A new publication in the European Journal of Wildlife Research reports the discovery of the largest nursing colony of the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and the Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus) worldwide. It is located in the Eastern Rhodopes, near the town of Madzharovo. The study is a collaborative work of a team of Bulgarian and Czech researchers, with lead author Dr Heliana Dundarova of the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Dr Heliana Dundarova during field studies
Fig. 2. Lesser horseshoe bats from the colony near Madzarovo
Bulgaria has a rich bat fauna and large colonies recorded in caves, mines and other underground shelters. Only a small proportion of nursing colonies of bats has been found in buildings. However, during recent field surveys in the area of the town of Madzharovo (Haskovo Region), the world’s largest nursing colony of the lesser horseshoe bats (Fig. 2) the Geoffroy’s bats (Fig. 3) has been discovered. Between 15,000 and 18,500 individuals of 8 species use a complex of anthropogenic structures (an abandoned water reservoir and two buildings) as a summer roost.
The find from the Madzarovo region confirms the need to organize programmes for regular monitoring as well as action plans for bat species, which will ensure the protection of breeding colonies and stop the decline in the abundance of the populations.
Link to the article: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-024-01835-x
Fig. 3. Geoffroy’s bats from the colony near Madzarovo.
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