Characteristics of bat community of the city of Lviv (Ukraine): species composition, spatial and seasonal distribution

Abstract

18 bat species were recorded within administrative boundaries of Lviv (Ukraine) on the base of field investigations of author and literature data. 12 bat species have been recorded in winter period, 16 – in summer time, Eptesicus serotinus is the most frequently noted species both in summer and winter period. In the central zone of the city, with relatively dense buildings, the lower number of species was noted comparing with the peripheral one. Changes in the bat fauna of Lviv over the last century concern the colonization of the town by Myotis brandtii and Plecotus austriacus and appearance of large hibernaculas of former migratory species, especially Vespertilio murinus and Nyctalus noctula.

Keywords

• bats
• chiroptera
• urban environment
• adaptation
• synantropisation
• city of lviv
• ukraine