Myotis Dasycneme Research Articles

Amino acid fund of blood serum of European migrating species of Chiroptera: <i>Vespertilio murinus</i> (Linnaeus, 1758) and <i>Pipistrellus nathusii</i> (Keyserling et blasius, 1839) of the Ural fauna

The amino acid pool of free amino acids in the blood serum of two European migratory bat species: V. murinus and P. nathusii living in the Urals was studied. Statistically significant differences were noted in the formation of the main metabolic groups of free amino acids in yearlings of migratory species: GGAA, NEAA, EAA, SAA (p 0.05). In yearlings of the P. nathusii: GGAA predominates – 79.7% and EAA – 49.4%, and in the yearlings of the V. murinus: GGAA predominates – 74.9% and NEAA – 58.4%. Comparative analysis showed no differences between V. murinus and P. nathusii in the percentage of AAA and BCAA (p 0.05). Statistically significant differences were noted in the formation of metabolic groups of amino acids in the blood of yearlings of migratory species of bats and the resident species of pond bat (p 0.05).

Blood Serum Amino Acid Pool of European Migratory Chiroptera Vespertilio murinus Linnaeus, 1758 and Pipistrellus nathusii Keyserling et Blasius, 1839 of the Ural Fauna.

The pool of free amino acids (AAs) in the blood serum was studied in two European migratory bat species, Vespertilio murinus and Pipistrellus nathusii, of the Urals. Bats from this year's bloods were examined, and significant differences were observed in main metabolic groups of free AAs, including glycogenic (GGAAs), nonessential (NEAAs), essential (EAAs), and sulfur-containing (SCAAs) AAs (p < 0.05). Based on the percent content of the metabolic groups in the total AA pool, GGAAs (79.7%) and EAAs (49.4%) were found to predominate in P. nathusii, and GGAAs (74.9%) and NEAAs (58.4%), in V. murinus. No difference in AAA and BCAA contents was observed between V. murinus and P. nathusii (p > 0.05). The migratory species were shown to significantly differ in the metabolic groups of serum AAs from the resident species Myotis dasycneme (p < 0.05).

Functional activity of the blood system of two migratory species of the Ural

The presented data on the study of the functional activity of the blood system of migratory species of the fauna of the Urals: Vespertilio murinus [Linnaeus, 1758], and Pipistrellus nathusii Keyserling et [Blasius, 1839]. Multivariate nonparametric analysis of variance of red blood parameters (p 0.05) of migrating bats and the sedentary pond bat showed significant species differences. In bats, a certain genetically determined multidirectionality in the mobilization of emergency regulation mechanisms of the lymphoid blood system of sedentary and migratory species has been noted.

The first find of the pond bat &lt;i&gt;Myotis dasycneme&lt;/i&gt; (Boie, 1825) in Stavropol Territory and western Caucasus, Russia

The aim of the work was to describe the discovery of a pond bat Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825) in the vicinity of Zheleznovodsk, Stavropol Territory, Russia in August 2023.We examined the Letnei Merzloti Cave, an artificial tunnel about 400 metres long with small dead‐end caverns. The pond bat was found in a small dead‐end cavern. This is the first find of this species in the Stavropol region and the third find in the Caucasus.The first finds of the pond bat were made in the Western Caucasus in 1999 and 2003. This find provides more data about a small population of pond bats in the Caucasus. It is noteworthy that this species of bat (M. dasycneme), together with M. daubentonii, are the only known natural wild hosts of the Europian bat lissavirus virus type 2 in Europe. Given the fact that bats are considered natural hosts of all types of coronaviruses, and that the pond bat previously evidenced the circulation of both alpha and beta coronaviruses in the European population (Germany, the Netherlands), we must be aware of the potential of this species as a reservoir of pathogenic zoonotic coronaviruses.

Bats (Chiroptera) of the Ujście Warty National Park and the surrounding area

Bat research was carried out in 2012-2013 in the Ujście Warty National Park and in adjacent areas. Bats were caught in chiropterological nets, searched for in winter and summer roosts. Detector listening was carried out and the owls' diet was analyzed for the presence of bats among their prey. In the national park area, 11 species of bats were detected, and together with the Natura 2000 area "Ujście Warty" and the neighbouring areas, a total of 15 species were detected: the Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentonii, Natterer's bat Myotis nattereri, Brandt's bat Myotis brandtii, noctule bat Nyctalus noctula, serotine bat Eptesicus serotinus, common pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus, soprano pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Nathusius' pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus nathusii, brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus, gray long-eared bat Plecotus austriacus, western barbastelle bat Barbastella barbastellus, greater mouse-eared bat Myotis myotis, Bechstein's bat Myotis bechsteinii, pond bat Myotis dasycneme and the parti-coloured bat Vespertilio murinus. The bat fauna of this area is relatively rich compared to other protected areas and presented results constitute an important supplement to the knowledge about the vertebrate fauna of the national park and its vicinity.

Higher antibody titres against Pseudogymnoascus destructans are associated with less white-nose syndrome skin lesions in Palearctic bats.

Serological tests can be used to test whether an animal has been exposed to an infectious agent, and whether its immune system has recognized and produced antibodies against it. Paired samples taken several weeks apart then document an ongoing infection and/or seroconversion. In the absence of a commercial kit, we developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the fungus-specific antibodies for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the agent of white-nose syndrome in bats. Samples collected from European Myotis myotis (n=35) and Asian Myotis dasycneme (n=11) in their hibernacula at the end of the hibernation period displayed 100% seroprevalence of antibodies against P. destructans, demonstrating a high rate of exposure. Our results showed that the higher the titre of antibodies against P. destructans, the lower the infection intensity, suggesting that a degree of protection is provided by this arm of adaptive immunity in Palearctic bats. Moreover, P. destructans infection appears to be a seasonally self-limiting disease of Palearctic bats showing seroconversion as the WNS skin lesions heal in the early post-hibernation period.

Female pond bats hunt in other areas than males and consume lighter prey when pregnant.

Animals with large energy requirements are forced to optimize their hunting strategy, which may result in differentiation of the diet between sexes and across seasons. Here, we examined spatiotemporal variation in the diet of both sexes of the Pond Bat Myotis dasycneme, a species known to have spatial segregation of sexes when the young are born and lactating. Fecal pellets were collected from live animals for a period of 15 years at various locations in the Netherlands. A total of 535 pellets were successfully analyzed by microscopy and an additional 160 pellets by DNA metabarcoding. Morphological and molecular analyses showed that the diet of pregnant and lactating pond bats differed significantly from the diet of females with no reproductive investment. Further analyses of the data showed that pregnant female pond bats are highly dependent on small prey and pupae, mainly nonbiting midges and mosquitoes (Diptera: Chironomidae and Culicidae). These insects can be found in large quantities in peatlands intersected with shallow waterways, the habitat type in which female pond bats were observed more often than males. Our results suggest that during pregnancy the spatial segregation of sexes coincides with sex-specific diets, which might reflect habitat selection based on energy requirements, in addition to lowered intraspecific competition.

Assessing Surveillance of Wildlife Diseases by Determining Mammal Species Vulnerability to Climate Change

Climate change is one of the drivers of wildlife-borne disease emergence, as it can affect species abundance and fitness, host immunocompetence, and interactions with pathogens. To detect emerging wildlife-borne diseases, countries may implement general wildlife-disease surveillance systems. Such surveillance exists in the Netherlands. However, it is unclear how well it covers host species vulnerable to climate change and consequently disease emergence in these species. Therefore, we performed a trait-based vulnerability assessment (TVA) to quantify species vulnerability to climate change for 59 Dutch terrestrial mammals. Species’ vulnerability was estimated based on the magnitude of climatic change within the species’ distribution (exposure), the species’ potential to persist in situ (sensitivity), and the species’ ability to adjust (adaptive capacity). Using these vulnerability categories, we identified priority species at risk for disease emergence due to climate change. Subsequently, we assessed the frequency of occurrence of these priority species compared to other mammal species examined in general wildlife disease surveillance during 2008–2022. We identified 25% of the mammal species to be highly exposed, 24% to be highly sensitive, and 22% to have a low adaptive capacity. The whiskered myotis and the garden dormouse were highly vulnerable (i.e., highly exposed, highly sensitive, and low adaptive capacity), but they are rare in the Netherlands. The Western barbastelle, the pond bat, and the Daubenton’s myotis were potential adapters (highly exposed, highly sensitive, and high adaptive capacity). Species vulnerable to climate change were relatively poorly represented in current general surveillance. Our research shows a comprehensive approach that considers both exposures to climate change and ecological factors to assess vulnerability. TVAs, as presented in this study, can easily be adapted to include extra drivers and species, and we would therefore recommend surveillance institutes to consider integrating these types of assessments for evaluating and improving surveillance for wildlife-borne disease emergence.

Hibernating bat species of Belarus: results of the work of the Minsk bat contact centre ‘Kazhanapolis’ (2018–2022)

Bat rehabilitation centres, in addition to their main goal, namely, animal rescue, may provide a significant scientific information, and are also sites for popular science activities. This article presents the results of the work of the Minsk Bat contact centre ‘Kazhanapolis’ in 2018–2022. The work of the Сentre includes the rescue of animals by means of artificial hibernation with subsequent release into the wild. Species identification is carried out directly when possible, but sometimes also by photographs. During the hibernation seasons (October–March) in 2018 to 2022, 565 finds were recorded, accounting for more than 730 individuals of 10 species of bats, including Barbastella barbastellus, Epte-sicus nilssonii, E. serotinus, Myotis dasycneme, M. daubentonii, Nyctalus noctu-la, Pipistrellus kuhlii, P. pygmaeus, Plecotus auritus, and Vespertilio murinus. Data were collected from 56 unique localities. Compared to the previous period of work (2007–2017), an increase in the number of recorded species, in the total number of individuals, as well as in the number of localities is shown. By the number of finds (55.47%), as well as recorded specimens (71.32%), V. murinus prevails. A significant proportion (more than 5%) of records are those of N. noctula (23.28% ind. and 8.31% finds), E. serotinus (8.9% ind. and 11.32% finds), and E. nilssonii (5.75% ind. and 3% finds). We consider the record of P. pygmaeus as accidental or migrant. Most of the finds of V. murinus, E. serotinus, P. auritus, P. kuhlii, M. dasycneme, and P. pygmaeus were represented by solitary individuals. N. noctula, E. nilssonii, M. daubentonii, and B. barbastellus are mainly recorded in colonies. The largest colony size (more than 100 ind.) was recorded for N. noctula. The sex ratio (M : F) ranges from 33.3 : 66.6% in E. nilssonii to 74.2 : 25.8% in N. noctula. Plecotus auritus and Myotis dasycneme are represented exclusively by females. Thus, we state the dominance in the species structure of wintering ‘urban bat species’ in Belarus of V. murinus and, at the same time, the expansion of the winter range of N. noctula and P. kuhlii. In addition, the collected data signifi-cantly contribute to our knowledge on the winter range and some hibernation traits of B. barbastellus, M. dasycneme, E. nilssonii, and E. serotinus in Belarus and Eastern Europe.

Seasonal Variation of Immunohematological Parameters of the Peripheral Blood in the Pond Bat Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825) of the Urals.

Immunohematological parameters were for the first time studied in the pond bat Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825), the most common chiropteran species in the Urals, during seasonal periods of the annual life cycle. Multivariate nonparametric analysis of variance showed the absence of significant gender differences in red blood cell parameters (p = 0.35). Gender differences were observed in the counts of white blood cells, band neutrophils, segments neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the blood (p < 0.05). Males showed a higher development of innate immunity in summer compared with females (p < 0.05). A high lymphocyte level (50.6-53.5%) was observed in both males and females in the autumn-winter hibernation period, providing immune surveillance and specific reactive activation of the acquired adaptive immune response.

Occurrence and population status of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) in Northwest Russia

Abstract Pond bat Myotis dasycneme is distributed from Belgium to Eastern Siberia, between 44°–50° N and 60° N. The total population of M. dasycneme is probably declining, but supporting data are incomplete. The conservation status of the species is not yet completely assessed. Surveys of hibernacula and foraging sites have been carried out recently in Northwest Russia. Evidence of a recent increase in numbers of wintering bats have been recorded, a northwards expansion is supposed. However, the local pond bat is still under threat as its most significant population is concentrated in only one hibernaculum, which is not well protected.

SEASONAL VARIABILITY OF IMMUNOHEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF PERPHERAL BLOOD OF THE BAT &lt;i&gt;MYOTIS DASYCNEME&lt;/i&gt; (BOIE, 1825) LIVING IN THE URALS

A comparative analysis of the immunohematological parameters of bats from fauna of the Urals Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825) in seasonal periods of their annual life cycle is presented for the first time. Multivariate nonparametric analysis of variance showed the absence of significant gender differences in bats according to the studied parameters of red blood (p = 0.35). The sexual determination of bats was established by the content of leukocytes, band neutrophils and segments neutrophils, lymphocytes in the blood (p 0.05). Males are characterized by a higher development of innate immunity in the summer compared to females (p 0.05). In the autumn-winter hibernation period, males and females have a significant lymphocytic profile (50.6–53.5%), providing immune “supervision” and specifically reactive activation of the acquired adaptive immune response.

Ecological and physiological parameters of Myotis dasycneme (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in the Urals

Understanding the evolution of bat homeostasis and the formation of an adaptive strategy of animals to climatic fluctuations and pathogens determine the need for further laboratory and modelling studies devoted to the ecology and physiology of bats. This study was aimed to assess the hematological and biochemical parameters of homeostasis of Myotis dasycneme, a protected endemic bat species of the Urals. Animals (n = 65) were caught in the zone of mass habitation of bats in the Southern Urals (Chelyabinsk Region) and the Middle Urals (Sverdlovsk Region). We used samples from M. dasycneme populations in the Ilmensky State Nature Reserve (Russia). Multivariate non-parametric analysis of variance has shown no significant sex differences in red blood parameters in bats (p &gt; 0.05). The blood of bats was characterised by high levels of hemoglobin (167.9–187.2 g/L), hematocrit (47.2–51.5%), erythrocytes (9.6–11.5 × 1012/L), platelets (136.8–271.3 × 109/L). In the autumn-winter period of hibernation, under hypoxic load on the body and prolonged exposure to low positive and near-zero temperatures, an increased content of agranulocytes (50.6–53.6%) was noted in the blood of females and males. The spring process of awakening and exit from deep hypothermia is accompanied by the reactivity of the innate immune system in males and females (granulocytes: 53.2–54.2%). During the winter period of hypobiosis in bats, the basal metabolism increases and the concentration of glucose in the blood increases to 4.7 ± 0.5 mmol/L (p &lt; 0.05). The absence of statistically significant sex differences in the content of glucose and triglycerides (p &gt; 0.05) in the blood plasma of animals has been noted. This ensures metabolic processes (carbohydrate and lipid metabolism) in all seasonal periods of their annual life cycle. The amino acid fund of blood plasma of bats is represented by 22 amino acids. In the blood plasma of males and females, the fund of free amino acids decreases during the year in the following direction: summer ≥ autumn ≥ winter &gt; spring (p &lt; 0.05). There were no sex differences (p &gt; 0.05) in the content of amino acid metabolic groups, namely glycogenic (GGAA), non-essential (NEAA), branched carbon chain (BCCA). A significant accumulation of metabolically active glucoplastic alanine in autumn (3.1 times) and winter (2.3 times) in the blood of females, and in autumn and winter (2.0 and 1.9 times) in males indicates its role as a low-temperature adaptogen. Under conditions of low positive temperatures, in the blood plasma of M. dasycneme, the disappearance of the essential amino acid tryptophan was observed (p &lt; 0.05). This suggests a high demand for serotonin synthesis as one of triggers actively involved in maintaining hypothermia and hypometabolism in bats. Thus, the biochemical and immunohematological parameters, obtained in the course of the study, make it possible to expand and systematise the available information on the mechanisms of participation of the blood system in the regulatory processes in bats. They can be used for long-term monitoring in solving problems of conservation and abundance of healthy populations of bats that adapt both to seasonal modulations and biotic factors, and to stressors of zoonotic significance.

Small mammals in the diet of the tawny owl Strix aluco in selected sites of the Biebrza Basin and Knyszyn Forest in north-eastern Poland.

The analysis of pellets of the tawny owl Strix aluco collected in the years 2009–2023 in 22 sites (ten in the Biebrza Basin and twelve in Knyszyn Forest) allowed for finding four species of Soricomorpha, nine species of Chiroptera and fifteen species of Rodentia (4, 5 and 12 in the Biebrza Basin and 4, 7 and 13 in Knyszyn Forest, respectively). Most common and most frequently caught by owls were: the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus, the yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis and the common shrew Sorex araneus. Valuable species of bats included the pond bat Myotis dasycneme and the western barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus noted in Knyszyn Forest. Rare rodents found in both study areas were: the northern birch mouse Sicista betulina and the common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius while the forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula was noted only in Knyszyn Forest. The European water vole Arvicola amphibius commonly noted in the Biebrza Basin was not found in Knyszyn Forest. On the contrary, the common pine vole Microtus subterraneus was reecorded only in Knyszyn Forest.

Мостові споруди як місця поселення рукокрилих (Chiroptera): видова та просторова різноманітність

In 2000–2021, 150 various types of bridge structures were examined in different regions of Ukraine, where 742 individuals of 13 bat species were found: Myotis dasycneme, Myotis daubentonii, Myotis brandtii, Myotis mystacinus, Myotis aurascens, Myotis nattereri, Nyctalus noctula, Plecotus auritus, Plecotus austriacus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus kuhlii, and Eptesicus serotinus. The occupancy rate was 30.7%. M. daubentonii and P. auritus were observed in most of the studied regions. The frequency of observations of M. daubentonii was 50% of inhabited bridges (n = 23) and almost 65% of the number of individuals, with a concentration of localities in the western and north-western parts of the country. P. auritus (frequency 32.6%) dominated the bridges of the Dnipro Lowland and the Western Polissia. M. aurascens (Azov Sea region), M. mystacinus and M. brandtii (Western Polissia), P. austriacus (Black Sea region), and P. kuhlii (Azov Sea region) were found singly or only in some regions. Nursery colonies of M. daubentonii were found in the Western Polissia, Volynian–Podolian Upland, and Dnipro Lowland, N. noctula in the Dnipro region, P. auritus in the Western Polissia and the Black Sea region, and M. aurascens in the Azov Sea region. In a geographical aspect, the number of species in bridges is the highest in the regions of Western Polissia and Azov Sea (7 species each), and slightly lower in the Dnipro Lowland (n = 6). The highest percentage of inhabited bridges (64.3%) was found in the Dnipro Lowland; in other regions it was 37.8–10.5%. Bridges play an important role as summer roosts for bats (both for single individuals and breeding colonies), as well as in late summer–autumn (after the disbandment of breeding colonies) and as spring roosts (during seasonal migrations). Bridge structures can be important for the settlement of bats in regions with no underground cavities of natural or anthropogenic origin. We assume that this is the reason why the maximum number of species and abundance of bats in bridges was found in the Western Polissia and Dnipro Lowland, which are characterised by flat topography and lack of abundant and various underground cavities.

Assessment of Seasonal Variability of the Spectrum of Free Amino Acids in the Blood Plasma of the Boreal Bat Species (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825) of the Ural Fauna

A comparative analysis of the content of free amino acids in the blood plasma of a representative of the bat fauna of the Urals, Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825), in seasonal periods of their annual life cycle is presented for the first time. The blood plasma of the pond bats contains a full spectrum of essential amino acids: threonine, valine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, arginine, histidine, and tryptophan. A significant accumulation of metabolically active glucoplastic alanine in the blood of M. dasycneme in the autumn (2.5 times) and winter (2.2 times) periods indicates its role as a low-temperature adaptogen.

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

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.

Data on the summer bat fauna of Belarus in 2017–2020

This report presents the results of the bat fauna survey carried out in Belarus during the warm seasons between 2017 and 2020. The presented data were collected in 31 localities in all six administrative regions (voblasćs) of Belarus during field studies (mist-netting, searching for roosts and colonies, and acoustic surveys) and in the course of the work of the Minsk bat contact centre. Field data refer to 26 localities; acoustic observations to 14 localities; and netting was carried out in 19 localities (151 ind.). The data on bats collected via the contact centre came from 6 localities (35 ind.). In the course of our survey, we recorded 13 out of the 19 species of the Belarusian bat fauna. They are Barbastella barbastellus, Eptesicus nilssonii, E. serotinus, Myotis dasycneme, M. daubentonii, Nyctalus lasiopterus, N. leisleri, N. noctula, Pipistrellus kuhlii, P. nathusii, P. pygmaeus, Plecotus auritus, and V. murinus. The occurrence of all recorded species was confirmed by direct identification. Data on breeding have been added for all recorded species except for N. lasiopterus and B. barbastellus. Data on breeding have been added for all recorded species, except for N. lasiopterus and B. barbastellus. Maternity colonies were recorded for E. serotinus, M. dasycneme (the second record of a maternity colony of the species for the entire period of research in Belarus) and M. daubentonii. The largest number of individuals recorded by the contact centre represent V. murinus; other species in descending order are E. serotinus, N. noctula, P. auritus, P. nathusii, B. barbastellus, M. daubentonii, P. kuhlii, and E. nilssonii. Among the netted individuals, P. nathusii prevailed; other species in descending order were M. daubentonii, P. pygmaeus, E. nilssonii, P. auritus, N. noctula, E. serotinus, M. dasycneme, N. leisleri, and N. lasiopterus. Three species (V. murinus, B. barbastellus, and P. kuhlii) were presented only among bats reported via the contact centre. During the survey, the species P. pipistrellus, Pl. austriacus, M. brandtii, M. nattereri, M. myotis, and M. mystacinus included in the list of mammal species of Belarus were not recorded. The reasons of the lack of records of these six species are discussed. The collected data contribute to the general knowledge on the distribution, breeding, and status of bat species in Belarus and Eastern Europe.

Bats (Chiroptera) of Transnistrian underground shelters based on results of the 2020–2021 census

This report presents data on the species composition of bats inhabiting underground structures and complexes on the left bank of the Dnister River according to survey results for 2020–2021. Field studies of bats (order Chiroptera) inhabiting underground shelters of the left bank of the middle and lower reaches of the Dnister were conducted from August 2020 to October 2021. In total, we found 26 underground sites and complexes potentially suitable for bats in Transnistria and in 15 of them we counted their number and species composition. Most of the detected underground objects are of anthropogenic origin (former industrial tunnels for limestone mining and manual mining), and only 2 of natural origin — a shallow cave in the village of Rascov, Camenca District and a karst cave in the village of Mikhailovka, Rybnitsa District. The identified objects formed the basis of the first detailed cadastre of underground structures of the left bank of the Dnister and adjacent areas. Each underground facility was mapped with exact GPS coordinates and assigned a corresponding index and serial number. According to the survey results, 8 species of bats were recorded: Rhinolophus hipposideros, Myotis blythii, Myotis bechsteinii, Myotis daubentonii, Myotis dasycneme, Plecotus auritus, Plecotus austriacus, and Eptesicus serotinus. The most widespread and frequently encountered species in the studied area are the lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros and Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii. The rare species include the brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus and the grey long-eared bat Plecotus austriacus. The pond bat Myotis dasycneme and Bechstein’s bay Myotis bechsteinii are considered extremely rare, and the latter has never been recorded in Transnistria before. Based on the obtained data and in order to preserve the species diversity of bats, we identified a number of underground complexes as key objects of primary importance in the life of bats during hibernation and their breeding season.

Characteristic Immunohematological Parameters of Migratory (Vespertilio murinus Linnaeus, 1758) and Resident (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825) Bat Species of the Ural Fauna.

The results of the first comparative analysis of hematological parameters of bats from natural populations of the Ural region are presented: the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825), which is a resident species, and the two-colored bat (Vespertilio murinus Linnaeus, 1758), which is a migratory species. Significant differences in the content of white blood cells (p = 0.05), red blood cells and platelets (p = 0.001) were shown. Interspecific differences were found in the leukograms of the studied bats both in the content of granulocytes (p = 0.04) and agranulocytes (p = 0.05). Migrating V. murinus are characterized by a significant contribution of the nonspecific protective system of the blood (54.9%) to the adaptive reactions of the body. In the pond bat, a pronounced lymphocytic profile (58.5%) indicates the activation of acquired adaptive immunity. Two-colored bats in comparison with pond bats are characterized by a higher level of innate immunity.