2024 EBRS abstracts booklet v01

Abstract

Armenia, positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, serves as a crucial habitat for various bat species that harbour a multitude of ectoparasites, acting as reservoirs for diverse infectious pathogens. This study presents a comprehensive inventory of bat ectoparasites collected from specimens across Armenia. A total of 263 bats were sampled, yielding 561 ectoparasites across six distinct localities. Bats were captured both within foraging areas and at cave entrances utilizing mist netting and harp traps. Species identification of bats was accomplished through morphological characterization. Ectoparasites were preserved in alcohol and subsequently identified using stereo microscopy and taxonomic keys. The captured bats belonged to four families, while ectoparasites encompassed six genera, including families Hippoboscidae, Ixodidae, Argasidae, Anthicidae, Spinturnicidae,
Macronyssidae, and an additional family, Nycteribiidae, for which the species has not yet been identified. Spinturnicidae and Macronyssidae emerged as the most prevalent families, harbouring the highest numbers of ectoparasites. Notably, 65% of examined bats hosted at least one ectoparasite species. One of the most prevalent
bat species captured in the study was Myotis blythii, along with Miniopterus pallidus, both obtained from one of the largest colonies comprising up to 5000 individuals.