Monitoring the effects of actions on bat species

Monitoring the effects of actions on bat species

We carried out bat monitoring activities during 2020, 2021,2022, 2023 and 2024, from the perspective of the effects of actions C1, C2 of restoration and decontamination of habitat 8310 on bat species. The activity of monitoring the occupation of habitat 8310 by bat species monitored the presence or absence of bat species in the cavities included in the project activities that were approved for carrying out conservation, decontamination and protection works, identifying the species present and the size of their populations.

The monitoring monitored the presence or absence of 14 bat species and was carried out through field trips, together with the monitoring of Habitat 8310 or/and separately from it.

In 2020, the presence of 9 species of bats was identified in 51 cavities, totaling a total of 536 individuals. Between 1 and 6 species of bats were identified per cavity, in the 51 cavities in which their presence was reported.

Following the monitoring activity, in 2021, the presence of 12 species of bats was identified, of which 9 species are part of the target species within the project. These were present in 55 cavities out of the 111 caves and caves monitored. In total, 1196 bat specimens were recorded, the bat species identified in the 2021 monitoring year are presented in the report.

In 2022, 34 cavities were identified in which the presence of hibernating bats was reported, 897 individuals, isolated individuals, pairs and in colonies, belonging to 12 species of bats. On 15.04.2022, we noted the presence of hibernating bats in the Ponor Uscata I Cave and Ponor Plopa, a fact explained by the climatic specifics of the spring of 2022, characterized by the extension of the period in which low temperatures were recorded.

In 2023, the presence of 14 species of bats was identified, of which 11 species are part of the target species within the project. These were present in 62 cavities out of the 111 monitored caves and caves. In total, 1182 bat specimens were recorded.

In 2024, the presence of 16 bat species was identified, of which 13 species are part of the target species within the project. They were present in 65 cavities of the 111 caves and caves monitored. In total, 1182 bat specimens were recorded.

The use and reuse of habitat 8310 by bat species depends on several factors, among the important factors we mention the ecology of the bat species, the conditions of the underground abiotic environment, access to the cavities, the availability of food and water sources in the vicinity of the cavities, as well as the presence or absence of anthropogenic disturbances on the habitat. As a result, maintaining cavity rehabilitation measures through conservation and decontamination activities carried out within the project constitutes an important premise for restoring the favorable conservation status of habitat 8310, improving ecosystem functions and reusing the habitat by bat species.

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