Bats of the city of Banská Bystrica, Central Slovakia (Chiroptera)

Abstract

Abstract Based on published findings (1900–2010), unpublished data from museum specimens (1965–1999) and data from recent field survey (2006–2013), the presence of altogether 15 bats species was recorded from the urban area of Banská Bystrica in Central Slovakia. Nyctalus noctula, Vespertilio murinus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Eptesicus serotinus and Myotis daubentonii were found as common species in the area. Nyctalus noctula was a predominant species (D=67.4), followed by Vespertilio murinus (D=15.2) and Pipistrellus pipistrellus (D=9.8). The systems of concrete blocks of flats (attic ventilation holes, dilatation fissures, various systems of plumbing accessories, damages of buildings, etc.) represent the most important features of the artificial urban habitat for bats. Most frequently, the hibernation aggregations found in the buildings were formed by Nyctalus noctula, Vespertilio murinus and Pipistrellus pipistrellus, while the occurrence of Myotis myotis, M. mystacinus and M. emargiantus was only occasional. No maternity roost of bats was recorded in the city of Banská Bystrica.