Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kati M. Suominen, Eero J. Vesterinen, Ilkka Kivisto, Maria Reiman, Tarmo Virtanen, Melissa B. Meierhofer, Ville Vasko, Tarja Sironen, Thomas M. Lilley
Summary: Bats and their reproductive roost sites are protected by legislation in Europe. This study used citizen science and molecular methods to determine the key environmental features around roost sites for bat species inhabiting human settlements in Northern Finland. Results showed that the built environment, open areas, and water within a 200 m radius were important for roost site selection for the northern bat, while Brandt's myotis preferred undisturbed landscapes within a 5 km radius. The surrounding habitat of a roost plays a vital role for bat species and should be protected and considered in land-use planning.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Olha Timofieieva, Renata Swiergosz-Kowalewska, Ryszard Laskowski, Anton Vlaschenko
Summary: This study focused on metal contamination in first-year bats from Kharkiv city, NE Ukraine, with results showing that fur and wing membrane can be good proxies for Pb concentrations in internal organs of Eptesicus serotinus, but not necessarily for other metals or for Nyctalus noctula. Further studies covering more species, a wider age range and more diverse environments are encouraged based on the results obtained.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Virology
Arran J. Folly, Denise A. Marston, Megan Golding, Shweta Shukla, Rebekah Wilkie, Fabian Z. X. Lean, Alejandro Nunez, Lisa Worledge, James Aegerter, Ashley C. Banyard, Anthony R. Fooks, Nicholas Johnson, Lorraine M. McElhinney
Summary: The UK has detected cases of EBLV-1 in serotine bats through passive surveillance, indicating a recent emergence of this rabies virus possibly associated with the natural movement of bats from the near continent.
Article
Ecology
Lei Feng, Hexuan Qin, Jingjing Li, Xin Li, Jiang Feng, Tinglei Jiang
Summary: This study investigated the variation in emergence and return times of Vespertilio sinensis and found that light intensity, reproductive status, and predation risk have complex effects on activity rhythms. Additionally, the study revealed for the first time the impact of actual predators on bat activity rhythms, with predators causing a delay in the final return time. The results also highlighted the significance of energy demands during lactation in driving variation in bat activity rhythms.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Raahil Madhok, Sumeet Gulati
Summary: This study examines the change in urban avian species richness during India's COVID-19 lockdown using birdwatching data and difference-in-difference techniques. The results show a 16% increase in the number of bird species during lockdown, even when controlling for observer effort. This suggests that the increase in species diversity was due to gradual population recovery, rather than improved detection. The study also highlights the presence of at-risk and rare species reclaiming urban areas, indicating the importance of reducing human disturbance for the protection of threatened species. Additionally, the findings suggest that the reduction in noise and air pollution associated with the lockdown likely contributed to the increased species diversity, emphasizing the conservation co-benefits of urban policies in designing sustainable cities.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Melissa Chenery, Fritz Geiser, Clare Stawski
Summary: Insectivorous bats use torpor and appropriate roost selection to maintain body temperature and conserve energy during the cold season. These behaviors are crucial for their winter survival.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolin Mundinger, Janis M. Wolf, Jan F. Gogarten, Marcel Fierz, Alexander Scheuerlein, Gerald Kerth
Summary: Climate warming has major consequences for animal populations, as it can affect their physiology and behavior. This study found that individuals raised in heated roosts grew significantly larger than those raised in unheated conditions, suggesting that metabolic savings in warmer conditions lead to increased body size. This has potential consequences for population persistence.
Article
Zoology
Ahmet Karatas, Safak Bulut, Abdurrahman Sefali, Ferhat Toprak, Mehmet Kursat Sahin, Sakir Onder Ozkurt
Summary: This study reports the first live observations of Vespertilio murinus in Turkey, confirming its wider distribution. The research also reveals that the distribution of this species is highly influenced by precipitation dynamics. Additionally, the study provides the first case study of V. murinus predated by a domestic cat in Turkey.
TURKISH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristina Montoya-Aiona, P. Marcos Gorresen, Karen N. Courtot, Aaron Aguirre, Flor Calderon, Sean Casler, Sarah Ciarrachi, Julia Hoeh, Josephine L. Tupu, Terry Zinn
Summary: The Hawaiian hoary bat, also known as opeapea, is a solitary insectivorous bat species that roosts in foliage. It faces challenges due to habitat loss, introduced predators, pests, and climate change. Understanding their roost requirements is crucial for their conservation.
Article
Forestry
Garret D. Langlois, Sixto Fernandez, Mark C. Wallace, Richard D. Stevens
Summary: This study found that a tall, large-boled tree covered with vines in an uncluttered stand of smaller trees is the most important factor affecting roost selection by Artibeus lituratus in the Alto Parana & PRIME; Atlantic Forests of eastern Paraguay.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cynthia Marroquin, Thomas Gerth, Agusti Munoz-Garcia
Summary: Bats spend most of their time resting, socializing, and raising their young in roosts. Different types of roosts can affect bats' thermoregulation strategies and energy expenditure. The availability of roosts with suitable microclimatic conditions could determine the distribution patterns of bat populations.
Article
Oceanography
Kevin K. Clausen, Thomas Bregnballe
Summary: The growing recreational human activity in the coastal zone may compromise the suitability of coastal habitats for wildlife. This study uses 40 years of bird counts to identify priority areas for the conservation of waders in the Danish Wadden Sea. The results demonstrate the importance of long-term monitoring data in decision-making and policy planning to ensure the protection of nature conservation interests.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marcelo H. Jorge, W. Mark Ford, Sara E. Sweeten, Samuel R. Freeze, Michael C. True, Michael J. St Germain, Hila Taylor, Katherine M. Gorman, Elina P. Garrison, Michael J. Cherry
Summary: Research found that in northern Florida, Seminole bats primarily choose day-roosting in moist forests, with roost trees being larger and taller than surrounding trees, and prefer longleaf, slash pine, and loblolly pine. During prescribed burns in seven roost sites, only one Seminole bat and one eastern red bat evacuated during or immediately following the burning process.
Article
Forestry
Carlos J. Garcia, David A. Ray, Roger W. Perry, Richard D. Stevens
Summary: Resting-site selection is crucial for organisms, especially forest-dwelling bats, as it affects various activities crucial for their fitness. This study focused on the tree-roosting ecology of Northern long-eared bats in Louisiana during both summer and winter seasons, comparing the roost selection and characteristics with other regions in North America. The results revealed that these bats primarily roosted in pine trees and showed preferences for trees in advanced stages of decay. Differences in roosting characteristics were observed between seasons and among regions, suggesting the importance of tailored management strategies for the conservation of this species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Reilly T. Jackson, Paul W. Webala, Joseph G. Ogola, Tamika J. Lunn, Kristian M. Forbes
Summary: Many wildlife species coexist with human-built structures and use them for habitat. The selection of roosting sites by synanthropic bats is based on specific building attributes, with different species having different selection criteria.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Zoology
I. Ruczynski, P. Zahorowicz, T. Borowik, Z. Halat
Article
Biology
Ireneusz Ruczynski, Theresa M. A. Clarin, Bjoern M. Siemers
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2014)
Article
Zoology
Nicolas Jean Fasel, Marta Kolodziej-Sobocinska, Ewa Komar, Marcin Zegarek, Ireneusz Ruczynski
Article
Zoology
Zuzanna Halat, Dina K. N. Dechmann, Marcin Zegarek, Annemiek F. J. Visser, Ireneusz Ruczynski
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2018)
Article
Ecology
Ireneusz Ruczynski, Zuzanna Halat, Marcin Zegarek, Tomasz Borowik, Dina K. N. Dechmann
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ireneusz Ruczynski, Kamil A. Barton
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biology
Ewa Komar, Dina K. N. Dechmann, Nicolas J. Fasel, Marcin Zegarek, Ireneusz Ruczynski
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ewa Komar, Nicolas J. Fasel, Paulina A. Szafranska, D. K. N. Dechmann, Marcin Zegarek, Ireneusz Ruczynski
Summary: The ability of animals to produce endogenous heat helps them cope with environmental changes, but comes with high energetic costs. Small endothermic mammals in temperate zones often use torpor to compensate for these energy demands, resulting in delayed reproduction. This study found that prolonged exposure to low ambient temperatures shifted energy allocation away from sexual maturation towards self-maintenance in male bats, leading to a one-month delay in sperm maturation. However, heavier bats were able to invest more in thermoregulation and mature faster. Interestingly, bats in constant high temperatures avoided deep torpor and matured faster, but had slower sperm production compared to natural conditions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Lara Keicher, J. Ryan Shipley, Ewa Komar, Ireneusz Ruczynski, Paul J. Schaeffer, Dina K. N. Dechmann
Summary: Torpor is an energy-saving strategy characterized by reduced metabolism and heart rate. This study found that European bats can exhibit this form of torpor at high body temperatures, regardless of their reproductive status.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Roel van Klink, Tom August, Yves Bas, Paul Bodesheim, Aletta Bonn, Frode Fossoy, Toke T. Hoye, Eelke Jongejans, Myles H. M. Menz, Andreia Miraldo, Tomas Roslin, Helen E. Roy, Ireneusz Ruczynski, Dmitry Schigel, Livia Schaffler, Julie K. Sheard, Cecilie Svenningsen, Georg F. Tschan, Jana Waldchen, Vera M. A. Zizka, Jens Astrom, Diana E. Bowler
Summary: Recent technological advances have the potential to revolutionise insect ecology and monitoring by providing unprecedented possibilities for studying insects. Technologies such as computer vision, acoustic monitoring, radar, and molecular methods offer advantages but also require collaboration to establish international standards.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Biology
Francesca Festa, Leonardo Ancillotto, Luca Santini, Michela Pacifici, Ricardo Rocha, Nia Toshkova, Francisco Amorim, Ana Benitez-Lopez, Adi Domer, Daniela Hamidovic, Stephanie Kramer-Schadt, Fiona Mathews, Viktoriia Radchuk, Hugo Rebelo, Ireneusz Ruczynski, Estelle Solem, Asaf Tsoar, Danilo Russo, Orly Razgour
Summary: Understanding how species respond to climate change is crucial, and bats are particularly sensitive to climate change due to their biology. However, research on bat responses to climate change is geographically biased and lacking in empirical studies. Range shifts and changes in species diversity are the most commonly reported responses, but the outcomes vary among different bat families. More empirical studies and standardized study designs are needed to have a comprehensive understanding of bat responses to climate change.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeremy S. P. Froidevaux, Nia Toshkova, Luc Barbaro, Ana Benitez-Lopez, Christian Kerbiriou, Isabelle Le Viol, Michela Pacifici, Luca Santini, Clare Stawski, Danilo Russo, Jasja Dekker, Antton Alberdi, Francisco Amorim, Leonardo Ancillotto, Kevin Barre, Yves Bas, Lisette Cantu-Salazar, Dina K. N. Dechmann, Tiphaine Devaux, Katrine Eldegard, Sasan Fereidouni, Joanna Furmankiewicz, Daniela Hamidovic, Davina L. Hill, Carlos Ibanez, Jean-Francois Julien, Javier Juste, Peter Kanuch, Carmi Korine, Alexis Laforge, Gaelle Legras, Camille Leroux, Grzegorz Lesinski, Lea Mariton, Julie Marmet, Vanessa A. Mata, Clare M. Mifsud, Victoria Nistreanu, Roberto Novella-Fernandez, Hugo Rebelo, Niamh Roche, Charlotte Roemer, Ireneusz Ruczynski, Rune Soras, Marcel Uhrin, Adriana Vella, Christian C. Voigt, Orly Razgour
Summary: Knowledge of species' functional traits is crucial for understanding biodiversity patterns, predicting global environmental changes, and assessing conservation measures. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive data on the functional traits and ecological attributes of European bat species.
Article
Zoology
Zuzanna Halat, Dina K. N. Dechmann, Marcin Zegarek, Ireneusz Ruczynski
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Karol Zub, Dorota Czeszczewik, Ireneusz Ruczynski, Anna Kapusta, Wieslaw Walankiewicz
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Ecology
Danilo Russo, Geoff Billington, Fabio Bontadina, Jasja Dekker, Markus Dietz, Suren Gazaryan, Gareth Jones, Angelika Meschede, Hugo Rebelo, Guido Reiter, Ireneusz Ruczynski, Laurent Tillon, Peter Twisk
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2016)