JOURNAL OF BAT RESEARCH & CONSERVATION 19

Luan G. A. Goebel, Gabriela Rodrigues Longo, Patrício A. Rocha, Marcela Alvares Oliveira, Ana Rúbia S. Rossi, Ana Cristina Mendes-Oliveira, Guilherme S. T. Garbino

Abstract: Bats of the family Phyllostomidae are known to use leaves and cavities, such as holes in tree trunks and caves for roosting. However, roosting preferences of bats in the Amazon are still poorly understood. Here, we describe the roosting types used by Mesophylla macconnelli, Micronycteris sp., Lophostoma silvicola, and Phyllostomus hastatus inserted in the arc of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. The species Micronycteris sp. was documented roosting in cavities of a standing tree, L. silvicola was cohabiting a termite nest with P. hastatus, and M. macconnelli used a roost made of leaves. Our study reports an important cohabitation between L. silvicola and P. hastatus. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we revealed the first record of the inverted boat architecture with modified leaves of Heliconia sp. used by M. macconnelli. These findings expand the ecological information on bats for the southern Amazon and provide insights into roosting availability in a severely fragmented region.

Nick C Downs, Ted Crilley, Ellen L Hopkins, Colin T Menendez, Kailey O’Brien, Paola Reason, Samantha Walters, Gemma Waters, Carol Williams, Roger D Ransome

Abstract: Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) roost access points with large dimensions (cross-section area of 0.25 m2 or more) are frequently used to facilitate pre-emergence flight behaviour. However, when these access points are the only barrier between the external environment and the internal roost, they may also let in light, wind, rain, and other animals. These variables may result in altered roost microclimate and/or predation causing population declines. If extreme, they may cause roost abandonment or eviction by other bats, pigeons (Columba livia domestica), jackdaws (Coloeus monedula) or owls. We studied the effect of additional physical measures between the external entrance and the roosting area (either an internal barrier or an entrance tunnel) on seven lesser horseshoe bat colonies. Lesser horseshoe populations subsequently increased as a result of successfully excluding either pigeons, jackdaws or greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). Different designs were used depending on the physical characteristics of each roost, and the problem species present. The materials and dimensions associated with each design are provided, so that they can be replicated elsewhere.

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Kouadio Koffi N’Zian Didier Baudoin, Kadjo Blaise, Assa Essé Savorgnan, Kouakou Adjoua Colette Aristide, Gonedélé Bi Sery Ernest

Abstract: Bats in Côte d’Ivoire remain insufficiently studied, with existing knowledge largely restricted to a few protected areas and national parks. This study conducted in the Mount Nimba region of Côte d’Ivoire documented a rich bat diversity, with 547 individuals captured representing 27 species. One additional species was recorded outside of captures, bringing the total species richness to 28. Results indicate that species diversity was slightly higher in undisturbed habitats, although differences between disturbed and undisturbed habitats were not statistically significant, underscoring the ecological complexity and local variability of bat communities. The predominance of Pteropodidae in disturbed habitats, contrasted with the greater presence of closedhabitat insectivores in intact forest, reflects differentiated ecological adaptations and highlights the influence of habitat condition on community composition. The capture of rare or nearthreatened species according to the IUCN red list, such as Casinycteris ophiodon, Scotonycteris occidentalis, and Hipposideros jonesi, as well as the record of Taphozous mauritianus in Ivorian forest habitats, significantly enriches regional faunistic knowledge and confirms the conservation importance of the site. These findings illustrate the value of longterm monitoring combining multiple methods to better characterize bat diversity and population dynamics, particularly in the face of increasing anthropogenic pressures. Finally, this study emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance in conserving species of concern and key habitats of Mount Nimba.

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Md Rifat Hasan, Akash Mojumdar, Md. Sabbir Ahammed, Sabit Hasan, Md Ashraf Ul Hasan

Abstract: Synanthropic roosting behavior of bats, i.e., roosting in human-made structures, provides valuable insight into environmental plasticity. Roosting adaptations are the key to survival and essential for setting conservation strategies, especially in landscapes that are undergoing rapid habitat modification. The greater false vampire bat (Lyroderma lyra) is a carnivorous species with a diet dominated by insects and occasionally including small vertebrates, which is frequently observed in both natural and human-modified habitats across South and Southeast Asia. However, its roosting ecology and fine-scale distribution remain poorly documented in Bangladesh. To address these gaps, we identified roosts and estimated population size at Madhutila Eco-Park (MEP), a human-modified hill forest in northern Bangladesh, and updated national distribution records of L. lyra based on direct observation and available references. Fieldwork was conducted between September and November 2024, and roosts were identified using a preliminary roost assessment survey combined with direct visual counts. Species distribution was updated by compiling published records and field observations. We documented one diurnal roost and four night roosts within MEP, all located in abandoned anthropogenic structures. The estimated population at the diurnal roost ranged from 394 to 443 individuals, based on detection probabilities of 0.8 and 0.9, providing a lower-bound range that accounts for potential under detection. We also identified five additional diurnal roosts across five protected areas, outside MEP, located in both natural and anthropogenic settings in Bangladesh. The findings offer documentation of L. lyra roosting ecology from MEP and an updated distribution in Bangladesh. We recommend prioritizing long-term monitoring to assess population trends and potential threats to bats roosting in the human-made structures and incorporating those synanthropic roosts into protected area management plans..

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Mohamed I Habib, Paul A Racey

Abstract: Despite some recent efforts to survey bat diversity in Egypt, bat fauna remains relatively underexplored and poorly documented. This study reports on bat diversity across Egypt’s main ecological zones — the Nile Valley, Delta, Western Desert, Eastern Desert and Sinai Peninsula — surveyed between 2020 and 2023, with a specific focus on roost sites and reproduction. We surveyed 65 natural and artificial roost sites  (caves, ancient structures and buildings). Of the 20 bat species previously documented  in Egypt, seven were confirmed across the surveyed sites: Rousettus aegyptiacus, Rhinopoma microphyllum, Rhinopoma cystops, Asellia tridens, Taphozous perforatus,  Taphozous nudiventris, and Pipistrellus kuhlii. A further species, the endemic Plecotus christii, was detected ad hoc. We contextualise these findings within the current knowledge of Egyptian bat conservation, including the protections afforded by Law 4/1994 (amended by Law 9/2009), and the ongoing persecution of bat colonies — particularly following unfounded health fears linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study adds new distributional data and proposes priorities for future research and conservation action in the region.

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