Abstract
The greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) is a flagship species for the protection of hibernation and summer maternity roosts in the Western Palearctic region. A range of pathogenic agents is known to put pressure on populations, including the white-nose syndrome fungus, for which the species shows the highest prevalence and infection intensity of all European bat species. Here, we perform analysis of blood parameters characteristic for the species during its natural annual life cycle in order to establish reference values. Despite sexual dimorphism and some univariate differences, the overall multivariate pattern suggests low seasonal variation with homeostatic mechanisms effectively regulating haematology and blood biochemistry ranges. Overall, the species displayed a high haematocrit and haemoglobin content and high concentration of urea, while blood glucose levels in swarming and hibernating bats ranged from hypo- to normoglycaemic. Unlike blood pH, concentrations of electrolytes were wide ranging. To conclude, baseline data for blood physiology are a useful tool for providing suitable medical care in rescue centres, for studying population health in bats adapting to environmental change, and for understanding bat responses to stressors of conservation and/or zoonotic importance.
Highlights
The greater mouse-eared bat’s (Myotis myotis) range of distribution covers most of the Western Palearctic region
Principal component analyses were calculated for all combinations of blood parameter subgroups and sampling seasons and, in every case, the first two principal component analysis (PCA) components explained more than 50% of variation (Fig 2A–2E)
Despite sexual dimorphism and differences revealed by univariate analysis, the overall multivariate pattern suggests low seasonal variation
Summary
The greater mouse-eared bat’s (Myotis myotis) range of distribution covers most of the Western Palearctic region. Given its wide geographic range and abundance (present populations having recovered and stabilised from past declines), the species is classified as of ‘Least Concern’ in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species [1]. It remains listed as a protected species in the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (UNEP/EUROBATS). Switching roosts during the annual cycle, it forms summer nursery colonies in either loft spaces of buildings or caves and utilises underground hibernacula in winter. The species is under threat throughout the year from damage to roost sites, habitat deterioration and use of insecticides [1].
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