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Myotis mystacinus Species Complex (M. mystacinus, M. brandtii, M. alcathoe, M. davidii)
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During the short, two night field research in previously for bats unsurveyed protetcted area Bentbaša, we have identified four bat species, of which Myotis alcathoe was recorded for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this species in our country there are 31 registered bat species. Using mist-nets and ultrasound detector, we have also recorded M. daubentonii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. kuhlii/nathusii.
Bat gamasid mites is a highly specialized ectoparasite group which is of great interest due of strong and other unique features of their hosts (the ability of fly, long distance migration, long-term hibernation). The book summarizes the results of most 60 years of research and is the most cost complete summary of data on bat gamasid mites taxonomy, biology, ecology. It contains the first detailed description of bat wintering experience in several regions of the boreal Palaearctic.
The Myotis mystacinus morphogroup is characterized by high morphological variability across the Palearctic region and four taxa M. brandtii, M. mystacinus, M. davidii and M. alcathoe are recognized on the Balkan Peninsula. Previous studies revealed several subspecies in M. mystacinus (Kuhl, 1817) (nigricans Fatio, 1869, lugubris Fatio, 1869, occidentalis Benda, 2000, caucasicus Tsytsulina, 2000) and in M. davidii (Peters, 1869) (aurascens Kuzâkin, 1935, bulgaricus Heinrich, 1936, popovi Strelkov, 1983, Myotis sp. A sensu Volleth, 1987, przewalskii senso von Helversen, 1989a, 1989b) based on their distribution and morphology.
This study is based on genetic data obtained in 258 specimens of M. mystacinus and 74 M. davidii. The sequence variation within 450 bp of the mitochondrial nd1 was compared with the variation of three nuclear introns (330 bp of ABHD11, 142 bp of ACOX2, 307 bp of ROGDI). Different methods were used to reveal details of distributions, population structure, demographic history and assess the signs of hybridization between both species. Results demonstrate that M. davidii and M. mystacinus are separate genetic lineages in all sampled regions, except the Balkan Peninsula. All individuals across the Adriatic region and most Bulgarian animals, assigned to M. davidii by the nuclear genetic marker and morphology, carried mitochondria of M. mystacinus. M. davidii individuals from Bulgaria showed reduced level of mitochondrial variation and their haplotypes resembled those of typical M. mystacinus from central Europe. Overall, of 56 analyzed animals from Bulgaria only two carried mitochondrial M. davidii haplotype which indicate almost complete replacement of their mtDNA by the M. mystacinus mtDNA.
Ancient allopatric divergence followed by subsequent secondary contact in the Balkan Peninsula might be the cause for the discrepancy between mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Mitochondrial introgression is hence preceded by hybridization events which raises the question about the effectiveness of the reproductive isolation barriers between both lineages.
Secondary contacts can play a major role in the evolutionary histories of species. Various taxa diverge in allopatry and later on come into secondary contact during range expansions. When they meet, their interactions and the extent of gene flow depend on the level of their ecological differentiation and the strength of their reproductive isolation. In this study, we present the multilocus phylogeography of two cryptic whiskered bat species, Myotis mystacinus and M. davidii, with a particular focus on their putative sympatric zone. Our findings suggest that M. mystacinus and M. davidii evolved in allopatry and came into secondary contact during range expansions. Individuals in the area of secondary contact, in Anatolia and the Balkans, have discordant population assignments based on the mitochondrial and the nuclear datasets. These observed patterns suggest that the local M. mystacinus populations hybridized with expanding M. davidii populations, which resulted in mitochondrial introgression from the former. In the introgression area, M. mystacinus individuals with concordant nuclear and mitochondrial genotypes were identified in relatively few locations, suggesting that the indigenous populations might have been largely replaced by invading M. davidii. Changing environmental conditions coupled with ecological competition is the likely reason for this replacement. Our study presents one possible example of a historical population replacement that was captured in phylogeographic patterns.
Checklists represent a basic tool for conservation and management of regional faunas. However, our knowledge on species composition in a territory changes over time due to species movements across borders, extinctions, introductions, as well as to new taxonomic evidence. We aimed to provide the most updated data on native and non-native species of mammals occurring, or that used to occur until recently, on the Italian political territory and seas. The checklist only includes species whose taxonomic status was explicitly agreed in the most recent peer-reviewed literature and based on the most updated taxonomic approaches. For each species, we provided the following information:
scientific and common name, global and Italian range, relevant information for management and conservation (e.g. whether it is endemic, allochthonous, or listed in international regulations and red list assessments), as well as remarks on taxonomy and distribution. This new check list of Italian mammal fauna includes nine marine and 114 terrestrial species, belonging to seven orders (Erinaceomorpha, Soricomorpha, Chiroptera, Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Rodentia, Lagomorpha), and 28 families. Vespertilionidae represents the richest family (n=27 species), followed by Cricetidae (n=12) and Soricidae (n=11). The list includes 15–16 allocthonous species. Considering the relative small size of the country, Italy is confirmed as a hotspot of mammal diversity in Europe, hosting
the highest species richness in relation to the total area.
David's myotis, Myotis davidii, is a vespertilionid bat inhabiting the wide spaces of the Palearctic region. Although previously registered in the north of Mongolia (50° N.L.) and the southern Urals (52° N.L.), data on the ecology of the species on the northern periphery of the range was missing.
The northern border area of M. davidii in Siberia shifts by 350 km and the area increases by about 150,000 km2, in the Ural area by 150 km. Pups in the north of the range appear from the second half of June to July inclusive. Our data reveal that individuals from the Urals and the North Caucasus are genetically similar.
Differences in diet can explain resource partitioning in apparently similar, sympatric
species. Here, we analyzed 1,252 fecal droppings from five species (Eptesicus nilsso‐
nii, Myotis brandtii, M. daubentonii, M. mystacinus, and Plecotus auritus) to reveal their
dietary niches using fecal DNA metabarcoding. We identified nearly 550 prey spe‐
cies in 13 arthropod orders. Two main orders (Diptera and Lepidoptera) formed the
majority of the diet for all species, constituting roughly 80%–90% of the diet. All five
species had different dietary assemblages. We also found significant differences in
the size of prey species between the bat species. Our results on diet composition
remain mostly unchanged when using either read counts as a proxy for quantitative
diet or presence–absence data, indicating a strong biological pattern. We conclude
that although bats share major components in their ecology (nocturnal life style, in‐
sectivory, and echolocation), species differ in feeding behavior, suggesting bats may
have distinctive evolutionary strategies. Diet analysis helps illuminate life history
traits of various species, adding to sparse ecological knowledge, which can be utilized
in conservation planning.
Only recently separated from the Myotis mystacinus species complex, the Alcathoe whiskered bat (Myotis alcathoe) is one of the rarest tree-dwelling bats in Europe. In fact, despite the increased number of records across the continent, it is generally still poorly known. Here we present its discovery in Macedonia. A molecularly confirmed Myotis alcathoe was mist netted in the lower part of Štučka River Valley, near the Štuka village in SE Macedonia. The species is new for the bat fauna of Macedonia. This discovery brings the total number of bat species known to occur in the country to 29. In addition, the study reports the third record of the rare Western Barbastelle bat, Barbastella barbastellus (Schreber, 1774) from Macedonia.
Fifteen individuals of Myotis aurescens (six females, nine males) from Bursa Province, Turkey, were examined for helminths and found to harbour six species of Digenea (Prosthodendrium ascidia, Pr. longiforme, Lecithodendrium linstowi, Plagiorchis muelleri, P. vespertilionis and P. koreanus) and one species of Nematoda (Rictularia lucifugus). Prosthodendrium ascidia was found in all host specimens and had the highest mean intensity per bat as well as abundance. This is the frst helminth record of Myotis aurescens from Turkey. Myotis aurescens represents a new host record for all the parasite species. Prosthodendrium ascidia, L. linstowi, P. muelleri, P. koreanus, R. lucifugus are reported from Turkey for the frst time.
A tentative novel member of the genus Lyssavirus, designated as Kotalahti bat lyssavirus, was detected in a Brandt's bat (Myotis brandtii) in Finland. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the virus differs from other known lyssaviruses, being closely related to Khujand virus, Aravan virus, Bokeloh bat lyssavirus and European bat lyssavirus 2.
The article presents new and currently the most thorough data on the fauna of ectoparasites of the Siberian bat Myotis sibiricus Kastschenko, 1905 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), a species belonging to the Siberian–Far Eastern bat fauna complex and previously regarded as a subspecies of Brandt’s bat M. brandtii s. l. A revision of the literature and collection material on ectoparasites of Brandt’s bat and the whiskered bat in the old interpretation was performed. The data on the parasite fauna of the Siberian bat in the territory of Khakassia, Irkutsk Province, Buryatia, and Yakutia are reported for the first time. The Siberian bat is regarded as the principal host for some species of parasitic arthropods: the gamasid mites Spinturnix mystacinus and Macronyssus sibiricus and the bat fly Basilia truncata. The total ectoparasite fauna of M. sibiricus in Siberia and the Russian Far East comprises 23 species of arthropods, 10 of which have been recorded based on new data and 7, as the result of revision of the taxonomic status of the hosts. The gamasid mite Cryptonyssus flexus is recorded from the Eastern Palaearctic for the first time.
Forest cover in Europe has substantially increased in recent decades, resulting in extensive secondary forest cover (ca. 10-20 years) that is too young for many specialist forest-dwelling species. In the Mediterranean region, forests have historically been logged with detrimental effects on local biodiversity. Only a few small forest patches remain untouched. Specialist forest-dwelling species are often less studied than other species due to their lower population densities and the inherent difficulties involved in sampling. In fact, some forests species have only recently been discovered or described such as the Myotis alcathoe (Alcathoe bat) and so there is a remarkable dearth of information regarding their natural history, habitat requirements and conservation status.
A total of 18 M. alcathoe bats were captured and radio-tracked in a 100-year-old Mediterranean forest which led us to locate and describe 18 different tree roosts. The structural traits of each roost and the surrounding habitat were studied to unravel the factors involved in roost selection. Alcathoe bats were found roosting in a wide variety of sites (holes, cracks and under bark) and tree species. Around 70% of the roosts were found in dead or decrepit trees. However, except for roost height, no special traits were selected. Due to the maturity of some common holly Ilex aquifolium, this typically secondary bush species was often used as a breeding roost. Our results provide new insights into how old and small secondary tree species play an essential role in the conservation of certain forest species.
Considering that in 20 years of bat surveys in the region, breeding colonies of this forest species have only been found in this forest characterized by its remarkable maturity (50-100 dead trees/ha), we suggest that current forest management guidelines (recommending densities of 5-10 dead trees/ha), might not be enough to ensure the presence of breeding colonies of these tree-dwelling bats.
Background
In recent years, novel hepadnaviruses, hepeviruses, hepatoviruses, and hepaciviruses have been discovered in various species of bat around the world, indicating that bats may act as natural reservoirs for these hepatitis viruses. In order to further assess the distribution of hepatitis viruses in bat populations in China, we tested the presence of these hepatitis viruses in our archived bat liver samples that originated from several bat species and various geographical regions in China. MethodsA total of 78 bat liver samples (involving two families, five genera, and 17 species of bat) were examined using nested or heminested reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) with degenerate primers. Full-length genomic sequences of two virus strains were sequenced followed by phylogenetic analyses. ResultsFour samples were positive for hepadnavirus, only one was positive for hepevirus, and none of the samples were positive for hepatovirus or hepacivirus. The hepadnaviruses were discovered in the horseshoe bats, Rhinolophus sinicus and Rhinolophus affinis, and the hepevirus was found in the whiskered bat Myotis davidii. The full-length genomic sequences were determined for one of the two hepadnaviruses identified in R. sinicus (designated BtHBVRs3364) and the hepevirus (designated BtHEVMd2350). A sequence identity analysis indicated that BtHBVRs3364 had the highest degree of identity with a previously reported hepadnavirus from the roundleaf bat, Hipposideros pomona, from China, and BtHEVMd2350 had the highest degree of identity with a hepevirus found in the serotine bat, Eptesicus serotinus, from Germany, but it exhibited high levels of divergence at both the nucleotide and the amino acid levels. Conclusions
This is the first study to report that the Chinese horseshoe bat and the Chinese whiskered bat have been found to carry novel hepadnaviruses and a novel hepevirus, respectively. The discovery of BtHBVRs3364 further supports the significance of host switches evolution while opposing the co-evolutionary theory associated with hepadnaviruses. According to the latest criterion of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), we hypothesize that BtHEVMd2350 represents an independent genotype within the species Orthohepevirus D of the family Hepeviridae.
The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the digenean fauna of bats were conducted for the first time in Serbia. The sample comprised of 118 individuals of 12 bat species (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Myotis mystacinus, M. alcathoe, M. brandtii, M. oxygnathus, M. myotis, Hypsugo savii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. nathusii, Plecotus auritus, P. austriacus and Nyctalus noctula) collected from 15 sites throughout Serbia. Six digenean species were identified: Lecithodendrium linstowi, Plagiorchis sp., Prosthodendrium longiforme, P. chilostomum, P. parvouterus and Mesotretes peregrinus. The helminths were recorded from 35 individual hosts (29.7 %). The species Lecithodendrium linstowi infected the highest percentage of hosts (19.5 %), with a mean abundance of 4.6. GLM analysis of exploratory factors showed that host species and host sex had a significant influence on parasite load, while locality and host age did not influence parasite abundance. No evidence of zoonotic species was found.
The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the digenean fauna of bats were conducted for the first time in Serbia. The sample comprised of 118 individuals of 12 bat species (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Myotis mystacinus, M. alcathoe, M. brandtii, M. oxygnathus, M. myotis, Hypsugo savii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P.nathusii, Plecotus auritus, P.austriacus and Nyctalus noctula) collected from 15 sites throughout Serbia. Six digenean species were identified: Lecithodendrium linstowi, Plagiorchis sp., Prosthodendrium longiforme, P. chilostomum, P. parvouterus and Mesotretes peregrinus. The helminths were recorded from 35 individual hosts (29.7 %). The species Lecithodendrium linstowi infected the highest percentage of hosts (19.5 %), with a mean abundance of 4.6. GLM analysis of exploratory factors showed that host species and host sex had a significant influence on parasite load, while locality and host age did not influence parasite abundance. No evidence of zoonotic species was found.
Bat flies are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites of bats. They are divided into two families: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae. Europe has 17 species of bat flies and 45 species of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera). This checklist is based on both published records and our own field data and provides updated information on all associations between bat flies and their hosts in Europe. The host-parasite association between Basilia italica Theodor and Plecotus auritus (Linnaeus) is reported for the first time. Moreover, our records of B. italica on Myotis alcathoe Helversen & Heller, B. nana Theodor & Moscona on Plecotus auritus, Nycteribia kolenatii Theodor & Moscona on M. bechsteinii (Kuhl) and Penicillidia dufourii (Westwood) on M. daubentonii (Kuhl) represent new host associations for Hungary.
Although Dobšina Ice Cave (DIC, Carpathians, Slovakia) is located outside the high-mountain area, it hosts one of the most extensive blocks of perennial subterranean ice, the volume of which is estimated at more than 110,000 m3. Frozen bat remains were found in the lowermost part of the perennial ice block. They belong to Myotis blythii (Tomes) and the M. mystacinus morpho-group. The radiocarbon dating of bat soft tissues yielded ages of 1266–1074 cal. yr BP and 1173–969 cal. yr BP. The undetermined bat, found in the same part of the ice section in 2002, was previously dated at 1178–988 cal. yr BP (Clausen et al., 2007). The dates testify that the ice crystallized at the turn of the Dark Ages Cold Period and the Medieval Warm Period. The calculated accumulation rate of cave ice varies between 0.7 cm/year and 1.4 cm/year at that time, and is similar to the present ice accumulation rate in DIC. Constant crystallization of ice during the Medieval Warm Period is hypothesized to reflect dry summer seasons since the supply of relatively warm water in the summer is one of the key factors causing the erosion of cave ice. The uppermost sample was covered with 20.6 m of ice. Between ca 1065 cal. yr BP and the present day, the ice grew faster than between ca 1210 yr BP and ca 1065 yr BP by a factor of 1.3–1.8. This may have resulted from conditions favourable for ice accumulation during the Little Ice Age.
The Brandt’s Bat (Myotis brandtii Eversmann, 1845) is one of the rarest bat species in Ukraine. There are only a few known locations of this species in summer and less known hibernacula in the whole country. Moreover, for territory of the north-eastern Ukraine are known only two underground bat hibernation sites with aggregation more than several tens of individuals. We undertook population surveys of winter aggregations in newly discovered and dug up abandoned sandstone mines in the Chuguev district of the Kharkiv Region (49°54′ N, 36°43′ E) from 2007 through 2015. We also surveyed summer bat assemblages in the forests surrounding these mines in 2012. The mines’ microclimate conditions were as follows: temperature +6 °C - +10 °C and humidity 60-80 %. M. brandtii, M. daubentonii (Kuhl, 1817) and Plecotus auritus (Linnaeus, 1758) hibernate in the mines; the first species is most abundant by number of individuals. In midsummer 9 bat species were recorded including the three previously mentioned. M. daubentonii and P. auritus breed in surrounding forest, but M. brandtii does not. One recaptured individual of M. brandtii was minimum 6 years old, providing us the first recorded information on longevity of this species for Ukraine. The total number of bats hibernating in these mines is estimated to be up to 100 individuals; a hibernaculum with several tens of M. brandtii could be classified as more numerous for this species in Ukraine. For this reason, the system of mines in the Kharkiv region needs species protection status and an action plan for monitoring and management.
The Armenian whiskered bat, Myotis hajastanicus, is assumed to represent an independent species with an exceptionally small distribution range that is restricted to the basin of Lake Sevan in the Southern Caucasus. The species has not been recorded during the last 25 years and thus was classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In 2013, we found an extant population of the Armenian whiskered bat and caught one male and eleven pregnant females next to Lake Sevan. Morphological analysis revealed close similarity and largely overlapping phenotypic variation between M. hajastanicus and M. aurascens. This morphological similarity and the lack of genetic differentiation in a fast-evolving mitochondrial gene between both taxa strongly argue for a single species (M. aurascens) and the rejection of a local endemism.
Several very small bats belonging to the wiskered bat group ("mystacinus" group) were captured recently by the author in the West Caucasus. They had a great resemblance with M. alcathoe Helversen et Heller, 2001 from Europe. Here, a new form is compared with three Caucasian members of the same group "mystacinus" by seven characters: length of forearm (FL), tibia (TIB), hindfoot (HF), thumb (D1), ear (EL) and tragus (TL). The total sample (68 individuals) included 34 specimens of a new
form, M. cf. alcathoe, 22 – M. mystacinus/aurascens (taken jointly since there are no reliable criteria to distinguish them) and 12 – M. brandtii. Principal components analysis and stepwise discriminant function analysis were applied to the dataset. The results of the analyses show that M. cf. alcathoe (all 34 specimens) are clearly separated from the rest of specimens (34 as well) both in the space of the first two principal
components (Fig. 2) and in the space of the first two discriminant functions (Fig. 4). These groups do not overlap by the relation TIB/D1 either (Fig. 3). The most distinguishable characters of M. cf. alcathoe are a very short D1 (no more than 4.5 mm) and smaller size of HF and TIB (Table 4). If further molecular investigations
confirm the belonging of the new form to M. alcathoe Helversen et Heller, 2001 then its Caucasian population probably will be recognized as its subspecies. In case it is revealed that the type specimens of M. mystacinus caucasicus in reality have represented M. alcathoe then the species name should be substituted for M. caucasicus Tsytsulina, 2000.
Due to the combination of general morphological similarity among representatives of particular populations and/or taxa, the taxonomy of the Myotis mystacinus morphogroup is traditionally considered to be one of the most complex topics of bat systematics. We used a combination of genetic and morphological approaches to identify which taxa of the morphogroup inhabit the broader Caucasus region (i.e. the territory between Crimea, Southern Russia, Northern Anatolia, and Northern Iran, incl.) and to define the relationships
of these taxa to other Palaearctic populations of the morphogroup. Based on the genetic identification (complete sequence of the cytochrome b gene) of 56 specimens of the morphogroup originating from the region and the subsequent morphological comparison of more than 100 museum specimens, five species were shown to occur in the Caucasus region: Myotis mystacinus s.str., M. davidii, M.alcathoe, M. hyrcanicus, and M. brandtii. While the intraspecific positions of the Caucasian populations of M. mystacinus and M. davidii remain unresolved, the populations of M. brandtii belong to the nominotypical form of this species, and the populations of M. alcathoe represent an endemic subspecies, which is here newly described; M. hyrcanicus is regarded a monotypic species.
En el periodo 1998-2007 se han efectuado diversos muestreos nocturnos de la fauna de los quirópteros de Navarra. Para ello se han utilizado redes finas, trampas de arpa y detectores de ultrasonidos. Además se han realizado análisis de ADN mitocondrial para confirmar algunas determinaciones de especies crípticas. En este trabajo se presentan datos de dos nuevas especies de quirópteros halladas en Navarra : Myotis alcathoe y Pipistrellus pygmaeus. La primera se ha encontrado en bosques húmeods y maduros (robledales y hayedos) del norte de la región, donde se ha comprobado su cría. P. pygmaeus se ha localizado disperso por buena parte de Navarra y ligado a zonas de ribera de los principales ríos ; cría en edificios y en grietas de árboles. También se menciona el hallazgo por vez primera, de una hembra albina de esta especie.
A male Myotis alcathoe was identified morphologically among 119 road traffic casualties sampled in 2007 in southern Moravia (Czech Republic). Two additional male M. alcathoe were found among six carcasses collected in 1999 on roads in northern Moravia. Identification of all three specimens was confirmed by sequencing of mtDNA. The first photo of a M. alcathoe mandible is presented. The species, described in 2001, has actually been known from 12 localities within the Czech Republic.
The Alcathoe Bat (Myotis alcathoe) is a barely studied and little known species. We present data of a
prey analysis and an extensive telemetry study on 15 tagged individuals in South-western Germany. M.
alcathoe proved its close affinity to old grown deciduous woodlands, especially oak forests. The diet
analysis revealed cockroaches of the genus Ectobius as a prey among other insects originating mostly
from forest habitats or smaller water bodies. 32 out of 33 discovered roosts were inside the forest and
on average located at 19.4 m height, in old oak trees and, in one case, in an old ash tree of a mean age
of 190 years. Colonies were small with a maximum of eleven and a mean of 2.4 bats. Tracked individuals
spent most of their time in the canopy of oak forests, in riparian vegetation and along small brooks.
Foraging sites were located at maximum 2.1 km, on the average 557 m from the roost. Their homeranges
covered 98.5 ± 82.4 hectares. The unusual swarming behaviour of one bat at the burrow of a
badger is described, possibly indicating a potential hibernaculum in a small underground cavity. We discuss
that the Alcathoe Bat can be classified as the most specialised bat species of native primeval
broad-leaved forests in Europe.
We present an up-to-date distribution map of the European range of the Alcathoe Bat (Myotis alcathoe)
completed by further records from the Western Palaearctic. Published identification characters are reviewed
and their reliability analysed in genetically identified individuals. A detailed comparison of characters
of M. alcathoe and the two very similar congeners M. mystacinus and M. brandtii regarding general
appearance, characters of the head, ears and tragus, muzzle, nostrils, dentition, thumb, tibia, hindfeet,
penis and skull are described and illustrated by close-up photographs. Extensive metrical data of
genetically identified specimen are listed. We also present a new character of M. alcathoe possibly facilitating
the field identification by measuring the length of the metacarpus of the fifth finger in the wing.
The echolocation calls of bats can provide useful information about species that are generally difficult to observe in the field. In many cases characteristics of call structure can be used to identify species and also to obtain information about aspects of the bat's ecology. We describe and compare the echolocation call structure of 14 of the 21 bat species found in Korea, for most of which the ecology and behavior are poorly understood. In total, 1,129 pulses were analyzed from 93 echolocation call sequences of 14 species. Analyzed pulses could be classified into three types according to the pulse shape: FM/CF/FM type, FM type and FM/QCF type. Pulse structures of all species were consistent with previous studies, although geographic variation may be indicated in some species. Overall classification rate provided by the canonical discriminant analysis was relatively low. Especially in the genera Myotis and Murina, there are large overlaps in spectral and temporal parameters between species. On the other hand, classification rates for the FM/QCF type species were relatively high. The results show that acoustic monitoring could be a powerful tool for assessing bat activity and distribution in Korea, at least for FM/QCF and FM/CF/FM species.
The data on species diversity of trematodes from bats collected in the Middle Volga Region are summarized. According to original and literary data, 20 trematode species were recorded in bats of the region examined. Plagiorchis elegans, Lecithodendrium skrjabini, L. rysavyi, Prosthodendrium hurkovaae, and Pycnoporus megacotyle are specified for the bat fauna of Russia for the first time. For 11 species of parasites, new hosts are recorded. The analysis of bat helminthes demonstrated that the fauna of trematodes of the northern bat (12 species of trematodes), of the pond, and of the Brandt's bats is the most diverse, constituting more than 10 parasite species per bat species. The largest number of final hosts in the Middle Volga Region is characteristic of Plagiorchis koreanus and Prosthodendrium chilostomum; the latter species were revealed in 8 and 7 bat species, respectively. Trematodes of bats possess a high degree of host specificity. 17 species parasitize exclusively in bats out of 20 parasite species registered for the order Chiroptera. Only 3 species (Plagiorchis elegans, P. vespertilionis, and Prosthodendrium chilostomum) show wide degree of specificity, being found in other animals. Taxonomic position, the circle of hosts, collecting sites, and brief data in biology and geographical distribution for each helminth species are specified. Morphological descriptions and original figures for all the trematode species revealed in bats of the Middle Volga Region are given.
This is a Short Note without an abstract.
Since its description in 2001 Alcathoe's myotis (Myotis alcathoe) was recorded from several locations across Europe. Here we describe the first records of this species from Germany, Poland, Albania, and from the European part of Turkey, including the northernmost locality in central Germany (51°23′N, 11°01′E). Compilation of all up-to-date records shows that M. alcathoe has a wide European distribution although it seems to be rare at most places. The habitats where the bat was recorded are natural, moist and deciduous forests with old trees and water streams as can be found, for example, in canyons or forests of alluvial origin. Such habitats suggest that the species probably has a more continuous and wider distribution than currently known and might be expected to occur even further to the North.
The first detailed review of the distribution of bats in Montenegro is presented. Altogether
28 species were confirmed to occur in the country: Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (55 records), R. hipposideros (54), R. euryale (12), R. blasii (5), Myotis myotis (7), M. blythii (37), M. nattereri (12), M. emarginatus (12), M. mystacinus (12), M. alcathoe (1), M. brandtii (2), M. daubentonii (3), M. capaccinii (32),
Vespertilio murinus (4), Eptesicus serotinus (7), Hypsugo savii (18), Pipistrellus pipistrellus (22), P. pygmaeus (19), P. kuhlii (38), P. nathusii (6), Nyctalus noctula (13), N. leisleri (4), Plecotus auritus (2),
P. macrobullaris (3), P. austriacus (4), Barbastella barbastellus (1), Miniopterus schreibersii (39), and
Tadarida teniotis (18). For the first time, evidence of the presence of Myotis daubentonii and Barbastella
barbastellus in the country is provided. Majority of the data comes from the past 15 years, and was
collected through our own field research, and gathered from nine museum collections and 51 literature
sources. The bat observations are concentrated mainly along the Adriatic Sea coast and to the lowland
areas around the Skadar lake. However, records of bats are also available from medium altitudes as
well as from the high mountain environment. Many species are represented by just a few sightings, and
large parts of the country are without any records of even the most frequently observed species. Only
33% of the 10×10 km UTM squares covering Montenegro contain at least one bat record. There are
several important summer cave roosts and a few known roosts in buildings, but generally, very little data
are available on maternity roosts or hibernacula. We observed several threats to bat populations, from
roost disturbance to roost destruction, and incidents of bat road traffic casualties were also recorded. In
general, further research on a more extensive scale needs to be completed to get an adequate picture
of the distribution and important habitats of individual bat species in Montenegro, and also with the aim
of maintaining their favourable conservation status and monitoring their populations.
Data on genetics and morphometrics of Myotis alcathoe from Croatia is presented.
Ticks parasitizing bats have been largely understudied, especially in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, where the last data from the field research date from almost 25 years ago. Bats are hosts to a large number of ectoparasites, including ticks, which can act as vectors of zoonotic agents. For this reason, it is important to identify the distribution of ticks and their relationship to different hosts, including wild animals, bats in particular. The present research was conducted at 16 localities throughout Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). We examined 475 individuals of bats belonging to 13 species. A total of three tick species were identified, I. simplex being the most numerous and widespread, followed by I. vespertilionis and A. vespertilionis. To the best of our knowledge, the presented data include the first records of I. simplex in Serbia and Montenegro, I. vespertilionis for Montenegro and A. vespertilionis in FYROM. Also, we identify a new possible host/parasite association between I. simplex and Rhinolophus euryale.
The Alcathoe bat (Myotis alcathoe) is a recently described cryptic species; in Europe its distribution
range is poorly known. In Italy this species has been recorded in a small number of locations in Abruzzo (central Italy) and Campania (southern Italy). Our report refers to three bats captured in a mountainous area dominated by forest habitats in the Appennino Lucano Val d’Agri Lagonegrese National Park (Basilicata region). The identifcation of bats captured was confrmed by molecular analysis using the technique of DNA barcoding. In this paper we present new recordings that highlight the presence of the species in other regions of southern Italy and that help defne its distributional status in Europe.
New data on bat ectoparasites from the Middle and Northern Urals are re-ported. Twenty species, belonging to 8 families of insects and mites were found on six bat species: Myotis dasycneme, M. daubentonii, M. brandtii, Eptesicus nilsonii, Vespertilio murinus, Plecotus auritus. All ectoparasite species are usual for Northern Eurasia. RIASSUNTO -Ectoparassiti dei chirotteri degli Urali (Russia). Sono riportati nuovi dati sugli ectoparassiti dei chirotteri degli Urali medio-settentrionali. Venti specie, appartenenti a 8 famiglie di insetti e acari, sono stati trovati sui seguenti pipistrelli: Myotis dasycneme, M. daubentonii, M. brandtii, Eptesicus nilsonii, Vespertilio murinus, Plecotus auritus. Tutti gli ectoparassiti sono specie comuni per l'Eurasia settentrionale.
Abstract Background: Bat-borne viruses pose a potential risk to human health and are the focus of increasing scientific interest. To start gaining information about bat-transmitted viruses in Hungary, we tested multiple bat species for several virus groups between 2012 and 2013.
Fecal samples were collected from bats across Hungary. We performed group-specific RT-PCR screening for astro-, calici-, corona-, lyssa-, othoreo-, paramyxo-, and rotaviruses. Positive samples were selected and sequenced for further phylogenetic analyses.
A total of 447 fecal samples, representing 24 European bat species were tested. Novel strains of astroviruses, coronaviruses, and caliciviruses were detected and analyzed phylogenetically. Out of the 447 tested samples, 40 (9%) bats were positive for at least one virus. Bat-transmitted astroviruses (BtAstV) were detected in eight species with a 6.93% detection rate (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.854, 9.571). Coronaviruses (BtCoV) were detected in seven bat species with a detection rate of 1.79% (95% CI 0.849, 3.348), whereas novel caliciviruses (BtCalV) were detected in three bat species with a detection rate of 0.67% (95% CI 0.189, 1.780). Phylogenetic analyses revealed a great diversity among astrovirus strains, whereas the Hungarian BtCoV strains clustered together with both alpha- and betacoronavirus strains from other European countries. One of the most intriguing findings of our investigation is the discovery of novel BtCalVs in Europe. The Hungarian BtCalV did not cluster with any of the calcivirus genera identified in the family so far.
We have successfully confirmed BtCoVs in numerous bat species. Furthermore, we have described new bat species harboring BtAstVs in Europe and found new species of CalVs. Further long-term investigations involving more species are needed in the Central European region for a better understanding on the host specificity, seasonality, phylogenetic relationships, and the possible zoonotic potential of these newly described viruses.
A complete list of bat records available from Iran was compiled from literature and from new records, based on field studies and examination of museum specimens. The record review is complemented by distribution maps, summaries of distributional status of the particular species, files of field data, findings on feeding ecology, and observations of morphology and variation. Basic descriptive echolocation parameters for at least 24 species (426 calls from 68 call sequences analysed) are given and discussed. From the territory of Iran, at least 902 records of 50 bat species belonging to eight families are known; viz.
One-quarter of all mammals are bats and they are found all over the world. This book covers all the bats and their natural history and biology. Starting with a look at their origins and evolution, and a complete review of all known families, the topics range from the most distinctive features of bats (echolocation of prey, and flight), through to their behaviour as individuals and groups, their modes of reproduction and development, and their interactions with the environment and other organisms. In addition, by bringing in subjects such as adaptive radiation, optimal foraging, co-evolution, reciprocal altruism, and predator--prey arms races, the author gives meaning to the bare facts derived from observation and sets the fascinating natural history of bats in a modern biological context. Overall, this book provides an up-to-date and accurate picture of how bats spend their lives and will be an indispensable reference work for both professional and amateur naturalists.
The increasing loss of biodiversity and the need to delay the 6th mass extinction on earth resulted in several international conventions aiming at protecting threatened species. Protection improves with increasing knowledge of the biology and ecology of these species. However, species numbers rapidly increase with the ongoing description of cryptic species, resulting in a lack of ecological knowledge for each of these species. We studied the nutritional ecology of three cryptic bat species of the Myotis mystacinus group using stable isotope analysis and molecular fecal analysis. Inter- and intra-specific variation were compared by calculating the isotopic and dietary niches for each species. We hypothesized (1) that all three species are generalists, but (2) that M. mystacinus and M. brandtii are more similar to each other than to M. alcathoe. Third we assumed that the occupied niches are intra-specifically more similar than inter-specifically. We could show that the members of the Myotis mystacinus group differ in their nutritional ecology. Our data suggest that M. alcathoe is the most specialized species of the group, occupying a more distinct ecological niche compared to the other two species. Interestingly, the dietary and isotopic niche overlap was higher inter-specifically than intra-specifically. Furthermore, considering our findings and those from other studies we illustrate implications for the conservation of these cryptic species.
The social calls of bats are an area about which relatively little is known, with more research still required to expand our understanding. However, these calls are increasingly recognised as a useful aid to identification: they appear to be species specific and are indicative of behaviour – as in territorial activity of males during the mating season. Because the gathering and interpretation of bat echolocation data are a matter of course during research, conservation and consultancy, it is a logical progression to build momentum behind the consideration of social calls in mainstream bat-related work. A better understanding of this subject could mean that non-intrusive survey methods are developed, ensuring that what is being observed is, as far as possible, purely natural behaviour. In turn this will contribute to better interpretation and more suitable mitigation, compensation and/or enhancement solutions. The book summarises what is understood so far about social calls of the bat species occurring in Britain and Ireland, and north-west Europe. This new edition has been updated and expanded throughout, now containing: >> foreword by the bat authority Michel Barataud, author of Acoustic Ecology of European Bats >> almost double the number of figures and tables as appeared in the first edition >> completely overhauled call library, all in full spectrum format, with new additional examples >> three entirely new chapters, covering bat-related acoustics, settings for social interaction, and survey guidelines The material will be useful to people carrying out bat studies, at whatever level and for whatever purpose, and will also encourage others to undertake further research. What's more, social calls are fascinating to listen to: they are, after all, produced with listeners in mind (other bats). In light of this, the book is accompanied by an extensive downloadable library of sound files which offer a unique gateway into the private life of bats.
Phylogenetic relationships were examined among specimens identified as Myotis aurascens Kuzyakin, 1935 from across their distribution (Europe to the Korean Peninsula), and also among M. aurascens and other Myotis species. Phylogenetic reconstructions were based upon sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and ND1 genes. In the cytochrome b analysis, the specimens identified as M. aurascens on the basis of morphology emerged as a polyphyletic group (referred to as clades A, B and C). Genetic data supported the status of clade A, which comprised most of the sequences, as a species distinct from M. mystacinus and the other species analysed. A paratype specimen of the form sogdianus Kuzyakin, 1934 appeared in the clade A of Myotis aurascens, which suggested clearly that they belong to the same species. However, despite that sogdianus Kuzyakin, 1934 should be considered a senior synonym of aurascens Kuzyakin, 1935, taking into consideration that a paratype does not have a name-baring function, we do not suggest to make any changes in the species name Myotis aurascens till further studies. In the morphometric analysis, M. aurascens showed a clinal pattern of variation in cranial length and most correlated measurements, which appears to be mostly independent from the mitochondrial gene patterns. Myotis nipalensis przewalskii appeared separately, with large genetic distances from M. mystacinus and the main M. aurascens clade. Our analysis suggests that because of the morphological similarity between M. aurascens, M. nipalensis, and the light coloured M. mystacinus throughout most of their distribution, identification of M. aurascens should be made on the basis of morphological characters, while in Europe and the Tien Shan Mountains region identifications should be made based on genetic data.