Eptesicus Serotinus Research Articles

Serological survey of lyssaviruses in synanthropic bats and human exposure to bats in Slovakia.

Bats are considered natural reservoirs for lyssaviruses. A total of 17 out of 19 known lyssaviruses circulate in bat populations. Lyssaviruses cause rabies in animals and humans. The transmission of lyssaviruses from European bats to terrestrial animals and humans is rare, but the risk of infection still exists even in developed countries. Slovakia is currently a rabies-free country. The aim of the study was to assess the potential circulation of EBLV-1 in synanthropic bats present in human inhabited buildings, and to give an overview of human exposure to bats. A passive serological survey targeted the prevalence of antibodies to bat lyssaviruses in synanthropic bats between 2009 - 2019. A total of 598 bats of the species Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula and Vespertilio murinus were captured in buildings mainly in Eastern Slovakia, and examined by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Lyssavirus-specific antibodies were detected in 2 (0.3%) of the 598 examined bats. Additionally, brain tissues of bats found dead were examined using the standard fluorescent antibody test (FAT) with negative results. An overview of available data on human exposure to bats recorded in Slovakia from 2007 - 2019 is also included. The study confirmed the presence of lyssavirus antibodies in synanthropic bats in Slovakia, suggesting the active circulation of bat lyssaviruses in bat populations exploiting human buildings. Although the seroprevalence was found to be extremely low, the results show that any case of human exposure to bats must be treated with caution in order to protect public health.

Effect of 90Sr and 137Cs concentration on Hematological Parameters of Bats in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (Ukraine)

We examined the effects of the level of internal 90Sr and 137Cs concentrations on hematological parameters of bats captured in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (Ukraine). In total, 68 animals of six bat species were live-monitored with measurement of the whole-body activity concentrations of the two radionuclides (90Sr and 137Cs) and blood sampling for further analysis. We found statistically significant positive correlations between the blood neutrophil count and whole-body 90Sr activity concentration in individuals of Eptesicus serotinus; and between the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and 90Sr concentration, and between the red blood cell (RBC) count and 137Cs concentration in Vespertilio murinus. We did not observe any correlation between concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs and hematological parameters in individuals of Pipistrellus nathusii. Moreover, none of these three species showed significant sexual (male versus female) or age (adult versus sexually immature) differences in 90Sr and 137Cs concentrations. Our results contribute to better knowledge and understanding of the eco-immunology of free-ranging bats in one of the most radioactively contaminated areas in the world — the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the relationship between radionuclide contamination and hematological parameters of bats.

Importance of anthropogenic winter roosts for endangered hibernating bats

We aimed to assess the importance of anthropogenic roosts for bats hibernating in the Roztocze National Park (south-east Poland), based on data collected from 2009 to 2021. We recorded 310 bats from nine species hibernating in 27 artificial underground roosts (root cellars and basements of buildings). The most abundant and constantly recorded species were Plecotus auritus (60.2%), Barbastella barbastellus (20.6%) and Myotis nattereri (14.2%), while the remaining species can be considered of secondary importance; Plecotus austriacus (1.3%), Myotis myotis (1.9%), Myotis bechsteinii (1.3%), M. daubentonii (0.3%), Myotis mystacinus sensu lato (0.3%) and Eptesicus serotinus (1.3%). An estimate of the Shannon diversity index gave a mean H = 0.947 (SD = 0.247, range 0.377-1.352), while the Buzas and Gibson´s evenness index gave values of E = 0.695 (SD = 0.125, range 0.551-0.940). The Shannon index was positively correlated with the number of recorded bats and varied substantially among years.

Genetic identification of bat species for pathogen surveillance across France.

With more than 1400 chiropteran species identified to date, bats comprise one-fifth of all mammalian species worldwide. Many studies have associated viral zoonoses with 45 different species of bats in the EU, which cluster within 5 families of bats. For example, the Serotine bats are infected by European Bat 1 Lyssavirus throughout Europe while Myotis bats are shown infected by coronavirus, herpesvirus and paramyxovirus. Correct host species identification is important to increase our knowledge of the ecology and evolutionary pattern of bat viruses in the EU. Bat species identification is commonly determined using morphological keys. Morphological determination of bat species from bat carcasses can be limited in some cases, due to the state of decomposition or nearly indistinguishable morphological features in juvenile bats and can lead to misidentifications. The overall objective of our study was to identify insectivorous bat species using molecular biology tools with the amplification of the partial cytochrome b gene of mitochondrial DNA. Two types of samples were tested in this study, bat wing punches and bat faeces. A total of 163 bat wing punches representing 22 species, and 31 faecal pellets representing 7 species were included in the study. From the 163 bat wing punches tested, a total of 159 were genetically identified from amplification of the partial cyt b gene. All 31 faecal pellets were genetically identified based on the cyt b gene. A comparison between morphological and genetic determination showed 21 misidentifications from the 163 wing punches, representing ~12.5% of misidentifications of morphological determination compared with the genetic method, across 11 species. In addition, genetic determination allowed the identification of 24 out of 25 morphologically non-determined bat samples. Our findings demonstrate the importance of a genetic approach as an efficient and reliable method to identify bat species precisely.

Range extension and species confirmation of Rhyneptesicus nasutus (Sind Serotine Bat) (Mammalia:Chiroptera) from Bajaur Agency, FATA, Pakistan.

The lack of morphological differentiation among chiropteran species and cryptic speciation impedes species identification. DNA-based approaches help species identification and contribute to the discovery of additional species. Rhyneptesicus nasutus (Sind Serotine Bat) is a rare and poorly studied species in Pakistan. This study explores the range extension of Sind Bat within the territorial limits of Pakistan from Sind and Baluchistan to Federally Administered Areas of Pakistan. No molecular record exists for the species in Pakistan. In the present study, we for the first time confirm species identification of Rhyneptesicus nasutus from Pakistan using a genetic marker (cytochrome b) along with morphometric analysis. A neighbor-joining tree based on Kimura-2 parameters was created to infer phylogenetic relationships. We sequenced the cytochrome b gene segment and conducted a phylogenetic analysis with previously published data from other countries. Sequences from Pakistan formed a clade with Iranian Rhyneptesicus nasutus specimens suggesting a common ancestry. Various morphometric parameters (mean values) were measured, including Head and Body length (44.3mm), Tail length (43.4mm), Hindfoot length (8.3mm), Forearm length (35.7mm), and Ear length 36mm while 5th Metacarpal Length, 4th Metacarpal Length, and 3rd Metacarpal Lengths were 33.2mm, 34.7mm, and 35.3mm. Approaches based on DNA barcoding reveal a high diversity of bat species in the study area. The data will enable researchers to build an improved evolutionary framework of the Serotine Bats from this region and subsequently reconstruct a detailed evolutionary history of the genus. Further research is required to test other molecular markers to support the findings of the current study in Pakistan.

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.

Теріофауна заплави Дніпра у Києві: стан та зміни за останні 100 років

The mammal fauna state of the Dnipro River’s floodplain within the city of Kyiv is considered. Information on mammals in this region from the first half of the 20th century to the present has been summarized. The change of species abundance and its possible causes are analysed. The general impoverishment of the mammal fauna has been revealed. Due to the transformation of natural complexes and the advancement of human activity in the floodplain, a number of mammal species have disappeared or decreased in number. Among the extinct species is the European mink. A number of other aboriginal species such as otters, ermines, water voles and others have become rare and need protection. At the same time, changing conditions in the floodplain contributed to the recovery of populations of some other species, such as the beaver. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, such synanthropic species as the brown rat, the house mouse, the serotine bat, Kuhl's pipistrelle, and the white-breasted hedgehog have firmly established here. The development of the floodplain by humans has led to the synanthropization of a number of mammal species. An example is the stone marten, which was not previously known in the floodplain. The degree of synanthropization of a number of floodplain-related bats (for example, mouse-eared bats) and insectivores (for example, moles) is also high. The appearance of new species in the floodplain was due to a radical change in conditions, in particular the cessation of spring floods, which led to hedgehogs, moles, and hares becoming permanent residents. The press of hunting in adjacent territories leads to regular migrations of ungulates to the territory of floodplain in Kyiv. The share of alien species is high; among them are the American mink and the raccoon dog. To protect the rare mammal species of the Dnipro’s floodplain, a number of protected areas of local significance have been created in Kyiv, which hinders the development of the floodplain, as well as contributes to the preservation of natural complexes. It is important to create a number of new protected areas and include the most valuable sites into the protected zone of the projected Dnipro Islands National Nature Park. It is also necessary to take a number of mammal species under the protection of the local council, which is especially important in relation to the European mole, Eurasian water shrew, harvest mouse, forest marten, European badger, common weasel, roe deer, and European water vole.

Genomic Characterization of a Novel Alphacoronavirus Isolated from Bats, Korea, 2020.

Coronavirus, an important zoonotic disease, raises concerns of future pandemics. The bat is considered a source of noticeable viruses resulting in human and livestock infections, especially the coronavirus. Therefore, surveillance and genetic analysis of coronaviruses in bats are essential in order to prevent the risk of future diseases. In this study, the genome of HCQD-2020, a novel alphacoronavirus detected in a bat (Eptesicus serotinus), was assembled and described using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The comparison of the whole-genome sequence and the conserved amino acid sequence of replicated proteins revealed that the new strain was distantly related with other known species in the Alphacoronavirus genus. Phylogenetic construction indicated that this strain formed a separated branch with other species, suggesting a new species of Alphacoronavirus. Additionally, in silico prediction also revealed the risk of cross-species infection of this strain, especially in the order Artiodactyla. In summary, this study provided the genetic characteristics of a possible new species belonging to Alphacoronavirus.

Habitat use and seasonal activity of bats on a large eastern Mediterranean island: Insights from acoustic surveys (Mammalia: Chiroptera)

In 2016–2018, we carried out bat acoustic surveys in the northern part of the island of Cyprus and used two types of methods: stationary recordings (24 stations, 47:45 hours) and mobile acoustic driving transects (22 transects, 1,131 km, 54:20 hours). All bat acoustic records were attributed to habitat types obtained from CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data. We compared results from both methods and analysed seasonal and habitat associations with bat species that utilize the semi-arid Mediterranean landscape. Six selected bat species were associated with a total of 20 habitat types. The most frequent species, Pipistrellus kuhlii, was associated with almost all habitat types, with the highest flight activity in agricultural, urbanized and forested / seminatural habitats. Eptesicus serotinus and Hypsugo savii indicated preference of agricultural areas and avoidance of artificial surfaces. A χ2 test of independence revealed stronger habitat associations for stationary surveys, while habitat associations were weak for mobile transects. Given the vulnerability of Mediterranean landscapes, our study could be considered as a basis for establishing a long-term monitoring scheme with the goal of documenting predicted changes in bat communities as habitat is altered and as global temperatures rise.

Incursion of European Bat Lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1) in Serotine Bats in the United Kingdom

Lyssaviruses are an important genus of zoonotic viruses which cause the disease rabies. The United Kingdom is free of classical rabies (RABV). However, bat rabies due to European bat lyssavirus 2 (EBLV-2), has been detected in Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii) in Great Britain since 1996, including a fatal human case in Scotland in 2002. Across Europe, European bat lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1) is commonly associated with serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus). Despite the presence of serotine bats across large parts of southern England, EBLV-1 had not previously been detected in this population. However, in 2018, EBLV-1 was detected through passive surveillance in a serotine bat from Dorset, England, using a combination of fluorescent antibody test, reverse transcription-PCR, Sanger sequencing and immunohistochemical analysis. Subsequent EBLV-1 positive serotine bats have been identified in South West England, again through passive surveillance, during 2018, 2019 and 2020. Here, we confirm details of seven cases of EBLV-1 and present similarities in genetic sequence indicating that emergence of EBLV-1 is likely to be recent, potentially associated with the natural movement of bats from the near continent

Characterising the relationship between suitable habitat and gene flow for Myotis bechsteinii and Eptesicus serotinus in Britain

ContextHabitat suitability models (HSM) have been used to understand the impacts of landscape-scale habitat connectivity and gene flow mostly by assuming a regular decrease in the cost of movement as habitat improves. Yet, habitat selection and gene flow are governed by different behavioural processes which may limit the reliability of this approach as individuals are likely to disperse through unsuitable habitat for breeding.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the optimal relationship between gene flow and HSMs for two bat species (Myotis bechsteinii and Eptesicus serotinus) in Britain by testing a range of nonlinear negative exponential functions for the transformation of HSMs into resistance surfaces.MethodsWe modelled habitat suitability using a hierarchical, multi-level approach that integrates models across three nested levels. Then, we measured the relationship between published genetics data of both species and six negative exponential transformations of the predicted outputs.ResultsThe two most extreme transformations provided the best fit to genetic data for both M. bechsteinii (c = 32; R2 = 0.87) and E. serotinus (c = 16; R2 = 0.42). The negative linear transformations had the poorest fit.ConclusionsThese results suggest that bats are able to disperse through areas of poor habitat for breeding, but will avoid the most unsuitable areas. We recommend comparing multiple transformations of HSMs at different resolutions to gain a more accurate representation of gene flow across heterogeneous landscapes and to inform cost-effective, targeted management.

Retrospective Enhanced Bat Lyssavirus Surveillance in Germany between 2018-2020.

Lyssaviruses are the causative agents for rabies, a zoonotic and fatal disease. Bats are the ancestral reservoir host for lyssaviruses, and at least three different lyssaviruses have been found in bats from Germany. Across Europe, novel lyssaviruses were identified in bats recently and occasional spillover infections in other mammals and human cases highlight their public health relevance. Here, we report the results from an enhanced passive bat rabies surveillance that encompasses samples without human contact that would not be tested under routine conditions. To this end, 1236 bat brain samples obtained between 2018 and 2020 were screened for lyssaviruses via several RT-qPCR assays. European bat lyssavirus type 1 (EBLV-1) was dominant, with 15 positives exclusively found in serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) from northern Germany. Additionally, when an archived set of bat samples that had tested negative for rabies by the FAT were screened in the process of assay validation, four samples tested EBLV-1 positive, including two detected in Pipistrellus pipistrellus. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of 17 full genomes assigned all except one of these viruses to the A1 cluster of the EBLV-1a sub-lineage. Furthermore, we report here another Bokeloh bat lyssavirus (BBLV) infection in a Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri) found in Lower Saxony, the tenth reported case of this novel bat lyssavirus.

Differential susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 in animals: Evidence of ACE2 host receptor distribution in companion animals, livestock and wildlife by immunohistochemical characterisation.

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a host cell membrane protein (receptor) that mediates the binding of coronavirus, most notably SARS coronaviruses in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Although SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is mainly confined to humans, there have been numerous incidents of spillback (reverse zoonoses) to domestic and captive animals. An absence of information on the spatial distribution of ACE2 in animal tissues limits our understanding of host species susceptibility. Here, we describe the distribution of ACE2 using immunohistochemistry (IHC) on histological sections derived from carnivores, ungulates, primates and chiroptera. Comparison of mink (Neovison vison) and ferret (Mustela putorius furo) respiratory tracts showed substantial differences, demonstrating that ACE2 is present in the lower respiratory tract of mink but not ferrets. The presence of ACE2 in the respiratory tract in some species was much more restricted as indicated by limited immunolabelling in the nasal turbinate, trachea and lungs of cats (Felis catus) and only the nasal turbinate in the golden Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). In the lungs of other species, ACE2 could be detected on the bronchiolar epithelium of the sheep (Ovis aries), cattle (Bos taurus), European badger (Meles meles), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), tiger and lion (Panthera spp.). In addition, ACE2 was present in the nasal mucosa epithelium of the serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) but not in pig (Sus scrofa domestica), cattle or sheep. In the intestine, ACE2 immunolabelling was seen on the microvillus of enterocytes (surface of intestine) across various taxa. These results provide anatomical evidence of ACE2 expression in a number of species which will enable further understanding of host susceptibility and tissue tropism of ACE2 receptor‐mediated viral infection.

Features of the chromosome set of representatives of smoothnosed bats of the North Caucasus

Aim. The aim of this work was to study the chromosome set of some representatives of smooth-nosed bats of the North Caucasus.Material and Methods. Various research methods were used to achieve this goal, including that of dried preparations (the main method for obtaining chromosomal preparations) and that of constructing karyograms.Results. A comparative analysis of the karyological data of 11 species of smooth-nosed bats of the North Caucasus was undertaken and the karyological characteristics of the species accepted in the latest reports on the fauna of Russia and the Caucasus were clarified. The similarity of G -bands in large pairs of meta- and submetacentric chromosomes in Myotis blythi, Myotis mystacinus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus kuhli and Vepertilio murinus with bands in small and medium-sized acrocentric chromosomes such as in Eptesicus seotinus may indicate the evolution of the karyotype of the first species by Robertsonian translocation, i.e. compounds of acrocentric chromosomes of Eptesicus serotinus in various combinations. When comparing karyotypes in the family Vespertilionidae, it was found that the karyotype of Eptesicus serotinus is "archaic" (2n=50, NFa=48). With the help of karyological data, the authors composed schemes of phylogenetic relationships of genera in the family Vespertilionidae, which differ to a certain extent from the schemes compiled by taxonomists for representatives of this family.Conclusions. Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that the karyotype of Eptesicus serotinus is the most primitive among the representatives of the order of bats. The primary role in the evolution of this group was played by Robertsonian rearrangements and pericentric inversions (reduction of NFa and 2n from 50 to 38).

Видове різноманіття кажанів (Chiroptera) в Українському Приазов’ї та особливості їхнього перебування за сезонами

The article presents the results of regional surveys of bats in 2010–2020 in places planned for the construction of wind farms. With the use of modern ultrasonic detectors, computer programs and an electronic library of voices, 15 species were found in the Ukrainian Azov Region. Their highest diversity (11–13 species) was revealed in places of intensive migration. First of all, these are the sites Armyansk, Chaplynka, and Askania-Nova, which are located between the Dnieper valley and the Crimean Peninsula. Probably, in this area, bats migrating from the northern and north-eastern regions cross the land and join those moving along the Azov coast. The movement of a significant number of animals is noticeable in the west of the Molochna River. A relatively large variety of bats occurs near the sites Botiyevo, Orlivka, and Primorsk, located directly on the northern shore of the Sea of Azov, along which the migratory movements of bats are particularly strong. During winter, with limited research in this period, 8 species were found, whereas 13 species during spring and autumn migrations and 11 species in summer. The almost complete transformation of the steppe into agrocoenoses bordered by forest belts and irrigation canals undoubtedly affected bats in addition to global warming. In recent years, in all places of the Ukrainian Azov Region, there has been a decline in the number of the common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus), and an increase in the abundance of the noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula), Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii), Nathusius' pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii), and parti-coloured bat (Vespertilio murinus). In all seasons, the least common species were the brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus), Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii), greater noctule (Nyctalus lasiopterus), lesser noctule (Nyctalus leisleri), Savi's pipistrelle (Hypsugo savii), and western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus).

Акустичний моніторинг кажанів: досвід організації на заповідних територіях Поділля

Most of the available data on bats in the national park are related to the monitoring of their number in wintering sites, and the study of summering bat populations remains an important task for further monitoring of biodiversity of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park. Bats are an important indicator group of animals for assessing the state of conservation of faunal groups and studying the dynamics of biodiversity of nature reserves. Bats depend on the availability of suitable sites and are the first to respond to changes in the natural habitat. Acoustic monitoring was carried out using an Echo Meter Touch Ultrasonic Modules detector and a Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite smartphone. The analysis of sound signals was performed in the Echo Meter software (version 2.7.23) from Wildlife Acoustics, as well as in the Kaleidoscope bat software. Bats were also trapped using mist nets. Natural shelters were inspected using a Trotec BO26 professional endoscope. Ten species of bats were studied: Myotis nattereri, Myotis daubentonii, Plecotus auritus, Barbastella barbastellus, Nyctalus leisleri, Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus kuhlii, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, and Eptesicus serotinus. The most common are species of the genus Pipistrellus and the species Nyctalus noctula (47.5%). River valleys are important migration corridors for migratory animal species. Seasonal activity of bats on survey transects is characterized by two peaks: spring (May) and autumn (September) migration periods. Acoustic activity of bats on survey transects lasts for eight months, from March to November. Autumn migration activity is longer than in spring. In the first decade of October, several thousand individuals of Nyctalus noctula were recorded flying in the valley of the Muksha River, near Tarasivka village, Kamianets-Podilsky Raion. The obtained data will improve the performance of work on assessing the state of conservation of faunal groups and changes in natural ecosystems. Preliminary results of the study will contribute to the organization of the program of acoustic monitoring of bats of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park.

Acoustical Investigation of Bats in Selçuklu District of Konya Province

Based on the shape and model of echolocation calls, the acoustic definition of insectivorous bat species has become a successful tool for revealing the use of different habitats, activity and behaviour patterns. Many researchers have used ultrasonic detectors to identify bat species and assess habitat use. This method has become particularly valuable for species that are difficult to capture. In this study, a total of 3167 bat passages were recorded in the Selçuklu district of Konya province, by using an ultrasonic detector. As a result of the survey, 6 species (Myotis myotis / blythii, Barbastella barbastellus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Hypsugo savii, Eptesicus serotinus and Miniopterus schreibersii) were analysed. B. barbastellus and E. serotinus were recorded acoustically for the first time in the study area. ANOVA analysis showed that there were no significant differences in the call parameters between the locations where M. myotis / blythii, B. barbastellus, P. pipistrellus and M. schreibersii species were recorded. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) was performed to classify 5 species (M. myotis / blythii, B. barbastellus, P. pipistrellus, H. savii and M. schreibersii). As a result of the DFA, the species were classified as 100%.

Macrospatial structure and biodiversity of bat communities (Chiroptera) of the European fauna in the forest-steppe habitat

Twelve bat species of seven genera of the family Vespertilionidae were studied in conditions of the Central Forest-steppe of Ukraine (Myotis nattereri, M. daubentonii, M. dasycnemе, Barbastella barbastellus, Plecotus auritus, Pl. аustriacus, Pipistrellus pуgmaeus, P. kuhlii, P. nathusii, Nyctalus noctula, N. leisleri, Vespertilio murinus, and Eptesicus serotinus). The data were collected during decade-long surveys (2007–2016) in the Central Forest-Steppe (Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, and Kyiv Oblasts, Ukraine) at 23 localities. The census route included 680 km walked along the surveyed territory. The species composition of different habitats was determined during faunal and indoor surveys, when a certain type of landscape changes to another, and also by comparing the species composition of communities in different types of habitats. For species diversity comparison, five types of habitats were selected: forest (W), towns and villages (A-W), wood lines and fields (F-W), wetland areas (A-W), and fores parks (W-P). The analysis of record localities of bats and the character of their biotopic distribution shows that most species prefer floodplains with trees (wetland areas (A-W) and forest parks (W-P)), where the maximum number of species was noted. Quite high diversity was also noted for settlements (T-W). Based on abundance, a noticeable decrease of the diversity index occurs during the transfer from the area of wetland types to fields and wood lines. Due to the character of differences between groups of local bat species, relative to spatial distribution of species on topical and trophic levels, the performed analyses helped us to outline four groups of species. The first group includes species united by open type habitats (N. noctula and N. leisleri). The second group comprises V. murinus, E. serotinus, P. pуgmaeus, and P. kuhlii, which are very hard to relate to a separate type of locality. The third group includes species that prefer closed habitats: M. nattereri, M. daubentonii, Pl. auritus, P. nathusii, and B. barbastellus. The fourth group comprises M. dasycnemе, a species that is relatively rare in the studied territory and is related to lakes and slow flowing water bodies.

First record of Eyndhovenia (Mesostigmata: Gamasina: Spinturnicidae) from Vietnam.

Eyndhovenia is one of the twelve genera of Spinturnicidae which are highly specialised parasites of bats. Previously known hosts of this genus comprised 17 species of Old World bats: Eptesicus serotinus, Hipposideros larvatus, Miniopterus schreibersi, Myotis blythi, M. emarginatus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. gaisleri, Rhinolophus axillaris, R. blasii, R. clivosus, R. cornutus, R. euryale, R. ferrumequinum, R. hipposideros, R. megachyllus, R. mehelyi, R. rouxi. Within Asia, Eyndhovenia was only recorded from two countries, China and Thailand. Between 2018 and 2020, we conducted a series of bats surveys and recorded of this genus from intermediate horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus affinis, in Vietnam. The present study exhibits the new record in both parasitological and geographical aspects.

Wing membrane and Fur as indicators of metal exposure and contamination of internal tissues in bats

All European bats are protected by the EU and Associated Members legal regulations. Being insectivorous and top predators, they can be particularly exposed to persistent organic and inorganic pollutants. It is surprising how little is known about the impact of environmental pollutants on bats from physiological to populational levels. In this study we focused on contamination with trace metals of first-year bats from Kharkiv city, NE Ukraine. Tissues from the carcasses of two species, Nyctalus noctula (n=20) and Eptesicus serotinus (n=20), were used for metal analysis. The samples of external (wing membrane, fur) and internal (liver, lung, kidney, bones) tissues were analysed for contents of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd to see whether fur or wing membrane can be used as proxies for metal contamination of the vital internal tissues. In E.serotinus, significant positive correlations in Pb concentrations were found between all external and internal tissues. For Cd only, correlation between the fur and lung was found, for Cu between the fur and liver, and for Zn between the fur and kidney. In contrast, for N.noctula, only one such correlation was found - between Zn concentrations in the fur and kidney. The tissues differed significantly in concentrations of all studied metals, with no difference between the species. The results showed that the fur and wing membrane can be used as good proxies for Pb concentrations in internal organs of E.serotinus, but not necessarily for other metals or for N.noctula. The results for Pb are, however, encouraging enough to conclude that the topic is worth further studies, covering more species, a wider age range and more diverse environments.