First characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Aljezur, Portugal
AbstractA new maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) was found and described in an abandoned building in Aljezur, Portugal. Between June 25 and July 4, 2022, we conducted emergence and juvenile counts, took light intensity measurements during emergence times and evaluat...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2024-01-01
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| Series: | The European Zoological Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/24750263.2024.2312930 |
| _version_ | 1797310435199811584 |
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| author | G. Calderoni S. Krzemińska M. Górska M. Paladini M. Ren G. Apoznański A. Bamberger A. Blum T. Kokurewicz |
| author_facet | G. Calderoni S. Krzemińska M. Górska M. Paladini M. Ren G. Apoznański A. Bamberger A. Blum T. Kokurewicz |
| author_sort | G. Calderoni |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | AbstractA new maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) was found and described in an abandoned building in Aljezur, Portugal. Between June 25 and July 4, 2022, we conducted emergence and juvenile counts, took light intensity measurements during emergence times and evaluated microclimatic conditions inside the roost, namely temperature and relative humidity. Moreover, we took ultrasound recordings in the open and performed transects to locate foraging areas and commuting corridors. We found the colony amounted to at least 501 individuals (371 adults and 130 juveniles), currently the largest known in Portugal and one of the biggest in Europe. Sixteen matching echolocation calls were recorded away from the colony near a water reservoir, a probable foraging area together with the Vale da Telha valley connecting the roost to the water body, which may also serve as a commuting corridor. Considering the threatened conservation status of the lesser horseshoe bat, the large colony size and its lack of protection, we proposed several conservation measures aimed at preserving the colony. We hope our recommendations will be included in the management plan currently being prepared for the Natura 2000 site Costa Sudoeste. Following up on this research, a radio-tracking study would definitively confirm the bats’ movements and foraging grounds. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T01:43:52Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-1869b07b020e4aefb83ffb8e8adcfe1d |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2475-0263 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T01:43:52Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | The European Zoological Journal |
| spelling | doaj.art-1869b07b020e4aefb83ffb8e8adcfe1d2024-02-14T13:07:15ZengTaylor & Francis GroupThe European Zoological Journal2475-02632024-01-0191123524410.1080/24750263.2024.2312930First characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Aljezur, PortugalG. Calderoni0S. Krzemińska1M. Górska2M. Paladini3M. Ren4G. Apoznański5A. Bamberger6A. Blum7T. Kokurewicz8Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the NetherlandsStudent Mammal Society Wrocław, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, PolandDepartment of Vertebrate Ecology and Paleontology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, PolandInstitute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the NetherlandsInstitute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the NetherlandsDepartment of Vertebrate Ecology and Paleontology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, PolandCERES International Project, Center for Conservation, Education, Recreation and Environmental Sustainability, Parque Natural Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Aljezur, PortugalCERES International Project, Center for Conservation, Education, Recreation and Environmental Sustainability, Parque Natural Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Aljezur, PortugalDepartment of Vertebrate Ecology and Paleontology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, PolandAbstractA new maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) was found and described in an abandoned building in Aljezur, Portugal. Between June 25 and July 4, 2022, we conducted emergence and juvenile counts, took light intensity measurements during emergence times and evaluated microclimatic conditions inside the roost, namely temperature and relative humidity. Moreover, we took ultrasound recordings in the open and performed transects to locate foraging areas and commuting corridors. We found the colony amounted to at least 501 individuals (371 adults and 130 juveniles), currently the largest known in Portugal and one of the biggest in Europe. Sixteen matching echolocation calls were recorded away from the colony near a water reservoir, a probable foraging area together with the Vale da Telha valley connecting the roost to the water body, which may also serve as a commuting corridor. Considering the threatened conservation status of the lesser horseshoe bat, the large colony size and its lack of protection, we proposed several conservation measures aimed at preserving the colony. We hope our recommendations will be included in the management plan currently being prepared for the Natura 2000 site Costa Sudoeste. Following up on this research, a radio-tracking study would definitively confirm the bats’ movements and foraging grounds.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/24750263.2024.2312930Bat conservationbioacoustic monitoringmicroclimatic conditionsforaging areasDNA |
| spellingShingle | G. Calderoni S. Krzemińska M. Górska M. Paladini M. Ren G. Apoznański A. Bamberger A. Blum T. Kokurewicz First characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Aljezur, Portugal The European Zoological Journal Bat conservation bioacoustic monitoring microclimatic conditions foraging areas DNA |
| title | First characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Aljezur, Portugal |
| title_full | First characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Aljezur, Portugal |
| title_fullStr | First characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Aljezur, Portugal |
| title_full_unstemmed | First characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Aljezur, Portugal |
| title_short | First characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Aljezur, Portugal |
| title_sort | first characterisation and conservation needs of a large maternity colony of lesser horseshoe bats rhinolophus hipposideros in aljezur portugal |
| topic | Bat conservation bioacoustic monitoring microclimatic conditions foraging areas DNA |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/24750263.2024.2312930 |
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