Bat fauna (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from Saharna limestone mines, Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The study was conducted between 2013 and 2022 in Saharna limestone mines. 9 bat species from two families (Rhinolophidae and Vespertilionidae) were registered. The highest number of individuals was recorded at the end of September, as well as in the middle of hibernation period, and the lowest number was registered in April, after the end of hibernation period. The diversity of species was rather high, being registered 7-9 species in various periods. The structure of bat community was different depending on the season and year of study. Between 2013-2020 the dominant species was Eptesicus serotinus, while in 2021-2022 – Rhinolophus hipposideros. For the whole study period, the most numerous bats were E. serotinus and R. hipposideros that constituted more than 73% of bat community, followed by Myotis daubentonii with about 10% and M. blythii with 7%, other species registered a lower percent, including the critically endangered species Barbastella barbastellus (4%). The dynamics of endangered species Myotis dasycneme showed a negative trend. At the end of June 2022 for the first time, a maternity colony of about 200 pregnant R. hipposideros females was registered. All species recorded in Saharna mines are protected at national and European level. The abandoned stone mines from Saharna represent one of the most important roost for bat hibernation and reproduction.