic habits of the species are the most plausible explanation for the northwards shift of the range limits of Hypsugo savii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual dichromatism has been reported for several amphibian species. Generally, in the animal kingdom, males are more colourful than females. This more pronounced colouration in either quantitative (area of pigmentation) or qualitative (hue, saturation, brightness) form probably plays a role in courtship or mate attraction, but one common polytypic species Salamandra salamandra is still unexplored in this conjunction. We investigated the dorsal patterns of wintering salamanders captured from December 2012 to April 2013 in six underground shelters in Slovakia. We recorded significant size differences between the sexes in all of the morphometric characteristics evaluated, and using free image analysis software, we provide first evidence of the existence of sexual dichromatism in this species, as males exhibit significantly larger yellow spots on the dorsum and tail than females. No significant sex-related differences in the number of spots and their qualitative colour parameters (hue, saturation, brightness) were detected, though. In both sexes, spots along the vertebral line predominate. The dominance in colouration in females on the left-hand side and the weak correlations between snout-vent lengths and spot characteristics were also surveyed, as was the total area covered with spots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter bat census in hibernacula of the Muránska planina National Park was carried out in 2002-2013 and its results are presented here. In 37 roosts (out of 41 potential roosts checked, i.e. 90.2%) hibernating bats were found; altogether 19 bat species were recorded. Rhinolophus hipposideros was the most abundant and most frequent (D=62.6%, F=70.7%), followed by Myotis myotis s.l. (D=25.3%, F=75.6%). Four species with less than ten individuals recorded are considered to be rare in the respective region: Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis bechsteinii, Plecotus austriacus, and Rhinolophus euryale. Three groups of sites could be determined based on the analysis of species dominance: (A) hibernacula situated mostly at lower altitudes with the dominance of Rhinolophus hipposideros, (B) hibernacula mainly with the presence of Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Barbastella barbastellus aggregations, and (C) hibernacula with higher species diversity situated mostly at higher altitudes. In the study period, an increase in numbers could be clearly observed in Rhinolophus hipposideros, while no obvious population trends were recorded among other species. Possible reasons of disappearance of the Barbastella barbastellus and Pipistrellus pipistrellus mass aggregations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All available data on distribution of the lesser mouse-eared bat, Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857) in Slovakia are summarised and some ecological notes are added. In total more than 260 occurrence sites and almost 1,000 records (obtained by various survey methods, e.g. roost checks, nettings, winter census, analyses of owl pellets and osteological remains from caves) coming from the period 1924-2008 were included in the evaluation of distribution pattern. The species was recorded in 106 mapping squares making up 24.7% of the area of Slovakia. M. blythii was never evidenced in the northwestern (Kysuce region) and northeastern (Šariš region) parts of the country. Most of the records are concentrated to the karstic regions in the south of central Slovakia (Slovenský, kras Mts., Muránska planina Mts., Slovenský, raj Mts.) and to the mountains of eastern Slovakia (Slanské vrchy Mts.). In other parts of Slovakia, its distribution has a rather patchy character. While the breeding range has a northern margin at appr. 48° 50′ N (upper Hron river basin) and does not exceed the mountain range of the Nízke Tarry Mts., hibernacula were recorded northward up to appr. 49° 05′ N. The nursery colony in the Turčianska Štiavnička manor house (49° 05′ N) is reported here as the northernmost site of reproduction within the whole area. Generally, the distribution on range of M. blythii is well correlated with climatic regions and (at least for the breeding range) it could be described as the area with the maximum mean January temperature -3 °C and the minimum mean July temperature of 16 °C. M. blythii in Slovakia reaches elevations of up to 1200 m, summer roosts occur at lower altitudes (81% are situated below 400 m a. s. l.) than hibernacula (91% in the altitude range of 200--1000 m a. s. l.). As revealed from netting data, the date of parturition in Slovakia is estimated at the end of May and/or the beginning of June. Most usually, the species creates mixed nursery colonies with its sibling, Myotis myotis; only four monospecific breeding colonies were evidenced in the country. Long-term population changes of the species were shown using the winter census data from artificial hibernacula in the Slanské vrchy Mts. (E Slovakia), however, we do not report any obvious trend in its population numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus euryale, creates in the pre-hibernation period an aggregation in the Domica cave (Slovakia) and despite the harsh winter conditions displays a certain amount of flying activity. The goal of the study was to find out whether some environmental factors influence these conspicuous aggregation dynamics. We used image and statistical analysis of pictures of the aggregation taken automatically in the cave along with atmospheric pressure, humidity, outside and inside cave temperature and oxygen and carbon dioxide contents in the cave. These environmental variables were assumed to explain the observed activity. We hypothesised that the number of bats in particular time periods would correlate with some of these variables, but this was not confirmed. The only significant relations confirmed were those between bat numbers and humidity and carbon dioxide values in the cave. No trend in the spatial positioning of the bats was observed, and no environmental factors influenced the numbers, movements or groupings of bats. On the contrary, bats by their presence (breathing), activity and production of excrements may significantly influence the microclimate of the cave environment.The Mediterranean horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus euryale, creates in the pre-hibernation period an aggregation in the Domica cave (Slovakia) and despite the harsh winter conditions displays a certain amount of flying activity. The goal of the study was to find out whether some environmental factors influence these conspicuous aggregation dynamics. We used image and statistical analysis of pictures of the aggregation taken automatically in the cave along with atmospheric pressure, humidity, outside and inside cave temperature and oxygen and carbon dioxide contents in the cave. These environmental variables were assumed to explain the observed activity. We hypothesised that the number of bats in particular time periods would correlate with some of these variables, but this was not confirmed. The only significant relations confirmed were those between bat numbers and humidity and carbon dioxide values in the cave. No trend in the spatial positioning of the bats was observed, and no environmental factors influenced the numbers, movements or groupings of bats. On the contrary, bats by their presence (breathing), activity and production of excrements may significantly influence the microclimate of the cave environment.The Mediterranean horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus euryale, creates in the pre-hibernation period an aggregation in the Domica cave (Slovakia) and despite the harsh winter conditions displays a certain amount of flying activity. The goal of the study was to find out whether some environmental factors influence these conspicuous aggregation dynamics. We used image and statistical analysis of pictures of the aggregation taken automatically in the cave along with atmospheric pressure, humidity, outside and inside cave temperature and oxygen and carbon dioxide contents in the cave. These environmental variables were assumed to explain the observed activity. We hypothesised that the number of bats in particular time periods would correlate with some of these variables, but this was not confirmed. The only significant relations confirmed were those between bat numbers and humidity and carbon dioxide values in the cave. No trend in the spatial positioning of the bats was observed, and no environmental factors influenced the numbers, movements or groupings of bats. On the contrary, bats by their presence (breathing), activity and production of excrements may significantly influence the microclimate of the cave environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common pipistrelle bats are known for their autumn or late-summer invasions, when temporary groups of individuals fly into inhabited buildings in urban areas. This specific display has been reported since 1862. In this review, we collected all available records and analysed their spatiotemporal pattern within the species range with regard to the numbers and structure of individuals involved in such invasions (in total 1,025 invasions from 51 publications and almost 80 unpublished or own records). We found that invasions occurred mostly in Central European towns in Slovakia, Czechia and Germany between 48 and 55° of northern latitude, mainly during the late decades of 20th century. Although the majority of invasions occurred just once or twice at a site and involved only dozens of individuals, sites that were repeatedly invaded also exhibited a higher number of bats involved (hundreds of individuals). The reviewed data suggest that predominantly young animals without sex bias took part in the invasions. A special emphasis was put on the city of Košice, Slovakia, where invasions repeated annually since 1996, mostly in August and September, while bats altered the invasion sites during the analysed period. However, the number of invasions and invading individuals was related to the number of bats hibernating in the largest know hibernaculum in the species range (Erňa cave). This review suggests that invasions are some misconduct associated with the migration into large swarming and hibernation sites while the social memory of adult females should be a mechanism facilitating such seasonal movements in young bats. However, social calls of inexperienced juveniles which got stuck inside buildings tend to lure other individuals into this ecological trap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents new data on the distribution of small mammals (Erinaceomorpha, Soricomorpha, and Rodentia) in the Muránska planina National Park (central Slovakia) and adjacent areas, gathered in the period 1981-2009. The new records were obtained by trapping (using snap-, pitfall- and live-traps; 605 specimens) and by direct observations (incl. footprints and dead animals evidences). Altogether, 24 small mammal species were recorded: 7 species of insectivores and 17 of rodents. Apodemus flavicollis (40.2%), Myodes glareolus (21.2%) and Sorex araneus (11.2%) were eudominant species in the trapped samples. Among others, some rare or noteworthy species were recorded (e.g., Sorex alpinus, Dryomys nitedula, Sicista betulina, Microtus agrestis, Micromys minutus). Some basic information on successful restitution of Spermophilus citellus in the area under study in the period 2000-2009 is also given. At one site, the released sousliks created a colony of up to 600 individuals. The course of range expansion of Apodemus agrarius in the area under study is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soft ticks of the genus Reticulinasus Schulze, 1941 (family Argasidae Koch, 1844) are ectoparasites of the fruit bats of the Old World (Pteropodidae). Reticulinasus salahi (Hoogstraal, 1953) is the only representative of this genus that occurs in the western part of the Palaearctic. This unusual distribution reflects the distributon range of its primary host, Rousettus aegyptiacus (Geoffroy, 1810). In this contribution, we present a revised review of records of this tick that were made in two periods, 1951–1966 (records from Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Spain) and 2005–2019 (Cyprus, Iran, Oman), and additionally, we present notes, re-determinations, new records, and summary of hosts of this tick. Besides the primary host, the revised list of hosts comprises two bats (Taphozous perforatus Geoffroy, 1818, Otonycteris hemprichii Peters, 1859) and the human (Homo sapiens Linnaeus, 1758). We also tried to identify pathogens in specimens of this tick collected from R. aegyptiacus in Oman. The DNA of the Mouse herpesvirus strain 68 (MHV-68), of two bacteria, Borellia burgdorferii sensu lato, and Ehrlichia sp. almost identical (98%) with Candidatus Ehrlichia shimanensis was detected in several larvae specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current environment changes and global amphibian decline suggest specific responses assuming urbanisation potential of the species. Amphibians are generally considered to be suitable bio-indicators of environmental health due to their ecological requirements. Therefore, fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a measure of small random deviations from bilateral symmetry is used for assessing morphological disruptions and parallelly the environment health. We measured the snout-vent length and lengths of five skeletal traits of limbs (humerus, radioulna, femur, tibiofibula, calcaneus) among the five European green toad populations from two contrasting habitats (urban and rural). We did not confirm our hypothesis that urban populations would exhibit higher level of FA as an indicator of higher environmental stress comparing to rural populations. However, asymmetry measured on forelimb bones was significantly larger than on hindlimbs. In addition, one urban population had significantly longer limbs comparing to the other sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphometric comparison of two similar species fromSpinturnix myotigroup,S. myotiandSpinturnix andegavinabased on the records from Romania and Ukraine was undertaken. Discriminant characteristics for nymph stadium are provided. Morphometric features of adult stages of these two species are discussed with respect to their applicability for species determination. Description and key features of nymphal stages ofS. andegavinawere compiled using metric and non-metric body characteristics. Records ofS. andegavinafrom Romania and Ukraine are reported for the first time and previous records of spinturnicid mites fromMyotis daubentonii(Kuhl, 1817) in northern Europe and Asia are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a widely distributed freshwater species inhabiting much of Europe, but it is often in population decrease or is locally extinct. In this study, we sampled five central European populations, of which four were autochthonous and one was introduced outside the native range. Moreover, two of the native populations were relatively isolated and at the periphery of the species, range. Using the frequency of shell anomalies, a geometric morphometric framework and an analysis of fluctuating asymmetry, we aimed to determine the degree of morphological differentiation among different populations. Significantly, a smaller number of individuals with a malformed shell or scutes occurred in the native core range population, which potentially has a high level of gene flow (Hungary). Although neither canonical variate analysis nor the morphological disparity analysis showed distinct differences between populations, we found significantly higher shell asymmetry in the two marginal populations (Austria and Slovakia) compared with the core range populations. Our results might thus support the central–marginal hypothesis and indicate potential genetically based conservation problems owing to demographic bottlenecks and/or isolation in marginal populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacteriome of bat faeces and bat guano is still not well known, despite the increasing knowledge of it as a potential source of pathogenic and/or antibiotic-resistant species. In this study, the faecal microbiome composition of two building-dwelling insectivorous bat species (Myotis myotis and Rhinolophus hipposideros) was analysed using cultivation-based and non-cultivation-based approaches. The cultivation analyses indicate the dominance of Gram-positive bacteria, represented by the genera Enterococcus, Lactococcus and Lactobacillus. Non-cultivation analysis based on 16S rRNA DGGE assays provided a different pattern, with the genus Rahnella found to predominate in the faecal microbiome. The analyses showed bat species to be the most important factor influencing the structure of the guano-associated microbial population. The presence of several possible human pathogens (Hafnia alvei, Serratia fonticola, S. liquefaciens) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (e.g. vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus nepalensis) was detected in faeces samples, indicating possible human health risks associated with bat guano. Although the bat-human transmission of infection caused by pathogenic bacteria has not been reliably confirmed to date, this possibility should not be underestimated. Given the very important ecosystem services of bats, particular those studied herein, it is time to think about appropriate management of bat populations inhabiting man-made buildings and potential conflicts with humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The syndrome of ear pinnae absence was recorded in three individuals of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) among 71 observed (4.2%) in the Etosha National Park, Namibia, during eight visits in 2013-2020. In two cases, the syndrome comprised bilateral absence of the pinna and certain damage of the tail, while in one case, only unilateral lack of the ear pinna was recorded without any damage of the other pinna and tail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniopterus schreibersii is a cave-dwelling bat species with a wide distribution in the western Palearctic spanning southern and central Europe, North Africa, Anatolia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. We investigated the social structure and its effects on the genetic makeup of this species, using 10 nuclear microsatellite markers and a partial fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Samples were examined from the species' entire circum-Mediterranean range. Local structuring that was previously detected among populations of M. schreibersii using mitochondrial markers was not observed for microsatellite markers, indicating male-biased dispersal for the species. Some support was found for postglacial expansions in Europe, with Anatolia potentially acting as the primary refugium during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, support for this hypothesis is not as strong as that previously detected using mitochondrial DNA markers. This is likely due to the diminishing effect of male-mediated dispersal, replenishing the nuclear diversity faster than the mitochondrial diversity in regions that are relatively far from the glacial refugia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the dietary habits of the Natrix natrix (European Grass Snake).

A complete list of bat records available from Northern Cyprus is presented, based on both limited literature and new records, resulting from a recent field survey conducted mainly in 2018. This review is complemented by distribution maps and summaries of the distributional status of particular species. From the northern part of the island of Cyprus, at least 451 records of 21 bat species are available; viz. Rousettus aegyptiacus (26 record localities), Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (19), R. hipposideros (21), R. euryale (5), R. mehelyi (1), R. blasii (12), Myotis blythii (4), M. nattereri (10), M. emarginatus (3), M. capaccinii (1), Eptesicus serotinus (5), E. anatolicus (1), Hypsugo savii (6), Pipistrellus pipistrellus (50), P. pygmaeus (9), P. kuhlii (265), Nyctalus leisleri (1), N. lasiopterus (1), Plecotus kolombatovici (3), Miniopterus schreibersii (4), and Tadarida teniotis (5). The number of records increased elevenfold and 1.5 times more bat species were found compared to the last review published in 2007. Seven bat species (Rhinolophus euryale, Myotis emarginatus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. pygmaeus, Nyctalus leisleri, N. lasiopterus, and Miniopterus schreibersii) are reported from Northern Cyprus for the first time; also, R. euryale is confirmed for the first time from the whole island. With the exception of Nyctalus noctula, for which doubtful records exist only from Southern Cyprus, the complete known bat fauna of the island was documented in Northern Cyprus. Moreover, three bat species, Rhinolopus mehelyi, Myotis capaccinii and Eptesicus anatolicus, were reported only from the northern part of Cyprus, although the record of M. capaccinii is considered as problematic and the occurrence of this species on the island is unlikely. For the first time, a population trend in a bat population is reported in Cyprus; smaller colonies of Rousettus aegyptiacus, even abandonment of roosts, were observed during the recent survey compared to numbers recorded in the mid-2000s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) has been repeatedly noted to occur in natural and artificial subterranean systems. Despite the obvious connection of this species with underground shelters, their level of dependence and importance to the species is still not fully understood. In this study, we carried out long-term monitoring based on the capture-markrecapture method in two wintering populations aggregated in extensive underground habitats. Using the POPAN model we found the population size in a natural shelter to be more than twice that of an artificial underground shelter. Survival and recapture probabilities calculated using the Cormack-Jolly-Seber model were very constant over time, with higher survival values in males than in females and juveniles, though in terms of recapture probability, the opposite situation was recorded. In addition, survival probability obtained from Cormack-Jolly-Seber model was higher than survival from POPAN model. The observed bigger population size and the lower recapture rate in the natural cave was probably a reflection of habitat complexity. Our study showed that regular visits are needed to detect the true significance of underground shelters for fire salamanders. The presence of larvae was recorded in both wintering sites, especially in bodies of water near the entrance. On the basis of previous and our observations we incline to the view, that karst areas can induce not only laying in underground shelters but also group wintering in this species. Our study highlights the strong connection of the life cycle of fire salamanders with underground shelters and their essential importance for the persistence of some populations during unfavourable conditions and breeding activity. In addition, the study introduces the POPAN and Cormac-Jolly-Seber models for estimating of population size, survival and recapture probability in wintering populations of the species, which could provide important information for species conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass hibernacula of several tens of thousands of Pipistrellus pipistrellus associated with the swarming of bats during seasonal movements should serve as important sites of gene flow in this species. The massive occurrence of hibernating bats which is observed in few caves in the Carpathian Mountains encourages the idea that the genetic diversity at these sites will be greater comparing to known situation in surrounding region. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of individuals that aggregate in two such caves in Slovakia and Romania with the help of a common and available genetic marker. Using an mtDNA cytochrome b, 571 bp long fragment, very low haplotype diversity was found within both mass hibernacula of P. pipistrellus (15 haplotypes only, from which one significantly predominated with > 80% in both caves). The initial screening did not suggest that hibernating bats migrated to mass hibernacula from remote areas behind central European region. However, reliable study of the species' migratory behaviour is required to understand more about the phenomenon of the mass hibernacula of these bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess bat diversity and particularly, the significance of underground spaces for bats, in the Revúcka vrchovina Mts. We also studied foraging areas of R. euryale and M. schreibersii which form maternity colonies in the respective area. Considering the rich history of mining in the Revúcka vrchovina Mts. and the previously available faunistic data, the presence of yet undiscovered roosts and species was assumed. During a survey of the area in 2012-2014, altogether 248 new mining sites were traced and 16 species of bats were recorded to roost there. Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus hipposideros, and Barbastella barbastellus were dominant species and the latter two along with Rhinolophus ferrumequinum represented the most widespread species. Three wintering aggregations of Miniopterus schreibersii composed of 3500-5000 individuals each, and a wintering colony of Rhinolophus hipposideros composed of ca. 630 bats belong to the most significant results of the study. The existence of maternity colonies of Miniopterus schreibersii and Rhinolophus euryale was also confirmed in underground spaces in the region. The newly discovered occurrence sites of Miniopterus schreibersii and Rhinolophus euryale that shift the known margins of the species distribution ranges are of high importance. Data from telemetry tracking of these two species show that the territories where the particular individuals forage are rather extensive (>100 km²). According to these findings, practical conservation of the species and their habitats requires international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We collected and analyzed data on the annual course of reproduction of the Egyptian fruit bat ( Rousettus aegyptiacus) in 2 climatically distinct areas, the Mediterranean and the Egyptian desert, located at the northern limits of the species' distribution. In both regions, reproductive seasonality was characterized by distinct bimodality in birth timing regardless of climatic differences. A low incidence of simultaneous pregnancy and lactation indicated that both seasonal bimodal polyestry with and without postpartum estrus may occur in both regions, with a possibly lower incidence of postpartum estrus in females from the Mediterranean population. Observed shifts in birth timing between the Mediterranean and the desert study area corresponded to regional differences in fruiting phenology of major dietary plants. The male reproductive cycle was synchronized with that of females. The period of testicular recrudescence occurred during the peak pregnancy period. Because testis size was related to body mass irrespective of body size, we hypothesize that food abundance is an important trigger of male sexual activity. R. aegyptiacus is the sole species with seasonal bimodal polyestry among Palearctic bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New records of bats resulting from two surveys in 2008 and 2010, focused mainly on southern regions of Morocco, are presented. Altogether 19 bat species were recorded in Morocco s.str. and only one species, Pipistrellus kuhlii s.l., was documented from the Western Sahara. This bat remains the only bat species known from this vast desert area. Some notes on the distribution and echolocation of the recorded taxa are added, including the first data on echolocation characteristics of the recently recognised species Eptesicus isabellinus and Plecotus gaisleri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]