Results of the census of cave-dwelling bats in Podolia and Middle Dniester River region (Ukraine) in 2010–2011

Abstract

In 2010 and 2011 (during three field expeditions, in summer, autumn and winter) we carried out the additional search and examination of bat underground habitats in Podolia and Middle Dniester River region. Totally, over 70 underground objects in 53 loci of Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi oblasts were examined. Objects include: mines, fortification buildings, household buildings and objects of unclear destination. Objects in 42 loci were examined by bat-workers for the first time. Bats were revealed in 34 loci. The next species were found: Rhinolophus hipposideros, Myotis blythii, M. myotis, M. bechsteinii, M. daubentonii, M. dasycneme, M. nattereri, M. mystacinus s. l. (= M. mystacinus s. str., M. alcathoe, M. aurascens), Plecotus auritus, P. austriacus, Barbastella barbastellus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Eptesicus serotinus. Basing at results, we determined two new key bat sites, in Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi oblasts.

Keywords

• bats
• underground sites
• middle dniester river region
• podolia
• ukraine