title

Population dynamics of bats of the Ivankivtsi adits (Podillia, Ukraine): results of long-term monitoring of winter aggregations

author(s)

Mykhailo Drebet (orcid: 0000-0002-7639-8815)

affiliation

Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine)

bibliography

Theriologia Ukrainica. 2024. Vol. 27: 69–77 (in press).

DOI

language

English, with Ukrainian summary, titles of tables, captures to figs

abstract

Visual survey of colonies of hibernating bats is a traditional research method. The data obtained using this method serve as a basis for determining population trends. These data are especially important for protected areas that ensure the protection and conservation of species and their key habitats. The Ivankivtsi adits (IVK-mines) are located in the territory of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (in the protected zone of the national park). The site is a system of adits and mines used for machine mining of sawn limestone. This area is also part of the European Emerald Network. The IVK-mines are listed as a key underground site for the conservation of European bat species. The monitoring of wintering bat communities at the IVK-mines has continued for about 20 years. Surveys are conducted annually, but mostly only the entrance parts of the adits are covered (about 50% of the site’s total area). Every few years, total bat counts are carried out throughout the entire mine system. The previous total bat count at the IVK-mines was conducted in 2009 (15 years ago). In January 2024, a repeated total survey of bats was conducted. According to its results, 5967 bats belonging to 12 species were recorded. Compared to the previous total count, the increase in numbers is about +60%. The dominant species by number is Barbastella barbastellus. The western barbastelle has been forming a large winter aggregation for 15 years, which in 2024 comprised about 2000 individuals. Other barbastelles are found in smaller groups (10 to 200 individuals) and as single individuals. Studies of winter aggregations of European bats show significant fluctuations in the numbers of bats between surveys of several years, indicating that environmental factors that affect hibernation strategies mask real population trends. In addition, climate change creates opportunities for cold-loving species to hibernate outside of their main roosts, such as in tree hollows, which makes it difficult to understand and interpret bat survey data. This phenomenon is obviously observed in the IVK-mines. Therefore, an important condition for improving the understanding of real trends in the population dynamics of species will be the transition to more modern and high-quality survey and monitoring methods of winter aggregations of bats and their hibernation, particularly via automatic survey systems using light barriers.

keywords

bats, population dynamics, monitoring, protected areas, Podillia

references

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